A note from Homeward Pet’s Board President, Michael Ziock

Homeward Pet Adoption Center relies on its supporters to transform the lives of homeless animals in our community. Because you are such an important part of this organization, I want to provide you with an update regarding a recent change in leadership. As of June 19, 2018, Gary Rubin has resigned from his position as Executive Director of Homeward Pet for personal reasons. We want to thank Gary for his service to Homeward Pet and his passion for the animals in our care. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Homeward Pet’s Board of Directors has implemented a transition plan and appointed Marie Wolfanger, former board member and treasurer, as Interim Executive Director, effective immediately. The board has great confidence in Marie and we are excited to have her as a guiding voice in moving Homeward Pet forward. Marie’s executive training, background in accounting, and experience in organizational auditing and process improvement will support Homeward Pet’s future growth as a leader in animal welfare in the Northwest. Over the next few months, Marie will be reviewing operations at the shelter and will provide the Board with insight regarding the qualifications needed in Homeward Pet’s next Executive Director. The Board intends to conduct an extensive search to ensure the best candidate is selected to lead our organization.

I asked Marie to share a few words about her passion for animals and her long relationship with Homeward Pet:

Marie Wolfanger, Interim Executive Director

“I have been involved with Homeward Pet since 1998, when I started as a Sunday shelter volunteer with my then 10 year old daughter, Sarah. That was back in the Hooterville Pet Safehaus days and all willing hands were needed! Sarah and I continued our volunteer commitment to Homeward Pet, through Country Village, Clearwater Spas and here to the “new” facility.

“I also spent seven years as a cat foster and many moms and babies have passed through our home in Bothell. I joined the Homeward Board of Directors in March of last year and was both board member and treasurer. My professional background is in finance/accounting and audit. We have three Homeward Pet alumni at home: our senior cats Gala and Midge and our middle-aged pit-mix, Pandora. I am honored to help Homeward Pet through this transition and look forward to partnering with the animal lovers who make up our community.”

Thanks to you, our loyal supporters, together we have built an extraordinary organization that has changed the lives of more than 30,000 animals. We are confident Marie will continue Homeward Pet’s successes and enable the organization to expand our mission to serve more homeless animals in our community.

Please join me in welcoming Marie. I know she’s eager to connect with you in the coming months and share many more of the heartwarming and uplifting animal stories you make possible.

Sincerely,

Michael Ziock
Board President of Homeward Pet