Board of Directors

We are a NEW (2026) nonprofit organization and are currently seeking BOARD MEMBERS!  Please see the application below!

Board of Directors

Chairperson (or president):  Shelli McCoy

Vice chairperson (or vice president):  David Mann

Secretary/Treasurer: Elizabeth Yepes

Operational Roles/Unpaid Staff

·       Volunteers

o   Pet Transporters

o   Caretakers

o   Playtime Observers

o   Companion Hiking

o   Therapeutic Escorts

·       Fosterers

Board Members

·   Mauricio Cano

o   Construction and Media Specialist

·   Paul Frank

o   Transportation Specialist

·   David Mann

o   Vice President

·   Shelli McCoy

o   President

·   Elizabeth Yepes

o   Financial, marketing, and fundraising specialist

Membership

Eligibility for joining the board:

·       Passion & Mission Alignment: Deep commitment to animal welfare and support for the rescue's specific mission.  Dedicate substantial time to serving the rescue dogs and the communities.

·       Age: Must be at least 25 years old.

·       Integrity & Background: Strong ethical record, no conflicts of interest, and often a background check.

·       Skills (dependent on roles): Knowledgeable in animal care.  Patience and respect for animals and people involved.  Expertise in finance, legal, marketing, HR, fundraising, community outreach, or nonprofit management is highly valued. 

·       Collaboration: Excellent communication, teamwork, and ability to meet deadlines are crucial.

Required fees

·       Dedication of at least 5 hours in a month or 60 hours in a year that includes but is not limited to fundraising, community outreach, rescue administration, and/or volunteer services.

OR

·       Donation or fundraising event of $1,000.00 towards the benefits of the rescue dogs.

OR

·       To provide any rescue dog shelters/rescue/services funding or services for the betterment of their lives, which of at least 60 hours a year which including but not limited to caretaking, donating, fundraising, transporting, building shelters, or any other necessities. 

Procedure for electing board members

·       Approval made by the Chairperson/President of the Board, who has ultimate and complete power on all decision-making, with the ability to override any decisions as long as it benefits the rescue and the animals within the rescue.

·       Assess Needs & Form Committee:

o   Current board assesses skill gaps & diversity needs.

o   A nominating/governance committee is formed (often by current directors) to manage recruitment.

·       Candidate Recruitment:

o   Committee identifies potential candidates with relevant skills, commitment, and understanding of the mission.

o   They conduct interviews and gauge interest, often using board application forms.

·       Nomination & Vetting:

o   The committee vets candidates, checking their background, skills, and alignment with the organization's values.

o   They compile a packet (bio, resume, photos) for the full board.

·       Board Review & Slate Presentation:

o   The committee presents the slate of vetted nominees to the full board.

o   The board discusses and approves the slate for the final ballot.

·       Election:

o   Bylaws dictate the voting method (e.g., paper, electronic, show of hands) and timing (e.g., at Annual Meeting).

o   The board chair may accept nominations from the floor, per bylaws.

o   Nominees are typically not present during the vote for open discussion.

·       Confirmation & Onboarding:

o   The secretary records votes in meeting minutes.

o   New members receive orientation on bylaws, roles, and organizational documents.

Voting rights for members

·       One Person, One Vote: Each board member gets one vote on board matters, regardless of share ownership, though this can be customized in private company bylaws.

·       Governing Documents Rule: Specific voting rights, procedures (like quorum requirements), and limitations are outlined in the company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

·       Types of Votes: Directors vote on resolutions, budgets, business plans, executive compensation, and electing officers.

Eligibility for joining as a Volunteer or Fosterer:

·       Passion & Mission Alignment: Deep commitment to animal welfare and support for the rescue's specific mission.  Dedicate substantial time to serving the rescue dogs and the communities.

·       Age: Must be at least 18 years old.

·       Integrity & Background: Strong ethical record, no conflicts of interest, and often a background check.

·       Skills (dependent on roles): Ability to provide love and care to the dogs that are rescued.  Knowledgeable in animal care.  Patience and respect for animals and people involved.  Valid License for transporters with properly equipped and functioning vehicles to ensure dog safety.

·       Collaboration: Excellent communication, teamwork, and ability to meet deadlines are crucial.

·       Must fill out the application and sign the liability waiver.