May 24, 2010

(PHOENIX) – Arizona Humane Society (AHS) announced today the donation of $135,000 from family and friends of Mary J. Leader to support three much-needed upgrades to its Sunnyslope facility. The first phase of the project, remodeling of the Mary J. Leader Get-Acquainted Area for dogs and their adoptive families, completed in early April, will be dedicated by Ms. Leader’s colleagues, friends and AHS leadership on May 25. The project will also include major upgrades to the dog exercise yards and dog kennels, scheduled for completion in early 2011 and early 2014 respectively.

“Mary was a strong advocate for companion animals in the Valley,” said Ms. Leader’s brother, Pat Leader, of Tampa, Fla. “Our family and Mary’s friends made this gift to honor Mary’s memory, her love and compassion for animals, and her long-time support of AHS.”

Ms. Leader passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2004, at the age of 54. At the time of her death she served as senior vice president of external affairs and chief legal officer of TriWest Healthcare Alliance. In 1981, Ms. Leader was noted to be the first woman partner in a major Arizona law firm when she worked for Snell & Wilmer. She also served as policy adviser for Health and Human Services to Arizona Governor Fife Symington. In 2000, she was recognized as one of the top 100 outstanding women and minority lawyers in the history of Arizona by the Maricopa County Bar Association. Ms. Leader was a dedicated community volunteer, serving on the boards of numerous Valley nonprofit organizations. She was also a past president of the Junior League of Phoenix and the Arizona Women’s Forum.

“This generous gift in Mary Leader’s honor makes a strong statement about Mary’s love of animals and her support of community organizations in the Valley,” said Guy Collison, AHS executive director. “We are honored to receive this gift from her family and friends, which will improve the adoption experience, increase adoptions of homeless pets and enrich the animals’ lives while in our care. AHS continues to be the leader in animal welfare in Arizona and we are grateful for the amazing supporters who make that possible.”

About Arizona Humane Society Founded in 1957, the Arizona Humane Society is the state’s largest nonprofit animal welfare and protection agency. The mission of AHS is to improve the lives of animals, alleviate their suffering, and elevate their status in society.

Contacts
Kimberly Searles, Communication Manager
Kelsea Vescova, Director of Marketing and Development