Leadership

Dr. Steven R. Hansen

As the Arizona Humane Society’s top dog, Dr. Steven R. Hansen oversees AHS’ organizational operations and leads the implementation and execution of its strategic plan as AHS and its partners strive to transform Maricopa County into one of the best places to be a pet. By leveraging innovation, compassion and excellence, AHS has collaboratively led transformational change within its own shelter, leading to a dramatic reduction in euthanasia (two paws up from our pets!) and a renewed focus on treating the sick, injured and abused animals who need AHS’ help the most.

Prior to joining AHS, Dr. Hansen spent 16 years with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), most recently as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Hansen also served as Director of Veterinary Research and Support for Wellmark International and practiced clinical veterinary medicine in Houston and Chicago. He serves on a variety of mission-critical boards, including the Hill’s Shelter Advisory Board, the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Legislative Advisory Committee, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, the American College of Animal Welfare, Arizona State University’s Community Advisory Council and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Community Advisory Board.

Dr. Hansen received his BS and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Iowa State University and received an MS and MBA from the University of Illinois. Dr. Hansen is board certified by the American College of Animal Welfare and the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology. Our animals constantly talk about how smart they think he is and how grateful they are that he is their greatest advocate!

Matthew Johnson, CPA

Matt’s favorite color is green, and he makes sure our pets don’t go overboard buying too many treats and toys. He is responsible for managing all financial affairs at AHS, which includes Accounting, Finance and Purchasing. He also oversees our Facilities and IT departments. That may sound like a full dog bowl for some, but Matt’s bowl is St. Bernard-sized and served as project manager for the construction of our state-of-the-art 72,000 square-foot Rob & Melani Walton Papago Park Campus. Matt received his BS in Accounting at Brigham Young University and is a registered Certified Public Accountant. He has also received a Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from the ASU Lodestar Center.

Lauren Martich, CFRE

Lauren is tasked with bringing in dollars for our dogs and cash for our cats. She is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization’s full range of fundraising efforts to support a $26 million annual fundraising budget, $2.5 million annual thrift operations budget and $35 million campaign to build the new Papago Park Campus. Lauren oversees the planning and implementation of all development and thrift operations activities and works directly with individual, corporate and foundation donors to secure leadership gifts. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising from Northern Arizona University, holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Arizona Chapter.

Kelsea Patton, CAWA

As head cheerleader for our most innovative ideas, Kelsea drives the key strategic initiatives that help advance the mission of our organization and save more lives. She is also responsible for overseeing efforts to help our pets find homes, promoting our programs and engaging our community in our lifesaving impact. Kelsea manages our Adoptions & Retail, Alternative Placement, Pet Resource Center and Animal Assistance Departments, as well as all Marketing, Advocacy and Education and Outreach efforts for the organization. Kelsea earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from Baylor University and a Master of Arts degree in Innovative Leadership from Western International University. Kelsea was named one of the 2017 Women Who Move the Valley by Arizona Foothills Magazine, and was named as one of 2018 Outstanding Women in Business by the Phoenix Business Journal. She has also received her Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) designation from the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.

Jill Santa

Our pet’s favorite people person, Jill oversees human resources and volunteer engagement for the organization. Jill is the greatest champion of AHS’ core values of innovation, compassion and excellence, and knows that happy people lead to happy animals. Jill has a BS in Business from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds certifications in Human Resources (PHR and SHRM-CP) and Project Management (PMP).

Melissa Thompson, DVM

Whether it’s a cat suffering from a broken leg or a dog just looking for a new home, Dr. Thompson helps ensure that animals in need are given a second chance at happiness. Dr. Thompson oversees our shelter animal health programs and veterinary clinics, including our Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™, Margaret McAllister Brock Veterinary Clinic and Marge Wright Veterinary Clinic, as well as out Foster, Animal Care and Experience, Field and Behavior Departments. Dr. Thompson’s professional interests include trauma medicine and reducing pet overpopulation. She is a 2008 graduate of Western University of Health Sciences.

Jennifer Armbruster

With a penchant for storytelling and puppy breath, Jennifer oversees our Communications team. Jennifer has 20 years of communications experience across various industries, including veterinary medicine, agriculture and real estate, and is proud to lead a team who advocates for pets by creating content that informs, educates and inspires. Born and raised in the Rocky Mountains, Jennifer is a Colorado State University graduate and a transplant to Arizona who enjoys exploring her new home in the desert with a four-legged friend by her side.

Dr. Mindy Bemmerl

Mindy oversees our shelter veterinarians who help care for and save the lives of our community’s most vulnerable pets. She has a bachelor’s degree in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego and received her veterinary degree from the University of Glasgow in Scotland.  She has two young daughters, two dogs and one cat and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and being outdoors.

Teresa Butterbredt

Whenever our pets have questions about finances, they know to go to Teresa for answers. She oversees the Accounting and Purchasing teams and is responsible for financial reporting, budget preparation, and financial audit coordination. Teresa received a Master’s in Accounting and an MBA in Human Resources from the University of Phoenix. She enjoys taking family trips and spending time outdoors with her husband and rescue pups – two French Bulldogs and a Chihuahua/Shih Tzu mix.

Francisco Cabello

Francisco has been with the Arizona Humane Society, helping the pets and people of our community since 2014. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, he relies on many of the same leadership principals he honed in the military to manage animal intake from the public and other animal welfare organizations, end of life services, lost and found services, animal transport and our Rescue Partner Program. Francisco has earned his Certified Animal Welfare Administrator certification from the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, and is the proud parent of three rescue dogs – Jack, Hunk and Chili, who are all AHS alums.

Page Grier

With a tenure at AHS since December 2012, Page brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles as a marketing executive and publicist. Having worked with notable clients like Phoenix Suns Charities, Cirque Du Soleil and United Cerebral Palsy, Page has honed her skills in fundraising and development. As the Director of Development, she oversees $12.4 million in revenue, spanning a variety of donor segments and activities. From corporate and foundation giving, to events, direct mail and monthly giving, Page has an eye on strategic donor communication and building relationships everywhere she goes. Alongside her trusty pittie sidekick, Pig, an AHS alumna, they have raised millions for AHS’ mission. Off-duty, Page serves on the board of Affirm Sexual and Reproductive Health and organizes neighborhood gatherings as Events Director of her neighborhood alliance. A proud Arizona native, ASU graduate and Valley Leadership Class 39 member, Page has earned recognition as a philanthropic leader in the community and someone to watch in AZCentral’s “Who’s Next.” In her downtime, she enjoys concerts, travel, culinary exploration and quality time with her husband.

Lindsay La Pre

Lindsay came to us with over 20 years of customer service and extensive contact center leadership experience where she perfected the art of understanding the customer and creating an excellent experience every time. Lindsay is an integral part of our customer experience efforts and oversees our Adoptions and Pet Resource Center Teams whose ultimate goals are to keep pets and people together. Lindsay is an Arizona native, a wife, and a mother to her greatest joys, a son and daughter. She has a special place in her heart for Boxers, having two at home and often supporting causes for the breed locally. Her faith is of the utmost importance to her and in her personal time, she enjoys traveling with her family, singing and attending stage productions.

Tracey Miiller

Tracey oversees AHS’ Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ and Animal Cruelty Investigators. Tracey came to AHS with over 20 years of experience in law enforcement and coordinates AHS’ efforts with twelve contracted cities throughout Maricopa County. Tracey also oversees the Arizona Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team, the state’s designated responder for animals in distress during natural disasters, and is an instructor for the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board which provides training to law enforcement across the state. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from NAU, and is a Graduate of the Certified Public Manager Program at ASU. Tracey has four rescue dogs and a Sulcata tortoise. Mountain biking, trail running, kayaking and golf are a few of things she does to stay busy outside of work.

Serena Ness

Serena oversees the heart of our organization, managing our Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™ medical team that is responsible for saving thousands of lives every year. She also heads up our Shelter Surgery and manages special medical projects such as our Parvo ICU and Bottle Baby ICU. Serena, who has been with AHS since 1997, is a graduate of Long Medical’s veterinary technician program.

Kimberly Ring

Kimberly is the brains behind promoting our amazing pets and sharing our lifesaving story with the community. Kimberly oversees our Marketing, Media and Outreach departments and focuses on raising the awareness of AHS as an innovator and leader in animal welfare. Kimberly has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Buffalo and numerous industry awards from national advertising and marketing organizations. She is mom to a Shepherd/Pittie mix, Jolene, and three cats, Charlie, Zoe and Raj.

Greg Virga

After owning several for-profit stores, Greg sold them in 2008 and moved into the nonprofit sector where how now oversees our Thrift Operations and Vehicles Sales. Greg was instrumental in starting our Wheels for Wags Vehicle Donation program, one of the most successful nonprofit vehicle donation programs in the country. Greg is married with two children, two dogs and a cat, including two AHS alums. Greg enjoys cooking and traveling when not working.

Suzanne Hensing, Chair

Suzanne is a local philanthropist dedicated to shaping a better Arizona, and has a passion for pets, family, science and health care. In addition to her work with AHS, Suzanne, who spent more than 30 years in the health care industry as a Registered Nurse and then in hospital administration, also engages the community through leadership roles on various committees, boards, and high-profile events, including the Dean’s Circle at ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Women Inspiring Scientific Progress (WISP), Charter 100 Arizona and Social Venture Partners (SVP). Suzanne has an Irish Setter, Casey, who she loves to walk, run and work on obedience and agility training. In her spare time, she also enjoys all types of exercise and cooking great meals with the fresh vegetables she grows in her own garden.

Julie Johnson, Vice Chair

Animals have always warmed Julie’s heart and enriched her life and she loves helping pets and providing them with the opportunity to lead happy, healthy lives since they bless us with their presence. Julie is also a strong advocate for education in Arizona and bridging the education gap and preparing every child for success in life. Julie has two dogs, Ruger, a 9-year-old brindle boxer and Duke, a 6-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Julie is passionate about her husband, family and friendships. She enjoys the great outdoors while biking, hiking, skiing and walking the dogs, and loves to cook, read and share good food and wine with friends.

Yvonne A Betts, Secretary

Yvonne is passionate about all causes related to animals and believes AHS is making a difference in the community, for both animals and the people who love them. Yvonne has also volunteered with the Phoenix Zoo for more than 20 years and now serves on the Board of Trustees. She has three rescue dogs, Twiggy a Rat Terrier mix, Blue an Australian Cattle Dog mix and Wiley a Chihuahua mix, who are all AHS alumni, as well as six box turtles, a bearded dragon and a leopard gecko. Reptiles are one of Yvonne’s true animal passions, as she loves to advocate for the scaly animals that people aren’t necessarily immediately drawn to. Yvonne enjoys hiking, biking, traveling, volunteering, watching football and baseball, and scanning the AHS website for her next dog.

Deepa Lohse, Treasurer

Deepa, an Arizona native and University of Arizona graduate, has a deep love for animals and a strong passion for Breast Cancer Awareness and advocating for early detection. Having bravely navigated this journey herself, she is unwaveringly dedicated to the cause. Deepa’s fondness for animals fueled her decision to join the Arizona Humane Society’s Board, and she plans to spend her time in the role supporting pets in need. She shares her home with Millie, her adopted 16-year-old Jack Russel Terrier mix, renowned by the vet as the most spoiled dog ever. Deepa, along with her husband and two animal-loving daughters, spends her free time cheering on the kids in sports, cooking and hanging out with family.

Dr. Craig Thatcher, Past Chair

As a veterinarian, Craig champions animal health and welfare and is passionate about the mission of the Arizona Humane Society. He is also actively involved with Florence Crittenton of Arizona, which serves girls at risk, and is President of the School Board of Florence Crittenton’s Girls Leadership Academy of Arizona. Craig’s other philanthropic activities include Arizona State University and the Desert Botanical Garden. Craig and his partner, Ken, love to travel and enjoy spending time with their dogs, Noah, Lola, and Rufus.

Bryan Albue, Board Member

Bryan has long been advocating for animals and has served on the Boards of The Arizona Animal Welfare League and Friends of Animal Care & Control. He has also fostered cats for Maricopa Animal Care & Control and other rescue groups. Bryan also serves on the Board and Executive Committee of Phoenix Community Alliance and on the Board of Jazz in Arizona, Inc., a non-profit organization that owns and operates The Nash jazz club on Roosevelt Row. He is deeply committed to his animal companions, and when not practicing law, likes spending time with his rescue family – Hanna, an Australian Cattle dog, and cats, RonRon, Logan, Chismosa and Johnny-B.

Andrea L. Claus, Board Member

Andrea is an attorney practicing in estate planning, probate, and trust administration. She is active with several community organizations and enjoys assisting clients with philanthropic strategies and planned gifts. She is actively involved with the Arizona Humane Society and UMOM New Day Centers. Andrea is passionate about providing critical services for vulnerable human and animal populations. Andrea and her husband have three daughters and two sweet rescue dogs, Daphne, a Chihuahua-terrier mix who is an AHS alumni and Lucy, a Dalmatian-shepherd mix. The family enjoys all things outdoors and camps whenever they get the chance.

Ann Damiano, Board Member

Ann is a dedicated cat and horse enthusiast, whose passion for supporting the Arizona Humane Society is driven by the belief that we can save the lives of more animals in our community through education, advocacy and comprehensive spay/neuter initiatives. Ann’s philanthropic service in animal welfare dates back to 2001 when she became involved in Maricopa County’s Animal Care & Control’s fundraising arm. She served on the board of directors of Friends of Animal Care & Control for eight years, including two as chair of the board. She has served on the Arizona Humane Society Board of Directors for over 10 years and is a past Chair of the Board. Ann’s four-legged family includes three rescued cats, and three horses that she trains and shows in the equestrian sport of dressage.

Dyan Getz, Board Member

Dyan, a wife and mother of three is passionate about a variety of causes, including prevention, sustainability, history preservation, and health and wellness for both humans and animals. In addition to serving on AHS’ Board, she is also a member of Barrow Neurological Foundation Women’s Board, Desert Foundation Auxiliary of Scottsdale, and a regent for the George Washington Foundation Fredericksburg, Virginia. Dyan is a Mayo Clinic certified Health and Wellness coach and a Lily Pond Luxury travel designer specializing in multi-generational and wellness trips.

Susanne Ingold, Board Member

Susie, a native Phoenician, recalls visiting the Arizona Humane Society with her family as a child and adopting their first pet, Taffy, a mixed breed puppy. As a lifelong animal lover and supporter, Susie is an advocate for the protection and welfare of all animals and is passionate about the impact that the AHS has on the community. Susie lives in Phoenix with her husband Randy Norton, a partner with Deloitte, and their newest addition – a precious chocolate lab.

Suzy Juneau, Board Member

After a 42-year corporate career, Suzy is now focused on giving back to our beloved animals. Suzy, whose mother was the founder of a local humane society, has had animal compassion instilled in her from a very young age and is passionate about supporting AHS, particularly our EAMT rescue team and animal cruelty investigators. She and her husband, Christopher, moved to Arizona in September of 2020, and have a rescued German Shepherd named Lexi. While living in Seattle, Suzy was Chair for a homeless shelter but her first love has always been animals, and serving on the AHS Board will fulfill a lifelong goal of hers.

Chad Makovsky, Board Member

Chad is a passionate supporter of animal welfare and is proud to be part of an organization that is educating, advocating, and caring for the most vulnerable animals in our community. Chad provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Phoenix system of airports, including Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT), and Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR). Chad is the proud owner of three rescue dogs – Peanut, Rosco and Rusty – and when he and his wife, Stephanie, aren’t spoiling their dogs, they love to get out, travel, and explore. They are especially fans of “staycations,” visiting random communities in Phoenix and throughout Arizona to learn more about Arizona’s history and culture, and to shop local.

Andrea Marconi, Board Member

When not advocating on behalf of her clients as a commercial litigator, Andrea focuses her charitable and community efforts working to support animal welfare and children/education issues. Through her work at AHS, Andrea is committed to giving companion animals a voice they do not otherwise have. When she isn’t busy at work or in the community, Andrea enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons as well as her four-legged kids, Tank the Great Dane, and AHS alumni, Maggie May the Boxer, Greta, a loving Boxer mix, Ralphie, the one-eyed cat, and Russell, the guinea pig.

Kristin Slyker, Board Member

Kristin is passionate about helping those that cannot help themselves and greatly enjoys helping animals in need receive proper care and find loving homes. Kristin and her family are huge lovers of Golden Retrievers, and their current Golden, Kelvin, is a 1-year-old pup who is always ready for a ride in the car to a fun adventure. In her free time, Kristin enjoys playing tennis, traveling (18 countries and counting!) and spending time at her home in northern Arizona hiking and enjoying the fresh air.

Patricia Tate, Board Member

Patricia is extremely passionate about giving a voice to animals and children. In addition to championing for AHS’ homeless pets, she also volunteered as an advisory member for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) Red Mountain Branch and Lehi Branch of the Boys and Girls Club and served as a Board of Governors for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale. Additionally, she has served as the chairwomen for Salt River Financial Services Institution which is dedicated to offering financial services and education to Community Members of SRPMIC, as a Board Member of Salt River DEVCO which focuses on a commercial development and on the Board of Florence Crittenton ,which serves at risk girls (10-21) who have issues of abuse, neglect, teen pregnancy, and behavioral and/or mental health problems. In her free time, Patricia loves spending time outdoors with her 6-year-old daughter, including trips to the zoo, park and walks.

Dr. Steven R. Hansen, Ex-Officio Board Member

As the Arizona Humane Society’s President and CEO, Dr. Steven R. Hansen oversees AHS’ organizational operations and leads the implementation and execution of its strategic plan as AHS and its partners strive to transform Maricopa County into one of the best places to be a pet. By leveraging innovation, compassion and excellence, AHS has collaboratively led transformational change within its own shelter, leading to a dramatic reduction in euthanasia (two paws up from our pets!) and a renewed focus on treating the sick, injured and abused animals who need AHS’ help the most.

Prior to joining AHS, Dr. Hansen spent 16 years with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), most recently as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Hansen also served as Director of Veterinary Research and Support for Wellmark International and practiced clinical veterinary medicine in Houston and Chicago. He serves on a variety of mission-critical boards, including the Hill’s Shelter Advisory Board, the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Legislative Advisory Committee, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, the American College of Animal Welfare, Arizona State University’s Community Advisory Council and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Community Advisory Board.

Dr. Hansen received his BS and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Iowa State University and received an MS and MBA from the University of Illinois. Dr. Hansen is board certified by the American College of Animal Welfare and the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology. Our animals constantly talk about how smart they think he is and how grateful they are that he is their greatest advocate!