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Meet Our Board
Humane Society of Davie County's board of directors meets regularly, and collaborates with staff and volunteers to plan events, fundraising opportunities, and implements plans for the animals in HSDC's care as well as community programs. Most board members balance full-time jobs with volunteer work, and contribute significantly to the organization's strategic planning, fundraising, and policy-making processes.
Their governance role is crucial, as they approve budgets and policies that shape the future of HSDC. By offering their advice, time, and expertise, they not only advance the mission but also engage in vital activities such as events, recruiting donors, and volunteers.
Their commitment to the mission statement is evident as they implement long-term goals, ensuring HSDC's planning, and vision align with the welfare of the animals and community they support.
With HSDC being a small organization with minimal staff, the compassionate volunteerism of its board members is what enables HSDC to thrive and make a positive impact in the community.
If you are interested in learning more about joining our board or have questions or ideas, please email board@hsdavie.org
Lisa White, President
Lisa has been volunteering for several years and fosters cats.
She has supported animal rescues for years and loves that she is able to support Davie.
Lisa believes that education and community support is the best way to help animal overpopulation. One of the services that we provide at HSDC is a low cost spay/neuter program. This service alone supports and helps control our pet population, supports veterinary health, and provides community services to those that in some cases couldn't afford traditionally to perform this care any other way. Community support, education and bridging the gap between makes us a rescue and being that support system for our community is what makes me proud to be a part of this organization.
Lisa has lived in Davie County with her husband and son for the last 16 years. They have 4 fur babies, a few hermit crabs, and lots of fish that live with them. Her son is an active member of both Hunter Skills Safety team, Davie County High School and Tom Cowden's 4-H program. Lisa says they may be transplants to this community but we love it here!
Sydney Creson-Vats, Vice-President
Sydney has been a foster for HSDC since 2020.
She is passionate about her family, animals and giving back to my community.
Sarah Hauser, Treasurer
Sarah has been involved with HSDC for the last 8 months.
She is passionate about helping animals in any way she possibly can and educating the community on the many ways we can use their help!
Sarah has 2 rescues, Paisley who is 12 years old and Riley who is 11. She has a pet sitting business called Furrunners Pet Sitting so she gets to enjoy taking care of everything from fish to horses and turkeys! Her and her boyfriend rescued a total of 3 dogs last year that were abandoned. She found a bonded pair running down the side of the road after a pet sitting visit, and she worked with HSDC to find them homes. After 7 months of fostering Brad & Bianca, an amazing couple was found who adopted them and they are now thriving in their new home! After this experience, Sarah knew she wanted to give back to HSDC and she believes she found her calling!
Keri Shore, Assistant Treasurer
Keri started fostering for the Humane Society of Davie County in 2020 and joined the board in 2021. She is passionate about animal welfare, fostering, fitness, and Carolina basketball.
Keri quickly realized that she was getting more in return from the kittens she was fostering and finding their humans than she imagined. She is honored to be gifted with these amazing fostering experiences!
Keri and her husband, son and daughter are residents of Davie County, and she is grateful that her family has been receptive to fostering furry friends as well! Seven of the most amazing rescue animals have chosen her family to be their human companions—3 senior dogs and 4 cats.
While Keri’s dream job would be getting paid to enjoy the company of dogs and cats, she is passionate about her 35-year career at the State Employees’ Credit Union. Other passions also include a dedication to fitness and watching her kids participate in basketball, volleyball and softball!
Athena Smithwick, Secretary
My name is Athena Locklear Smithwick, and I have proudly called Davie County, North Carolina, my home since 2002. Originally from Pembroke, NC, in the eastern part of the state, I am an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and have cultivated a rewarding career as a pharmacist over the past 30 years. I am a Mother of 3 grown children and have my fur babies.
Throughout my professional journey, I've had the privilege of working in various states, including Alaska, Washington, Tennessee, and North Carolina. I have served as the Director of several long-term care pharmacies and held the position of Vice President. Most recently, I was the Director of Pharmacy for a local nonprofit hospital. Currently, I enjoy a more relaxed pace, working remotely as a pharmacist with minimal travel.
In addition to my professional endeavors, I enjoy hunting for antiques, collecting NC pottery and Native American cultural items from across the United States. I am involved with the Humane Society of Davie County, where I have served as a foster caregiver, adopter, and volunteer. I have also utilized their spay and neuter clinic. I wholeheartedly believe in the vital services the Davie County Humane Society provides to our community. I am honored to serve on their board, contributing to initiatives that make a positive impact in Davie County.
Debbie Clark
Debbie Clark joined HSDC in 2007 and began regular volunteer shifts in 2008. She grew up in Western NY, attended Cornell University, and holds a BSEd from SUNY at Fredonia. Before retiring, her work focused on non-profit organizations involved in health services, the arts and education. Her volunteer “career” has turned toward animal rescue, including many years on the Board of HSDC with terms as Vice President, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer. She has fostered and sent on to forever homes 9 cats and kittens and foster failed (forever family is us) 6 more. Current feline family members are Claire, Moonbeam, Dellray, Rosie and Lokey.
Debbie is an amateur singer, participating in 10 different choirs over several years and locations. She was a charter member of the Healing Through Music program, which took small groups into hospital settings to perform at the bedside or in day rooms, and served on the founding board and start-up staff of Jordan Valley Community Health Center in Missouri. Winston-Salem activities include Tuna Fische which entertained at local hospitals, Arts Based Elementary School volunteer, Humane Society of Davie County, Piedmont Chamber Singers board member and officer, and charter member of Triad Festival Singers.
She is an avid reader, mostly fiction, participating in two Davie County book clubs. She is also a lazy gardener - excited in May and June; bored and tired by August.
Susie Stamey
Susie has fostered many cats/kittens and several dogs. She has volunteered for different events and became a board member a couple years ago in July 2022.
She is passionate about fostering, volunteering, fundraising and adoptions!
Susie grew up in a family that loved dogs and cats. They mostly found their pets through friends and neighbors, but occasionally found some lost pets that no one ever claimed. As a young adult, Susie saved her first two pets from being euthanized after their owners didn't want them anymore because of health issues. They lived with her for several more years with proper care.
As she got married and grew her own family, they continued to welcome more furry friends through fostering, foster failure and rescuing. Susie believes pets provide such unconditional love and a great source of comfort for all their human people. Everyone needs a furry friend or two in their lives!
Kaylan Pierontoni
Kaylan is new to HSDC but has adopted two pets from us that are amazing.
She is passionate about helping other animals find their forever families. Kaylan hopes to help other families find as much joy with their pets as her family’s pets have brought us.
Kaylan lives with her husband, three sons, two dogs and three cats.
Rhonda Nelson
Rhonda Nelson is a passionate advocate for animal welfare and a proud mom to her amazing son, Spencer, and her beloved fur baby, Trouser. A North Carolina native, Rhonda has always been deeply committed to serving her community. Her 20+ years as a social worker taught her the value of compassion, which she now brings to her work as a real estate professional and her volunteer efforts. Rhonda is excited to contribute her dedication and love for animals to the Humane Society of Davie County, working to create a better future for pets and their families in her community.
Anna Garcia
Anna currently lives with her husband and three cats Omen, Cypher, and Binx! Omen is my tabby cat while Cypher and Binx are tuxedos.
Jennifer Holton
Jennifer loves all types of animals, but her main focus is on rescue and the humane treatment of dogs, cats and horses. She has been volunteering her time for over 15 years to various animal rescue organizations. Most notable are Greyhound Friends of NC and Animal Rescue Corps where she is a certified Level 1 responder. She also has driven many transport legs for dogs going to new homes. Jennifer is a
Native Floridian that prefers seasons. She considers herself a happy transplant with along with her husband Alex, dog Booger, and horse Spirit.
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