Our Caring Team
-
Rick Yocum
Executive DirectorRick Yocum
Executive Director -
Valerie Bliss
Director of DevelopmentValerie Bliss
Director of Development -
Hildy Russell
Finance & Communications DirectorHildy Russell
Finance & Communications Director -
Jill Johnson
Office Manager & Human ResourcesJill Johnson
Office Manager & Human Resources -
Connie Gilliam
Finance AssistantConnie Gilliam
Finance Assistant -
Jessica Weiss
Event & Volunteer CoordinatorJessica Weiss
Event & Volunteer Coordinator
Administration
-
Dr. Lindsay Rollend
Wellness DirectorDr. Lindsay Rollend
Wellness Director -
Victoria Davis
Clinic Practice ManagerVictoria Davis
Clinic Practice Manager -
Sherry Hines
Client Services- Call CenterSherry Hines
Client Services- Call Center -
Jenna Wanamaker
Certified Vet TechJenna Wanamaker
Certified Vet Tech -
Kera Rollins
Vet TechKera Rollins
Vet Tech -
Elise D'Eufemia
TNR CoordinatorElise D'Eufemia
TNR Coordinator -
Kristen Oteri
Vet TechKristen Oteri
Vet Tech -
Erica Willard
Vet Tech AssistantErica Willard
Vet Tech Assistant -
Micah Parsley
Student Vet Tech AssistantMicah Parsley
Student Vet Tech Assistant -
Sophi Jo Branscomb
Student Vet Tech AssistantSophi Jo Branscomb
Student Vet Tech Assistant
Clinic
-
Lisa Zalewski
Shelter ManagerLisa Zalewski
Shelter Manager -
Jennifer Irving
Animal Behavior SpecialistJennifer Irving
Animal Behavior Specialist -
Skylar Bevis
Animal Care Specialist- Team LeadSkylar Bevis
Animal Care Specialist- Team Lead -
Isaiah Witcomb
Animal Care SpecialistIsaiah Witcomb
Animal Care Specialist -
Emiliano Raygoza
Facilities/MaintenanceEmiliano Raygoza
Facilities/Maintenance
Shelter
-
Michael Maddaloni
Board PresidentMichael MaddaloniMichael has over 36 years of finance experience, first as a NY-based CPA for 11 years, and then as a finance executive for Beall’s, Inc. for more than 25 years. Michael’s primary roles at Beall’s are in the areas of tax, treasury, and investments, and is currently the Vice President of Tax & Shareholder Relations. Michael holds a BBA in Accounting from Siena College.
Board President
Michael moved from Albany NY in 1996 and currently lives in Parrish with his wife Amy, daughter Emma, and their 3 dogs (Winston, Rocky, & Ralphie) and 3 cats (Peanut, Reese, & Jill). They also are caregivers for their daughter Elise’s dog (Casper) while she finishes up College. The Maddaloni family (Michael, Amy, Brooks, Elise, Chloe, and Emma) clearly loves animals and Michael hopes to leverage his financial knowledge to assist the humane society in achieving their mission.
When not working Michael enjoys reading (primarily military history), rooting for Tampa’s sports teams, and staying active.
-
Lorraine Sarnowski
Vice PresidentLorraine SarnowskiLorraine Sarnowski is a New Jersey native who moved to Bradenton in 2003. She and her husband, Joe, followed their son, Eric, and daughter, Kristin, to Florida. She is a proud Grammy to Mia and Andrew.
Vice President
Lorraine holds a Bachelor's degree from Kean College of New Jersey and a Master's degree in Administration and Supervision from Rutgers University. Lorraine retired in 2002 after a 33-year career in education.
Lorraine has served in various positions on the Board of Directors of her HOA in the Inlets at Riverdale.
Lorraine is a devoted animal lover who recently lost her beloved pug at the age of 17. She is proud that she and her family have given forever homes to many dogs and cats. She looks forward to working with HSMC to further it's mission to educate, care, and collaborate within the community for the humane treatment of animals.
-
Henry Kiel
TreasurerHenry KielHenry Kiel is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 35 years of accounting, tax planning, audit, financial and business consulting experience. He has served a diverse clientele including not for profit entities and has provided expertise to many small-to-medium sized companies; helping guide them through their growth and success. He takes great pride in training and mentoring his clients to help them achieve the best possible outcomes.
Treasurer
Henry welcomes the opportunity to volunteer his expertise to start up and not for profit entities to “give back” to the communities he serves and has participated in directing other not for profit entities in the past.
Henry lives with his wife in Sarasota, FL and has numerous pets, all of which are rescues. He firmly believes that every animal deserves to be placed in a forever home and treated with dignity. Henry is enthusiastic to donate his time and skill sets to serving the Humane Society of Manatee County.
-
Andy Churchill
At Large MemberAndy ChurchillAndy Churchill has been a Board Member since 2019. He brings more than 20 years of experience in executive leadership and operations experience, from working with many global leaders in various industries including Oil & Gas, Fast Moving Consumer Groups, Healthcare, Mining, Shipping, Cement and Furniture. Delivering change programs that deliver bottom-line results. He is the Founder of Andrew Churchill Solutions, which provides consulting and mentorship to small businesses to help them master their operations and business execution. Primarily focused in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. www.AndrewChurchill.Solutions
At Large Member
He is very passionate about improving the welfare and health of people and animals.
When he is not working you can find him swimming, cycling or running as he is passionate about the sport of Ironman. He uses his races to bring awareness and raise funds for charity.
He is originally from London UK, but now calls Parrish his home. -
Jane Pfeilsticker
At Large MemberJane PfeilstickerJane retired from State College of Florida after 22 years as a professor of biology and microbiology. During her term at SCF, she served as teaching faculty, chair of the Natural Science Department, and as founder and Director of the Biotechnology Program. She also served as a Manatee County School Board member from 2006-2010, and as chair of the board for the 2009-2010 school year.
At Large Member
Jane’s education includes undergraduate degrees from Pennsylvania State University and graduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine. During and after her schooling, she participated in biomedical research that covered fields of virology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and immunology. The research institutes at which she served include medical schools at the University of Pittsburgh, Baylor University, and the University of South Florida. She brought this research experience to SCF (then MCC) and used it to modernize the curriculum taught within the Natural Science Department.
Jane has devoted much of her spare time to serving her local community as a volunteer with Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, and as a member of the Governing Board of Just For Girls organization that assists and educates young ladies facing life challenges.
In her private life, Jane is married to Ed Valley and has 4 amazing children, ranging in age from 30 to 44, and 4 grandchildren (so far) who brighten her world. She is a lifelong animal lover and equestrian, having shared her life with dozens of dogs, cats, and horses over many decades. In retirement, she is working within the community to improve the lives of animals and children whenever the opportunity arises.
-
Lucky Durmaz
At Large MemberLucky DurmazLucky Durmaz is SVP, Commercial Relationship Manager with Cogent Bank in Manatee-Sarasota Market. He is passionate about helping non-profits and throughout his life in the USA, he has served on a variety of non-profits as part of the Board of Directors.
At Large Member
He is originally from Türkiye and has lived in the local Manatee-Sarasota area since 2015. His wife Candace and Lucky have two boys, Robert went to FSU and Drew goes to UF.
They enjoy the life with their two rescued dogs Jack and Zoey. Their favorite activities include taking long walks with them and watching them chase lizards and squirrels in the backyard.
-
Melissa Munker
At Large MemberMelissa MunkerMelissa brings a wealth of expertise in human resources, management, and community engagement to her role as a board member for the Humane Society of Manatee County. With a Master of Science in Human Resources and a Bachelor of Science in Business, as well as SHRM-CP certification, Melissa has cultivated a reputation for her strategic leadership, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to service. In her professional roles, she has been instrumental in consistently driving positive outcomes and fostering a culture of excellence. Melissa also excels in building meaningful connections within the community, leveraging her skills to inspire collaboration and innovation.
At Large Member
Beyond her professional achievements, Melissa is actively involved in civic initiatives that reflect her passion for giving back. She serves as a mentor for Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, where she guides and supports young individuals in achieving their academic and personal goals. Melissa’s dedication to both her career and volunteer efforts has earned her recognition, including various awards throughout Manatee county, Sarasota county and the Tampa Bay Area, further highlighting the impact she has made in these communities.
Melissa resides in Lakewood Ranch with her Boston Terrier, Shelley, where they both enjoy an active lifestyle and a strong sense of community. As a board member for the Humane Society of Manatee County, Melissa is excited to contribute her skills and insights to further the mission of protecting and advocating for the well-being of animals.
-
Kristen Brusco
At Large MemberKristen BruscoKristen has called Manatee County home since 2006, after moving from New Jersey. Before starting her career with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, she worked and volunteered at several veterinary clinics as a veterinary technician, gaining hands-on experience caring for animals.
At Large Member
She has spent many years volunteering with the Humane Society of Manatee County at a variety of events and has been an active member of the Fund Development Committee. Through her experiences, she’s seen firsthand the positive impact HSMC has on the lives of both animals and the families who love them.
Animals have been a part of Kristen’s life for as long as she can remember, and her lifelong goal is to save as many as possible. She is honored to continue supporting the Humane Society’s mission as a member of the Board of Directors.
At home, Kristen enjoys spending time with her dog, Layla, a playful Yorkie-Shih Tzu mix who keeps her smiling every day. In her free time, she loves visiting theme parks and cheering on the Miami Dolphins.