Learn
More!
Administration
and Board Members:
Meet
the Executives of the SPCA of Central Florida
Barbara
Wetzler
President
bwetzler@ohs-spca.org
Barbara
Wetzler, Executive Director of the SPCA of Central Florida, has worked
in non-profit and business development since 1978. Wetzler joined the
SPCA in 1996 and currently oversees its facilities in Orange and Seminole
Counties.
Under Wetzler's
leadership, the SPCA of Central Florida has achieved many successes.
She spearheaded the mergers with the agencies in Seminole and Osceola
Counties; the capital campaign that provided the agency's Orlando, and
subsequently its Sanford, facilities with much need renovations and
expansions; and the development of programs to help pets, individuals
and families in need. As a result, the agency has seen a significant
increase in the number of adoptions and spay/neuter surgeries and a
subsequent decrease in euthanasia.
Prior to
joining the SPCA of Central Florida, Wetzler worked in an acute care
hospital and the corporate headquarters of the hospital's system, a
major university, an entrepreneurial business college, and United Way.
She has extensive experience as a consultant and is certified as a Senior
Human Resource Professional (SPHR). Since 1994, Wetzler has served on
the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Greater
Orlando.
Born in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wetzler received her Master's degree from
St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. She is the proud mother of
three happy and successful children, 2 daughters and 1 son. Many cats
- former shelter, former strays, and fosters - call Barbara's house
their happy home.
Donna
M. Lendvay
Senior Vice President, Resource Development
dlendvay@ohs-spca.org
Prior
to joining the non-profit sector, Donna's career in retailing covered
positions from Buyer to Merchandise Manager RTW/Sportswear to Store
Manager. The experience set the tone for understanding the "bottom
line" philosophy so important in both the profit and non-profit
sectors. "Fundraising is more than a 'job' - it's a vocation!"
says Donna when asked about her position. "Understanding the mission
is important, but having a passion for the mission is imperative."
Born and
raised in Cleveland, Ohio, her retail career spanned many successful
years and continuous growth with two major department stores. After
a calling to "do more", Donna started her fundraising ladder
with United Way. After managing seven successful campaigns with United
Way, Donna switched her non-profit career to animal welfare in December,
1996. She was the first full-time Development professional hired by
the then Orlando Humane Society.
During
her tenure she has been instrumental in the growth of the organization
and all aspects of fundraising. Today, the Development Department consists
of three people, with emphasis on Direct Mail, Special Events, Memorial
Programs, Sponsorship Programs, a total revamp of membership, ePhilanthropy
and new programs like "Save the Animals Team". And there is
always more on the horizon… for example there will be an expansion
of a Planned Giving Program.
During
the past two years, Donna has also taken on the responsibility of the
Volunteer Program. She oversees a Department of two Volunteer Managers
who manage the day-to-day involvement of hundreds of people ready, willing
and able to use their skills to support the agency. Programs such as
Pet Visitation, Pet Food Xpress, Foster, Office Wizards, Shelter Specialists
and "Party Animals" (who make the special events - well -
special) have been enhanced to bring the best talents and most energetic
people together for the good of thousands of homeless critters.
Donna,
and her husband, John, could have become "empty nesters" after
their sons grew up and struck out on their own. Instead, Donna has taken
on a commitment to add four-legged members to her family … her
third day at the shelter, Wendy, a Bichon/Poodle mix, came into her
life. Since then, Donna and John have adopted Shadow and Nicky.
When asked about her philosophy, Donna answers "I believe that
a good person cares about both - people and pets. One love should not
preclude another. Nor should caring about animals be denigrated. We
should all respect the passion to love and care for life."
James A. "Jake" White
Senior Vice President, Communications and Technology
jwhite@ohs-spca.org
Jake brings a unique mixture of right-brain/left-brain activity to
the management team. Initially joining the team in February 1997, Jake
manages several areas: Communications, Media relations, Investigations,
Education and Technology.
Jake may be heard on the Orlando airwaves and is seen on most Orlando
news stations. He also uses his talents as the Emcee at all SPCA of
Central Florida events.
Making Orlando home in 1991, Jake received his MBA in Management and
a BA in Studio Art (rounding out the left and right side of his brain).
His studies and work have taken him to Spain, a Walt Disney World internship,
United Way, Boy Scouts of America and Florida Hospital.
Jake currently is a member of the Orange County / City of Orlando Funds
Distribution Team. He has been a Rotarian, served on the Board of Directors
for Easter Seals of Central Florida, served as an Orange County Advisory
Board Member, the Associate Board for the Orlando Science Center and
has a rich history (including performing) at the Orlando International
Fringe Festival.
“The greatest gift you could give anyone is inspiration.”
stated Jake. "By inspiring our teams, we are able to teach 70,000+
students each year, effectively solve animal wellness issues, create
award winning websites and positively reach most people in our community."
Meet the Board of Directors, Fiscal Year 2008
OFFICERS:
- Mark Weimer, RME Consulting. Board Chair
- Torben Madson III, Attorney, Alvarez, Sambol, Winthrop &
Madson, P.A. Board Vice-Chair
- Brenda Lounsberry, Marketing Director, The Mall at Millenia.
Board Treasurer
- Donna Hilyard, Commercial Sales Executive, J. Rolfe Davis
Insurance. Board Secretary
- Cynthia Matzick, Senior Vice President, Greater Orlando Chamber
of Commerce. Immediate Past Board Chair
BOARD
MEMBERS:
- Sonya Dixon, Assurance Partner, Grant Thornton LLP
- Dixie Donato, Lead Q/A Analyst, ECM Program, HD Supply
- Sarah Knipling, Senior Legal Counsel,BBA Aviation Shared
Services, Inc.
- Jana Loewinger, Senior Director/Employee Relations, Olive
Garden & Emerging Brands
- Michael McMahon, Attorney/Litigation Practice Group, Akerman,
Senterfitt & Eidson, P.A.
- Jill Mellen, Education and Science Director, Disney's Animal
Kingdom
- Brad Prugh, General Manager, Marriott Residence Inn, SeaWorld
International Center
- Marci Target, Regional Director of Sales Inventory, FL, Marriott
Vacation Club International
- Polly Tudela, Community Relations Representative, Universal
Orlando
- William (Bill) Vose, Chief Assistant State Attorney
All Board
members of the SPCA of Central Florida generously give of their time,
talent and financial resources to help the region's companion animals
and families in need. Won't you join them by supporting the work of
the Society?
Your donation
will help provide the best, consistent care for homeless pets or families
in need.
Your volunteer
time will help a lonely pet find a new home and a family find a new
"best friend."
Give
the gift of your time and talent.
| There
are many volunteer opportunities available at our shelters, special
events, etc. If you are interested in becoming an SPCA volunteer,
please fill out a volunteer
application now. |
