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
Connie Gilliam
-
Samantha Harris
Event & Volunteer CoordinatorSamantha Harris
Event & Volunteer Coordinator
Administration
-
Dr. Lindsay Rollend
Medical DirectorDr. Lindsay Rollend
Medical Director -
Terri Romano
Clinic Practice ManagerTerri Romano
Clinic Practice Manager -
Cassandra Johnson
Client Services CoordinatorCassandra Johnson
Client Services Coordinator -
Victoria Davis
Clinic Services RepVictoria Davis
Clinic Services Rep -
Racine Guimond
Racine Guimond
-
Jenna Wanamaker
Jenna Wanamaker
-
Jessanne Sheppard
Jessanne Sheppard
-
Sherry Hines
Sherry Hines
-
Kayla Wackerbauer
Kayla Wackerbauer
-
Jennifer Jones
Jennifer Jones
-
Elise D'Eufemia
TNR CoordinatorElise D'Eufemia
TNR Coordinator
Clinic
-
Lisa Zalewski
Shelter ManagerLisa Zalewski
Shelter Manager -
Skylar Bevis
Skylar Bevis
-
Erica Willard
Erica Willard
-
Star Brown
Star Brown
-
Jennifer Irving
Jennifer Irving
-
Lori Lemmon
Lori Lemmon
-
Nikita Ilyenko
Nikita Ilyenko
Shelter
-
Tom Grier
Board PresidentTom GrierA Bradenton native and a United States Marine Corps Veteran, Tom has served in different capacities for a variety of organizations and boards over the past 15 years.
Board President
Tom is currently the General Manager for Entech’s Bradenton location providing IT Support & Security for medium to large businesses and Non-Profits throughout Manatee and Sarasota Counties. In this capacity, Tom is very active in the local communities and passionate about volunteering
Married for 25 years, Tom and Nicole have 2 sons attending college at USF (Tampa) and live in Bradenton with their 9-year-old boxer Miller.
-
Lisa Hoffmaster Hess
Vice PresidentLisa Hoffmaster HessLisa is a licensed architect with over 30 years of experience in design and construction, primarily commercial and healthcare architecture. Her experience includes master planning, programming, and schematic design, design development, detailed construction documents- through construction administration, and final occupancy and post-occupancy follow up.
Vice President
Throughout her professional career, she has been active in animal rescue on many levels (from working in the trenches on rescues to creating programs on humane education). In 2016, she incorporated Strays and Grays, a non-profit corporation that mutually benefits and serves senior living residents and rescue animals, working together with local humane societies and senior living facilities.
-
Michael Dinsmore, CPA
At Large MemberMichael Dinsmore, CPAMichael Dinsmore has been active with the humane society for over 10 years, first as a volunteer, then later as a client (adopting Munchie and Sweet Melissa), donor, committee, and board member. Michael is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has served as Treasurer since 2016; he has over 10 years of experience in the Accounting field, including experience as an external /internal auditor and financial analyst.
At Large Member
Michael holds two B.S. degrees from the University of South Florida, one in Accounting and the other in Finance; he also holds a Master’s of Accounting and Financial Management degree from Keller Graduate School of Management.
Michael currently lives in Palmetto with his wife Rebecca, 2 dogs (Comet and Lani) and the 2 cats listed above (renamed Miles and Missy, respectively). His love for animals is what drives him and his efforts with the humane society. He encourages anyone that is able to help support the humane society's mission with their time and/or financial resources to help "be the voice for the voiceless." -
Andrea Diffendal
At Large MemberAndrea DiffendalAndrea Diffendal has over 9 years of board experience with non-profits since relocating to Manatee County Florida in 2002. While Andrea was in New Jersey she served as chair and committee member on a wide variety of events for non-profit organizations. Andrea is currently employed by Fidelity Bank as a Branch Manager, which is how she was introduced to the Humane Society of Manatee County. With Andrea’s great affection for animals and their wellbeing, becoming a board member for the Humane Society was a perfect match.
At Large Member
-
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. -
Lorraine Sarnowski
SecretaryLorraine 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.
Secretary
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.
-
Michael Maddaloni
At Large MemberMichael 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 over 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.
At Large Member
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.
-
Julie Bynum
At Large MemberJulie BynumJulie Bynum moved to Florida in 1988, settling in Parrish on 5 acres, with her partner, George Dorsey, and their Akita, Cash. She and George are avid animal lovers, who have had five Akitas over the years, she lost her best girl in June 2020 at the age of 15. They would have many more if time allowed.
At Large Member
She was on the Board of Directors of Animal Rescue Coalition for 6 years, serving as Treasurer for 3 years, and previously served as Treasurer on the Board of the Cat Woman’s Shelter (now defunct). She has served on various other boards in the Manatee and Sarasota area over the years.
She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Financial Planner©. She has over 40 years of experience in the taxation of businesses and individuals, with a focus on multistate taxation and high net worth returns.
-
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.
-
Ken Clark
At Large MemberKen ClarkKen Clark entered the financial services industry over 20 years ago with one goal: Helping people better understand and navigate the world of personal finance. With a vision to build his firm based on trust and respect, Ken has far exceeded that objective.
At Large Member
Ken has extensive experience advising individuals, families and small businesses alike. His specialty is breaking down complex issues and developing a concise approach to address the concern of his clients. www.ClarkFinancialPartners.com
Ken’s love of animals and focus on protecting them from harm is one of his passions.
Ken and his spouse Annie, relocated from the Vero Beach area and reside in Parrish Florida, along with their Cocker Spaniel & King Charles Cavalier. Ken not only serves his clients, but his community as a Charter Member with the Parrish Rotary Club, serving on the Better Business Council of Manatee Chamber of Commerce and as a Deacon at his church. In his spare time, Ken enjoys spending time with his family boating, sailing and being near the water while vacationing at their home on Peddocks Island, MA.
-
Henry Kiel
Henry 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.
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.