Laura O'Brien: Her dedication continues as the new Operations Manager for Friends of PACC

TUCSON, AZ — It’s the end of an era for Friends of Pima Animal Care Center. This June 30, 2024, Laura O’Brien will conclude her term as Chair of the Board of Directors. Only the second Chair in the organization’s history, Chair O’Brien oversaw unprecedented growth and success for the PACC’s non-profit philanthropic partner.

Friends of PACC’s vision is that ‘Every pet served by Pima Animal Care Center is supported with the resources needed for a safe, healthy, and happy future’, and Chair O’Brien has been the embodiment of that vision. Under her stewardship, Friends of PACC has partnered with PACC to champion and fund numerous innovative lifesaving projects, including the Pet Support Center, Safety Net Fostering, Karen’s Karing Van mobile veterinary unit, Snip n’ Tip and Big Fix spay/neuter events, Decimate the Decibels sound-dampening project, and the Friends of PACC Fellowship, just to name a few.

"To say that Laura's time as board chair has helped save lives would be a vast understatement," said Monica Dangler, PACC's director of animal services. "We are so grateful to Laura for her years of service to Pima County pets and people."

Additionally, Chair O’Brien fostered significant growth in Friends of PACC’s community presence and engagement. During her tenure, the Tucson Subaru Pets of Pima Parade & Friends of PACC Festival was launched, and Friends of PACC was honored as the Arizona Daily Star’s Best Non-Profit—each year she was in held office.

Fortunately, for Friends of PACC and animals across the community, O’Brien isn’t done yet. She recently accepted a staff position with Friends of PACC as the Operation Manager, overseeing the organization’s mission-based programs and key internal functions.

“It’s unbelievable how much Friends has grown and evolved in just four years under Laura’s oversight,” stated Executive Director Torre Chisholm. “Her true success is measured in the thousands of animals and pet families she has helped to save. With her onboard as a staff member, there is even more lifesaving to come.”  

 Join the Mission

Laura O’Brien has joined our mission and so can you! Community support has been pivotal in turning Friends of PACC’s vision into reality. You can contribute by fostering a PACC dog, volunteering at PACC, or continuing to support Friends of PACC in their efforts to improve shelter conditions. Please consider becoming a monthly donor via Friends of PACC’s Lifesaving League. Lifesaving League members will soon enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes content sent to their email inboxes every quarter. Click the button below and select the donation frequency to monthly. Even five dollars a month goes a long way!