At the beginning of the 2020-2021 fiscal year, the Friends of PACC Board of Directors elected a new team of officers. Well known animal welfare advocate and volunteer, Tammi Barrick, has served since Friends of PACC’s inception in 2016 and recently completed her term as Board Chair.

“As one of many wonderful members who founded this organization, I cannot be prouder of the successes we have had to support our partner PACC over the past six years. All of this is due to our community of animal lovers that has supported our mission/vision. As I close this chapter my plan is to continue to volunteer with PACC, because after eighteen years of animal rescue, my heart will always be with the animals,” says Barrick.

Laura O’Brien, a true champion for local pets and former Vice Chair, has been elected to take over the governing position.

“It is a privilege to serve the pets and people of Pima County as a PACC volunteer and Board Chair for Friends of PACC. I’m looking forward to working with our incredible donors, staff, and board members to give more pets the love, care, and resources they deserve,” says O’Brien.

In late September, Pima County announced that Kristen Hassen would be leaving Pima Animal Care Center to take on a national position in the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) initiative. Friends of PACC is pleased to share that while Hassen will no longer be at PACC, she will join the Friends of PACC Board of Directors as a voting member starting in November 2020.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue helping to bring support to the pets and people of Pima County through this incredible group. In just my time at Pima Animal Care Center, they’ve brought more than six million dollars to help our community’s pets and so much of PACC’s success is because the Friends (and our generous donors) make it all possible!” says Hassen.

Other Board of Directors officers include Michael Boreale of Boreale Law PLC, as the new Vice Chair, while Mikaela Knutson of Beach Fleischman PC returns as Treasurer, and Gina Hansen of Habitat for Humanity steps into the role of Secretary.

Dennis Thomas, PACC volunteer and foster with an extensive background in the financial industry, has also joined the board. Sam Molina of Tucson Electric Power continues his service and works to leverage corporate volunteer power for local nonprofits.

To learn more about the Board of Directors and our staff, click here.

The Board of Directors and the staff at both PACC and Friends of PACC extend deepest gratitude to Tammi for her many years in service of all pets in Pima County. May we all give as selflessly and whole-heartedly to the pets who need us most.