New Development Director Brings Passion for Pets
Scroll down for more pics and info on adoptable, adorable dog, Xenia!
Torre Chisholm has joined the staff of Friends of Pima Animal Care Center as the new Development Director. His career began in political campaigning including Get Out the Vote efforts, as bringing the community together around a unifying cause has always been important to him. As a graduate of UC Santa Barbara and with parents who had a long history in coaching, Torre gravitated to a career in Intercollegiate Athletics. After fundraising stints at UCSB and UC Irvine, he became the Director of Athletics at Portland State University (PSU), the second largest college in Oregon.
During his tenure with PSU, Torre worked on bolstering the athletic departments annual fund, membership circle, and a capital campaign that netted more than $37 million for a new multi-purpose arena. The arena campaign completion not only provided a space for PSU teams to play, but for the community to gather for concerts, political, and educational events.
Torre’s success in development led to a position with Special Olympics Oregon as Chief Development Officer. During his time there he provided vision and direction for all fundraising, sales, and marketing initiatives with a total annual budget of $8M+.
“Working for Special Olympics Oregon was all about making opportunities for people to thrive. It was about creating a place where special needs athletes could find encouragement and respect. But it was also about making impactful, systemic change to better integrate differently abled children and adults into the larger athletic community,” says Torre. “PACC’s dedication to innovative animal care and tending to the whole health of the community is really exciting. They’re all about the bigger picture, how can they make the greatest difference, and I’m honored to support their work through Friends of PACC.”
Torre recently moved to Tucson from Hawaii. He has family here (total cat lovers!) who have called the Old Pueblo home for more than a decade and he’s looking forward to being closer to them.
“I’ve always had a passion for animals.”
“I’ve always had a passion for animals. I had pets growing up, but it was a dog named Dexter, the first pet that was really mine, that showed me just how incredible they are. I adopted him from the animal care center in Santa Barbara county and had him for 15 years. He is the single greatest soul I’ve ever met,” says Torre. Dexter was likely a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a German Shephard, but he also boasted a mysterious curly tail. “I often joke that everything my son learned, he learned from Dexter. But really, I aspire to be more like Dexter.”
As someone who values making a positive impact in their day-to-day work, Torre is looking forward to returning to the non-profit sector.
“We are so pleased to have Torre join our staff in this important role. His enthusiasm and expertise will make a lifesaving difference for the pets and people in our community,” says Laura O’Brien, Board Chair for Friends of PACC.
With more than 26 years of development, marketing, and sales experience, Torre’s skills will ensure that Pima Animal Care Center has the lifesaving support it needs. He is especially looking forward to helping a leading municipal shelter like Pima Animal Care Center.
Xenia, the adorable dog in the photo with Torre is available for adoption at Pima Animal Care Center. She is a survivor who LOVES her people! She was found as a stray after being hit by a car, but the shelter’s clinic team fixed her right up and she is ready for a new home. She also knows all kinds of tricks and manners thanks to our TOP Dogs team.
Learn more about Xenia at https://jhpede.wixsite.com/xenia! To meet her, please submit an adoption application for Xenia A703373 at pima.gov/adopt.