Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Yavapai Humane Society Board of Directors is recruiting new members

John Tarro served YHS
since 2000
Effective Aug. 6, John Tarro submitted his resignation from the Yavapai Humane Society Board of Directors. He has decided to relocate to the Seattle area to be closer to family and friends.

John served on the YHS board as an officer and a member since 2002. Before joining the board, John and his wife Sandy (now deceased) volunteered with YHS beginning in 2000 when they first moved to Prescott to retire. John played a significant role in many progressive YHS accomplishments over the years. John is loved and respected by the YHS staff and, although he will be missed, we are grateful that he has agreed to continue his involvement long-distance by serving on the YHS Governance Committee.

With John's departure from the board, YHS has begun recruiting individuals interested in serving on our board of directors. We are looking for persons with several years of executive experience leading people, projects, programs or companies. YHS relies on its directors to provide guidance in establishing policies, implementing strategies and achieving goals. The fiduciary nature of the position requires directors to be able to read, understand and offer suggestions and comments on financial statements.

YHS is looking for board directors who can bring specific expertise in key areas needed to provide proper oversight of the organization's activities. We are specifically looking for individuals with expertise in legal, financial management, risk management, human resources, marketing, or fundraising or philanthropic activities.

A key asset of a prospective board member is the relationships he or she has established and can use to help YHS accomplish its goals. This could be access to community leaders and groups, influential individuals, grassroots organizations, or government contacts. YHS especially looks to the ability of each board member to provide relationships that aid in raising life-saving funds.

Board directors should be able to commit the time necessary to responsibly fulfill their commitment to YHS. This includes board training, analyzing financial statements, reviewing board documents before board meetings, attending board meetings, serving on committees, attending fund raising events, and making donor calls among other responsibilities.

Individuals selected to serve on the YHS Board of Directors will be joining one of the most progressive and innovative animal welfare organizations in the state of Arizona, if not the nation. Western Yavapai County was recently recognized by the well-respected animal welfare publication, Animal People, as the third-safest community for pets in the United States (tied with San Francisco). This ranking is directly related to and the result of the outstanding programs developed and implemented by YHS.

One of the best ways to obtain a broader understanding of the work and programs of YHS is to attend the upcoming Reigning Cats & Dogs Dinner and Auction Gala. You will also be able to meet all the YHS directors, management team and many of the staff and volunteers at this event.

Individuals interested in serving on the YHS Board are invited to submit an application. Applications can be found on-line at www.yavapaihumane.org/board or by coming to the YHS Animal Center at 1625 Sundog Ranch Road.

I also want to remind everyone that this year's Reigning Cats & Dogs Gala is a celebration of YHS' 40th anniversary. Be sure to get your tickets now because last year we sold out quickly.

The gala is scheduled for Saturday evening, Sept. 8 at the Prescott Resort. Purchase tickets on-line at www.yavapaihumane.org, at any YHS location or by calling 445-2666. Tickets are $100 each or a table for 10 can be purchased for just $900. I look forward to seeing you there!

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.