Assistance dog nonprofit appoints four new board members

NonprofitPeople

Feb 29

Photo courtesy of PAWS With A Cause, (L to R) Shelley Irwin, Jeff Salowitz, Kyle Pung, and Scott Johnson

Paws With A Cause, a Wayland-based nonprofit that custom-trains assistance dogs, announced the appointment of four new members to its board of directors. New members include Shelley Irwin, Host, WGVU Public Radio's The Shelley Irwin Show; Scott Johnson, Director of Human Resources, Hudsonville Ice Cream; Kyle Pung, Account Manager, Pleune Service Company; and Jeff Salowitz, Founding Partner, Coalition Companies.

"We're excited to bring on new faces and new areas of expertise to our board," said Michele Suchovsky, Chief Executive Officer, Paws With A Cause. "Their unique backgrounds and perspectives will be valuable to the continuing success of our mission."

The four new board members join current board members Anne Barea (Vice Chair), Amanda Boyd (Treasurer), Christina Elmore, Molly Koroleski (Secretary), Val Lego, Sara Osterman (Board Chair), Chris Pucci, Faye Richardson-Green, Adam Russo, Dave Smith, Toyia Turner, and Jessica Ann Tyson.

"What an opportunity to begin this leadership journey focusing upon two of my favorite things, dogs and humans," said Irwin. "Paws With a Cause promotes independence to individuals through custom-trained assistance dogs, and I look forward to supporting the advocacy and direction with others who believe in the mission."

Since 1979, Paws With A Cause has placed more than 3,100 custom-trained assistance dogs to enhance the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities nationally. Accredited by Assistance Dogs International and a recipient of Charity Navigator's highest 4-star rating, Paws With A Cause increases awareness of the rights and roles of assistance dog teams through education and advocacy. For more information, visit pawswithacause.org.