About Us

Board of Directors/Committees

Board of Directors
Colleen Harrington, President
Gwen Anderson, Vice President
Tom Harris, Treasurer
Debbie Bikfasy, Secretary
Trevor Bice
Shelley Calissendorff
Carrie Eslick
Jan Luft
Trev McCuaig
Britta Nitcy
Susan Wang
Amy Williams

Board meetings take place on the third Monday of each month at 5:30 pm in the Community Congregational United Church of Christ (525 NE Campus St.) in Pullman, WA. All meetings are open to the public.

Building Committee - to oversee the design and building of AnimalHaven
Tom Harris, chair

Campaign Committee - to raise funds for AnimalHaven
Sonia Hussa and John Thielbahr, co-chairs

Dog Park Committee - to raise funds for and oversee the design and building of the Dog Park adjacent to AnimalHaven
Trevor Bice, chair

Finance Committee - to create the operational budget and complete financial records to be in compliance with the Internal Revenue Service
Tom Harris, chair

Fundraising Committee - to raise funds for operational costs
Chair needed

Marketing/Public Relations/Web Committee - to promote the mission of WCHS
Carrie Eslick and Susan Wang, co-chairs

Membership Committee - to raise and maintain memberships
Chair needed

Shelter Committee - to work on policies, procedures, and ASPCA recommendations
Gwen Anderson, chair

Interested in putting your expertise to work for WCHS? Our committees can always use more members! You do not have to be on the Board of Directors to join a committee. Please contact the administrative office for more details.

What does each committee do?

Building Committee

Currently this committee’s responsibility lies with construction of a new shelter facility. Membership consists of both board members and community members. The building committee oversees the plans and preliminary work necessary to move the project into the hands of a general contractor. Once construction begins, the building committee will interface with the general contractor to ensure the project meets specifications.

Finance Committee

The finance committee is led by the treasurer and oversees the development of the budget; ensures accurate tracking/monitoring/accountability for funds; and ensures adequate financial controls. The finance committee oversees short and long-term investments and recommends financial guidelines to the board. The treasurer works with WCHS’ accountant (Jon Anderson prepares our annual 990 as an in-kind donation) to ensure that all reports are accurate and timely.

Fundraising Committee

The fundraising committee’s job is not simply to raise money. It is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the Fundraising Plan and, in particular, the fundraising done by the board. This committee identifies and solicits funds from external sources of support and takes the lead in certain types of outreach efforts, such as the Fur Ball or Lentil Festival. The fundraising committee is responsible for involving all board members in fundraising.

Marketing/Public Relations

The marketing/public relations committee represents WCHS to the community. It enhances the Society’s image and communicates with the press. The marketing/PR committee oversees the development and implementation of the marketing plan, including identifying potential markets and how to promote/sell any programs or special events. This committee is responsible for designing the quarterly newsletter and delivering it to the printer. It also writes the content for the monthly Pullman Community Update and is responsible for the new website.

Capital Campaign Committee

This committee is responsible for promoting awareness of and soliciting donations for our new pet shelter, AnimalHaven.

About Committees:

1. Committees are established when issues become too complex or numerous to be handled by the entire board.
2. For ongoing, major activities, standing committees are established; for short-term activities, ad hoc committees are established and cease when the activities are completed.
3. Committees recommend policy for approval by the entire board.
4. Committees make full use of board members’ expertise, time, and commitment, and ensure diversity of opinions on the board.
5. Committees meet as often as necessary – this could be monthly, bimonthly, trimonthly, or as needed.
6. Minutes are recorded for all board meetings and all standing committee meetings and distributed to the full board.