Our Board of Directors
Who we are:
We are individuals passionate about contributing to the Society’s values, mission, goals and objectives of enriching the lives of people and companion animals through animal sheltering, programs and services, and community engagement.
About the Board:
Each board member is elected to a two year term, with the option to renew for a maximum of three additional terms (total 8 years). As Board vacancies occur, new directors are elected by the EHS membership at the Annual General Meeting. The Board conducts its work through three groups: Finance and Audit Committee, Governance and Humane Resources Committee, and an External Relations Advisory Panel.
Board Chair
Jennifer Fisk
Connect with Jennifer:
Having always held a love for both companion and wild animals, Jennifer joined EHS as an opportunity to combine this passion with her past board experience and help her community. With over 25 years’ experience in nonprofit board directorship as well as a background in communications and marketing, Jennifer is committed to working with fellow board members to advance the organization as the Board Chair.
Gathering information to make informed decisions and not afraid to ask hard questions, Jennifer leverages her knowledge and skills from experience with her own communications firm to bring a valuable perspective to the table.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her partner on Brisco Mountain, BC, hiking with their chocolate Labrador, Tucker and learning more about the wild animals around them such as bears, elk, cougars, and more.
Vice Chair
Lorenzo Pasutto
Connect with Lorenzo:
Since joining the EHS board, Lorenzo remains dedicated to advancing humane education and community engagement while considering supports for the long-term financial viability of the organization. He is drawn by his desire to contribute to a longstanding pillar of the community in an area of personal interest that enriches so many lives.
Bringing experience as a management consultant, working collaboratively to identify and solve complex organizational issues across several industries, Lorenzo adds valuable perspective and skills to the collective wealth of the EHS Board of Directors. His ingenuity as the founder of a technology company working with Artificial Intelligence and focus on gauging customer satisfaction provide a unique view of data analytics.
Lorenzo believes his love of animals began after seeing “The Velveteen Rabbit” as a child and shortly after adopting a stuffy he lovingly named “Bunny Rubble”. He currently spends as much time as possible saving his yard from his rambunctious and truffle-seeking Lagotto Romagnolo puppy.
Second Vice Chair & Secretary
Dale Wispinski
Connect with Dale:
Dale was drawn to join the EHS Board because of their commitment to enriching the lives of people and companion animals, as well as its longstanding contributions to the community. With an education in communications and law, Dale is passionate about helping others and currently holds the position as the CEO and Chief Appeals Commissioner with the Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers’ Compensation.
Her extensive legal background is a valuable addition to the EHS Board as is her commitment to supporting the organization in achieving its vision, mission, and strategic goals while playing a part in sharing the exceptional work that the EHS does.
Dale grew up with family dogs and has had a soft spot for animals since. When enjoying leisure time, she can be found on long nature walks – exploring the mountains with Stephen, her Australian Labradoodle.
Treasurer
Lori Sajjad
Connect with Lori:
As a long-term donor to EHS and life-long animal lover, Lori joined the Board of Directors in 2019 with a desire to support the evolving framework for planning, measuring, and reporting that drive the important work the organization does. Lori’s perspective as a CPA, CMA, providing Interim Controller services, as well as previous board experience for the Alberta Registered Nurses Education Trust and YWCA, provides valuable input towards many facets including finance, procurement, strategic planning, and policies.
Growing up on a farm with horses, cattle, cats, and dogs as friends and companions – her compassion for animals continues with her work at EHS. Opening her own home to a wide range of domestic pets throughout her life, Lori has also found the valuable experience in working on agility and championship training with her own dogs.
When not leveraging her broad skill set and experience in key facets of an organization, Lori can be found spending time with her family, including her Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier named Indy. Lori also enjoys training and being active outdoors with gardening, golf, cycling, travel, and spending time in good company.
Director
Amanda Pechousek
Connect with Amanda:
Amanda’s love for animals is what initially drew her to EHS. After learning more about the organization’s goal to not only provide basic food and shelter but their dedication to improving the relationships between companion animals and the community, she proudly joined the Board of Directors.
Participating and helping advise on several other boards since 2014 along with her experience as a Chartered Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, Amanda brings a unique perspective on risk mitigation. With specializations in forensic investigations, fraud awareness training, anti-fraud/anti-corruption programs and controls, and litigation/dispute services, she desires to help position the organization as the new standard for animal welfare and build upon its great reputation.
Camping since she could crawl, Amanda’s appreciation for animals began at a young age. Currently, the proud pet guardian of two rambunctious Maine Coon cats, Gir and Mini Moose, she enjoys spending spare time drawing, kayaking, and on camping trips with her husband and their family’s newest campers – their two young sons.
Director
Summer Bradko
Connect with Summer:
As the current General Counsel for Digital Commerce Bank and the former Director of Human Resources for a national company, Summer brings both HR and legal experience to the EHS and has an extensive background in board governance. She has both a business and law degree from the University of Alberta and is a lifelong Edmontonian.
Having been an animal lover since she was old enough to chase the family cat, Summer and her family share an important connection to the EHS and have adopted many animal companions over the years. She enjoys spending time with her young daughter as well as the family’s very pampered cat named Mini and mischievous dog named Jax.
Director
Dr. Ted Purcell
Connect with Ted:
Dr. Purcell recently retired after a wonderful 38-year career as a veterinarian and co-owner of the Hermitage Veterinary Hospital in Edmonton. His volunteer experience with the Edmonton Humane Society is extensive and began early in his professional career. Over the years, Dr. Purcell has assisted in the areas of humane education and communications. His interests in animal welfare and education have led to invitations to lecture at pre- and post-secondary institutions. Most recently, Dr. Purcell served on the Board of Directors of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, the Alberta Cerebral Palsy Sports Association, and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
Dr. Purcell is passionate about public education and the stewardship of animals. He looks forward to continuing to share his passion and experience as a member of the EHS Board of Directors. And to support the EHS in advancing its mission, vision, and values.
Recently retired, Dr. Purcell enjoys spending his time on long walks with his two dogs Copper and Mulder. As well as volunteering for community organizations in Edmonton.
Director
Onita Blankenfeldt
Connect with Onita:
Onita joined the board after being drawn by the meaningful local impact that EHS has in the Edmonton region for both people and pets. She seeks to leverage her skills and network of connections to assist EHS in achieving its mission with her experience as a seasoned business development executive and a previous member of the Goodwill Board of Directors.
Onita holds an MBA and is currently an instructor at the University of Alberta’s School of Business, where she continues to pursue her passion for supporting the knowledge and growth of others.
Not able to recall a time in her life where she didn’t have a furry or feathered friend by her side, Onita loves spending time with her two Terrier crosses, Fresno (an EHS alumni originally part of the California Cuties initiative) and Archie. Onita also enjoys rejuvenating old spaces, and on sunny days she can be found bird watching or playing golf.
Director
Sabrina Feula
Connect with Sabrina:
Sabrina brings her passion for animals along with her desire to make a positive impact in the lives of the animals that the Edmonton Humane Society serves and advocates for. Passionate about helping others and giving back to the community, she currently holds the position of Senior Manager, Employer Services at Prospect Human Services.
Her extensive background in engagement and partnership development will be a valuable addition to the EHS Board, as is her commitment to supporting the organization and sharing the exceptional work EHS does.
Sabrina enjoys farmers markets, photography, reading and exploring the Edmonton River Valley with her family during her free time. She currently fosters and rehabilitates senior rescue dogs through ARTS senior Animal Rescue.
Director
Allison Radford
Connect with Allison:
Several years ago, when Allison brought her youngest puppy to EHS for training, she discovered an opportunity to unite with an organization that shared her passion for animal advocacy and desire to help. Bringing her perspective from corporate governance, finance, and operations experience, Allison also has experience from sitting on past audit committees for other boards she has served.
With an accounting background and extensive operational experience, her ability to analyze items from both perspectives serve her well in contributing to EHS Board decisions.
Outside of work hours, Allison spends her time reading or outdoors with her family including three wonderful Labradors, Zoe, Ansley, and Nacho.
Director
Dan Hugo
Connect with Dan:
Dan Hugo is the Chief Financial Officer at ATB Financial where he is responsible for the overall financial health of ATB. Dan joined ATB in January 2020 with over 30 years of financial, operational, and business leadership experience including time spent with Capital One, Bank of America and eBay. Though originally from South Africa, Dan spent most of his professional career in the United States, where he gained extensive experience in banking, finance, and technology.
Dan is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Public Accountant. Dan currently sits on the Board of Governors for Norquest College.
Dan is an avid photographer and you will often find him chasing that perfect sunrise. To the extent time permits, you may also find him on the golf course or enjoying the peaceful solitude of fly fishing. Dan and his wife Marleen are both devoted animal lovers. They have a very soft spot for pugs and consider their two elderly pug adoptees an integral part of the Hugo family.
Director
Jill Sarluis
Jill continues to be inspired by EHS’ work to assist pets facing homelessness and the many opportunities to connect people with companion animals. Jill is not retired, but as the previous owner of a local insurance brokerage, she adds a strong understanding of the many risks that organizations must consider in operating and seeks to help in that guidance.
Jill’s strong desire to make a positive impact is evident through many years of previous work with the Pilgrims Hospice, and she continues to help others through her support of EHS.
Having grown up with many family pets, Jill continues this legacy as the proud pet guardian of two cats and a dog. Jill’s favorite way to spend free time is with her family or working away on a new sewing or gardening project.
Director
Patricia Misutka
Connect with Patricia:
Patricia’s love of animals and admiration for an organization that protects the most vulnerable motivated her to get involved with EHS. Seeing the potential to support EHS’ stakeholder engagement efforts, she’s also interested in opportunities to reach new communities with the mobile spay/neuter clinic.
As Chief Operating Officer for Imperial Equities, Patricia brings a wealth of governance and business capacity to her role with the EHS Board of Directors. Her experience as a strategist, former Principal Secretary to a Premier, and Chief of Staff to a former Mayor of Edmonton are a testament to her abilities to build strong relationships and connections within multiple communities and organizations. During her time as the Executive Director for the Glenrose Hospital Foundation, Patricia further expanded her knowledge with fundraising and supporting volunteer boards.
Patricia has always adored animals and currently spends time with Winston, a three-year old Jack Russell Terrier, being outdoors and learning to play flyball.
Director
Darren Lunt
Becoming a member of the EHS Board brings Darren full circle to where his career began in 1990 when he was hired as the Society’s fundraising manager. The six and a half years working at the Shelter offered many rewarding experiences. A personal highlight for Darren was launching the inaugural Pets in Park event that continues to this day.
Darren’s professional career continued in the non-profit sector where his fundraising skills evolved into senior manager responsibilities with both the Royal Tyrrell Museum and Pilgrims Hospice Society. A switch over to the corporate sector in the mid-2000s eventually led to his current role of President at Weldco Companies, a large heavy steel fabricator with locations across Canada.
Darren is originally from Edmonton where his two adult children currently pursue their post-secondary degrees. Free time is spent with his wife and their Bernedoodle Cleo out at their cabin. It was the recent addition of Cleo to the Lunt family that reignited Darren’s passion for animal welfare and his desire to become involved with the EHS.
Director
Barbara Bruce
Barbara’s keen interest in animals started early with a part-time job in high school, working in a veterinarian’s clinic where she began to learn about the balance between the “cute and cuddly” part of being around animals and the practical issues relating to animal health and welfare. As a young woman, she was privileged to work at both the Valley Zoo and the Calgary Zoo where she was educated on the importance of ethical animal husbandry, public education programs and the power of community engagement.
Although her career ultimately took her away from the animal welfare world, she has always maintained a passion for animals. As a long-serving Executive Director for a professional regulatory body, and a newcomer to the EHS, Barbara is looking forward to contributing her knowledge of governance and strategic planning to her work on the EHS board.
These days Barbara and her husband fuss endlessly over their two boisterous French Bulldogs, Nikki and Odo. When time allows, Barbara enjoys the outdoors, reading, boating, and gardening.
