Chief Executive Officer
Shelly A. Moore, CAWA
Director of Operations
Katie Faster
Customer Service Representatives
704-377-0534, ext. 226, 227 and 228
customerservice@humanecharlotte.org
Adoption Center Manager
Calli Rutzinski
704-377-0534, ext. 225
Chair
Managing Director, Charlotte,...
Vice Chair
Retired Corporate Communications...
Treasurer
VP, Finance &...
Secretary
Director of Business...
Immediate Past Chair
Chief Marketing Officer,...
Member
Founder & CEO,...
Member
Associate Vice President,...
Member
Vice President of...
Member
Managing Member, FMQ...
Member
Regional Director, Mutual...
Member
Member
Wells Fargo Foundation
Member
Founder and President,...
Member
Member
Co-Founder and CEO,...
Member
Sarah Byrd Sugg...
Member
Charlotte Executive Leadership...
Member
Retired IT Executive...
Chair
Managing Director, Charlotte, Pendleton Square Trust Company
Andrea is Managing Director, Charlotte, and Senior Trust Officer. In these roles, she is responsible for managing and building relationships in Charlotte and across North and South Carolina. Andrea works collaboratively with families and their advisors to understand and help define family goals and implement effective fiduciary services that meet those objectives.
Andrea is a licensed (currently non-practicing) attorney who, prior to transitioning to fiduciary services, spent over two decades representing high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients providing comprehensive tax and estate planning advice, implementing sophisticated estate planning strategies and advising businesses owners on succession planning matters. Most recently, Andrea served as Chief Fiduciary Officer at a regional bank, overseeing the bank’s fiduciary department and execution of the bank’s administration of a variety of fiduciary accounts.
Andrea received her undergraduate degree (A.B.) from the University of Michigan, her J.D. (summa cum laude) from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and LL.M (in taxation) from New York University. Andrea is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Council (ACTEC), an active member of the North Carolina and Michigan Bars, and a frequent speaker on topics including trust administration and fiduciary income tax. Andrea currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Charlotte (HSC) and always makes time to stop by the cat room when visiting HSC.
“I love HSC because it is more than an adoption center. It identifies and provides critical services to pet families in the greater Charlotte, NC area, with a focus in keeping people and pets together in a healthy and safe environment.”
Vice Chair
Retired Corporate Communications Executive
Lisa began her career as a journalist in the United Kingdom before moving into corporate communications. Over the span of her career, she held leadership roles in the global aerospace, energy, and engineering and construction industries. Now retired from corporate life, Lisa dedicates much of her time to supporting the Humane Society of Charlotte, playing tennis, and traveling.
Lily
“When I am volunteering, seeing and sharing people’s joy when they are adopting.”
Treasurer
VP, Finance & Accounting, EPRI
Michelle Bendel joined the Board of the Humane Society of Charlotte in 2023, bringing over two decades of financial leadership across the energy, media, and research sectors. With a focus on strategic planning, operational efficiency, and mission-driven growth, Michelle has been on the HSC Finance Committee since 2018 and supports the organization’s commitment to champion the wellbeing of companion animals and strengthen their bond with their people. Michelle is currently the VP of Finance & Accounting at EPRI which she joined in 2018, overseeing the Financial Planning & Analysis and Government Finance teams. Prior to EPRI, she held a senior leadership role at Cogentrix Energy where she managed multi-million dollar portfolios and participated in several acquisition and divestiture transactions. Michelle holds an MBA and a BS in Accounting from Virginia Tech.
General Tso and Kung Pao (HSC alums!)
“I love that HSC’s focus includes engaging with the community and working to help people bridge gaps to provide them with the opportunities to keep their bonds with their animals going or allow them to build new bonds with an animal. Offering these opportunities for education and affordable wellness care for animals is an extremely important part of supporting animal welfare.”
Secretary
Director of Business Development for Local and State Government, Citibot
Janice is originally from New Mexico and graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Political Science. She is a self-described government nerd and is an award-winning thought leader specializing in local government, business development and AI technology. She has held executive and cabinet level positions in several municipalities and is a 311 pioneer, customer experience expert, and civic tech enthusiast. She currently serves as the Director of Business Development for local and state government for Citibot an AI-powered voice, text, and web automation to help governments deliver faster, more accessible, and trusted service—anytime, anywhere.
Rafa Nadal, the dog
“What I love most about HSC is the camaraderie across the entire team and the shared commitment to pushing the mission forward every day.”
Immediate Past Chair
Chief Marketing Officer, Foundation For The Carolinas
Tara Keener serves as Chief Marketing Officer at Foundation For The Carolinas, one of the largest community foundations in the U.S. She oversees marketing, communications, and community engagement strategies, sharing the Foundation’s impact and mission. Tara is active in local leadership and nonprofit initiatives, holding memberships in American Leadership Forum and the Public Relations Society of Charlotte. She has been recognized as a Girl Talk Foundation “Woman of Distinction” (2018) and received The Charlotte Ledger’s “40 Over 40” Award in 2022.
Stella McCatney, Grace Kitty, and Tory Purrch
“I love that HSC takes a holistic approach to serving companion animals and the people who love them, providing access to high-quality healthcare, training, adoptions, and education.”
Member
Founder & CEO, Tango Leadership
June Carter spent three decades in financial services before launching her own leadership coaching and consulting firm. Her lifelong love of animals inspired her to join the Humane Society Board, where she brings her professional expertise and personal passion together. When she’s not working, she and her husband of 40 years enjoy traveling, discovering new foods, and listening & dancing to music.
Hige
“For me, the magic of HSC is how it strengthens the bond between animals and the people who love and care for them.”
Member
Associate Vice President, Development, Atrium
“Our family moved to Charlotte in 2021 from Ohio. For as long as Tori and I have been together, she/we have been part of some sort of adoption group. When we relocated to Charlotte we missed being part of an animal welfare community, which led me to seek involvement with the Humane Society. We practice what we preach, so all three of our pups are rescue animals!”
“Although the Humane Society mission is animal focused, what drives me as a Board member are the people who work and volunteer at the Animal Resource Center. There is nothing they wouldn’t do for an animal and/or its owner. They’re the best team I’ve ever seen!”
Member
Vice President of Human Resources – North America , Allied Universal
Winnye Wilks grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, after spending her early years in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended the University of Mississippi and later earned a graduate degree from Auburn University as a Patricia Roberts Harris Scholar. With 35 years of experience in human resources, Winnye now serves as Vice President of Human Resources for the third-largest company in the world. She is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations, especially those focused on youth education. Winnye is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Smokey (cat) and Jack (dog, adopted from HSC)
“I love the way in which HSC educates and involves the community in programs that are not just aimed at providing a better life for animals, but provides support and resources for children as well as individuals in our community who are in need of assistance.”
Member
Managing Member, FMQ Partners
Drew is an executive with more than 30 years of experience as an advisor, board member, and investor across a wide range of industries. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of Edgeview Partners and BlackArch Partners, two Charlotte-based mergers and acquisitions advisory firms with national reach. Drew is also an investor and board member of A Pup Above, a premium fresh and frozen dog food company. As a long-standing community leader, he supports organizations in defining their goals and building sustainable giving strategies that strengthen their impact.
Maggie, Portuguese Water Dog
“I love the tangible evidence that I get to see of the impact that the organization is making in the Charlotte community.”
Member
Regional Director, Mutual of America
Diego serves as a Regional Director with Mutual of America, where he focuses on client relationships, strategic support, and strengthening organizational partnerships. His professional background centers on helping businesses and nonprofits plan for long-term stability and success. Outside of work, Diego is committed to community service and is proud to support mission-driven organizations across Charlotte.
Comet
“What I love most about serving on the Board is the strong feeling of reward when witnessing firsthand the work performed by the HSC community.”
Member
Angie Allred is a dedicated advocate for animals and the people who love them. As a member of the Humane Society of Charlotte’s Board of Directors, she supports the organization’s strategic growth and long-term impact in the community. Angie believes strong communities are built when both animals and their chosen people are supported, protected, and able to thrive together. Serving on the board allows her to contribute in a meaningful way to a mission she cares deeply about.
Addie and Jerome
“What I love about HSC is that they are a voice for animals and their chosen people. I cannot adopt them all, but serving in a board capacity allows me to help ensure this community remains a place where animal and human relationships can thrive.”
Member
Wells Fargo Foundation
Ashera has been a dedicated volunteer with the Humane Society of Charlotte for over a decade and is proud to serve as a board member. A graduate of Rutgers University, she works with the Wells Fargo Foundation and is the founder of Ashera Earth Mother Teas, a small business creating organic blends and hosting tea parties.
Keisha and Kelly
“What I love most about the Humane Society of Charlotte are the incredible people who care for the animals. As a volunteer, you see firsthand that this is not just a job—the employees truly care about the animals and the people who love them.”
Member
Founder and President, BRANSTORM PR
Colleen Brannan is the founder and president of BRANSTORM PR, an award-winning Charlotte-based creative communications firm she launched in 2006. She brings decades of experience in agency and corporate leadership, helping organizations shape strategy, storytelling, and reputation.
Violet (mixed retriever), Boo2 (outdoor feline friend)
“Their unwavering commitment to strengthening the human-animal bond and improving the lives of both pets and their owners.”
Member
Yulonda M. Burris is an executive leader and community advocate with deep experience in organizational strategy, culture, and wellbeing. She partners with leaders and community organizations to create sustainable, people-centered outcomes. A lifelong animal lover, Yulonda is honored to serve on the Humane Society of Charlotte’s Board of Directors, where she supports efforts to protect animals and strengthen the communities that care for them.
Baby Girl
“What I love most about HSC is the care shown to the sheltered animals. They are truly loved while they wait for their forever homes. The staff and facility are proof of this.”
Member
Co-Founder and CEO, Social Pet Hotel & Daycare
Bill Hillis is the Co-Founder and CEO of Social Pet Hotel & Daycare, a Charlotte-based pet care company with three locations serving the region. Since co-founding Social Pet in 2014, Bill has led the company’s growth, culture, and operations, building a trusted brand focused on high-quality, individualized care for pets.
Prior to Social Pet, Bill held leadership roles in commercial real estate with JLL and The Bissell Companies, where he managed large property portfolios and led award-winning teams. He also brings a background in military service, having served nearly a decade in the South Carolina Army National Guard, including deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Bill lives in Fort Mill, South Carolina with his wife Amy, their son Cooper, and their dogs, Danny and JoJo.
Danny and JoJo
“The passion for quality pet care and shared commitment to the unique aspects of each dog or cat is something that really stood out to me.”
Member
Sarah Byrd Sugg Law, PLLC
Sarah is an attorney specializing in trusts and estates at Sarah Byrd Sugg Law, PLLC. She is passionate about animal welfare and the impact of HSC’s mission to strengthen the bond between people and their pets.
Ridge
“I love having the opportunity to work alongside like-minded animal advocates who show up every day with enthusiasm to follow HSC’s mission to create a compassionate community to improve animal well-being and focus on keeping families together with their pets. I truly believe pets are family and every animal deserves a loving family and the care they need. The unwavering dedication by everyone affiliated with HSC is inspiring to any animal lover in our community and what makes HSC so great.”
Member
Charlotte Executive Leadership Council
Blair serves as the Executive Director of the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council, bringing strong experience in organizational leadership and community engagement. Her work focuses on collaboration, strategic alignment, and strengthening partnerships that move Charlotte forward. She is committed to supporting mission-driven organizations and values the impact that local nonprofits have on families, neighborhoods, and the broader community.
Jane (brown Catahoula Leopard Dog mix), Juna (red husky-lab mix), and Mooney (granddog, adopted from HSC)
“The staff at HSC is so professional and passionate about their work. It’s a joy to support the incredible effort they put forth for animals and those who love them.”
Member
Retired IT Executive and Change Consultant Principal
Holly Young is a retired IT Executive and Change Consultant who recently relocated to Charlotte as part of her family’s retirement plans. A Texas native, Holly and her husband, Buddy, spent more than 20 years living abroad in Seoul, Taipei, Düsseldorf, and London, followed by a decade in New York City. Together, they have been proud parents to more than 30 cats over the years. Their current feline companions are 11-year-old siblings Harry and Sally, adopted from New York City’s Upper West Side. Holly enjoys running and marathoning, with more than 50 marathons completed, along with traveling, antiquing, reading, Broadway theatre, and volunteering. In addition to her work with HSC, she is a strong advocate for Feeding Charlotte, a food rescue organization focused on fighting food insecurity.
Sally, 11-year-old tabby cat.
“What I love most about HSC is the thoughtful and holistic way that HSC serves animals and their humans.”
