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MEET THE BOARD

  • Abby Jenkins

    Chairman of Board

    I have spent over a decade in the Twin Cities advertising business after earning my BS degree in political science and psychology from the University of Minnesota. Throughout my time at Carmichael Lynch, I have had the opportunity to wear many hats. I presently am the Senior Account Manager for the agency’s largest client, Subaru of America. I help plan Film and Photography Shoots, as well as coordinating a variety of national and regional advertising.

    I also lent my PR skills to the Alan Page Education Foundation, a charity started by the infamous Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice. Their mission is to help Minnesota’s youth of color attend post-secondary education. I was named Volunteer of the Year in 2018.

    In my free time, I enjoy playing with my 2-year-old son and 6-year-old Great Dane, traveling with my husband, checking out the latest Twin Cities spots with friends and hunting for unique home décor.

  • May Swenson

    Board Member, Secretary

    I worked in the corporate world for most of my career with my last position as President of PM&J, a company developing & selling dog beds & accessories. This gave me the opportunity to mix my career with my volunteer efforts by donating product to many local rescues. After retiring, I’ve continued to work with women owned businesses in a consulting capacity. I also like to travel & spend time at our cabin with family & friends.

    My passion for animal rescue came later in life when I started volunteering for a local rescue. I volunteered at events & started fostering. Eventually I became a “foster failure” when I adopted Stella. She wasn’t with us for as long as we would have liked but in her short time, she made an impact on so many people.

    I joined The Rescue Pack team so that I can continue to help change the lives of both animals & humans. I have seen first-hand how a connection between one person & one animal can change both of their worlds.

  • Anne Schmalle

    Board Member, Treasurer

    Anne is a CPA and is a welcomed assets to the board and to The Rescue Pack. Her background and bio will be coming soon.

  • Kevin Roeser DVM

    Board Member, Medical Advisor

    Like many veterinarians, I first declared my career interests in elementary school and my focus never wavered. After completing undergraduate coursework in Zoology and Human Biology at Michigan State University, I attended the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. I spent my first decade of practice in the same small animal hospital that hired me as a kennel assistant during high school. I recently relocated to a practice closer to home in Hugo.

    I have been involved in rescue since 2018, volunteering both to provide intake examinations, as well as working on-site in Kentucky. As the owner of a rescue dog myself, I take pride in helping to ensure that these animals are healthy and happy as they transition to their new homes. 

    Outside of work, you can usually find me in the saddle, riding and training my two off-track thoroughbred horses, Penny and Hugh. Kevin and his husband share their home with Marla, a sassy Chihuahua-Terrier mix and Leroy, a slobbery Bloodhound.

  • Yolanda Womack

    Board Member

    Hi, I'm Yolanda Womack. Originally from Chicago, I've been calling Minnesota home since 2000. My passion lies in health, wellness, fitness, and a deep love for animals. I find joy in exploring the realms of body and mind hacking, delving into the world of hemp and its health benefits, as well as lifting heavy objects to challenge myself physically. The Spanish language is another avenue through which I express my interests and curiosity. Throughout my life, I've been fortunate to have been rescued by three dogs and two cats. Academically, I hold degrees from Tarrant County College in Texas and the University of Minnesota.

OUR FOUNDERS

  • Barb Gunderson

    Co-Founder, Executive Director, Board Member

    I have lived most of my life in Minnesota except for when I attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout and earned an advanced degree in Food Science & Nutrition. I spent 25 years at the Pillsbury Company and then 10 years in my own consulting business. Animals have been in my life for as long as I can remember. My love for dogs and cats goes beyond having them as family members to volunteering for over 8 years with a rescue helping those in need to find their forever homes. I enjoy the four seasons in Minnesota with our children, grandchildren, and pack of dogs.

    I co-founded The Rescue Pack with Suzanne because we have the same vision that we hope to create in a rescue. We want to be a community of volunteers who are animal advocates that have the same passion - to work together as a ‘Pack’ to change the lives of both animals and humans. We want to go beyond finding animals good homes by continuing the relationship with training, education, and continued support.

  • Suzanne Grindle

    Co-Founder, Vice President

    I am a research scientist by training and a lifelong animal lover and animal welfare advocate.  From my first pony at 3 to my current motley pack of dogs now, I have been surrounded by furry friends. I found joy in 2007 when I started working in a rescue and never looked back.  As an empty nester, I loved nurturing the puppies and watching them grow confidence and go to their homes. I was able to teach dogs good household behavior with the help of my little pack of pups. If you can’t find me talking about rescue, you will see me at the barn riding a few horses…or paddling around on an area lake.   

     I co-founded The Rescue Pack with Barb because I believe that to help as many pets as possible, we need a community of animal advocates who can work together as a pack in communities with too many dogs and cats, as well as here at home to help people enjoy their furry friends through play, education, and socialization.   I want to help create an inclusive community where we all have the same goals for pets without homes.

Want to get involved?

Community support is also instrumental in helping raise awareness of the issue – animals in need, deserve our help! We all need to do our part to change the lives of both animals and humans. People need to work together to provide a safe and loving environment for all.