New board members at Pets Lifeline
Four new directors have joined the Pets Lifeline board bringing additional animal welfare, sales and marketing, training and communications, facility design and board experience to the organization.
The foursome includes:
Anne Meiling works in the wine industry as an area sales manager for Five Grapes, a wine import and distribution company with its headquarters in Washington, D.C. She moved to Sonoma from Boston five years ago with her husband, three children, and Weimeraner, Tasha. She became familiar with Pets Lifeline through her daughter who was a volunteer, admired the work being done and decided to get involved by becoming a board member.
Brian Ness is a co-owner of Vintage Kennel Club and, as such, brings a breadth of experience with animals. Originally from the midwest, Ness’s repertoire of working with animals includes being the Sonoma Valley 4-H dog leader, showing Irish Wolfhounds and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, providing animals for nativity events at local churches, and connecting his chicken coop with the Sonoma Ecology Center. Ness belongs to the organization, Concerned Dog Owners of California, dedicated to promoting positive dog legislation in Sacramento, lobbying for positive dog bills and against anti-dog legislation. His expertise in evaluating the temperaments of dogs will serve as an invaluable asset for Pets Lifeline as it promotes responsible pet ownership through its programs.
Jane Sinclair arrived in Sonoma over ten years ago and has been seen volunteering throughout the community ever since. She has been past president and co-training chair at Bouverie Preserve and continues to be a member of the board of directors of Audubon Canyon Ranch. She also is a docent at the Toscano Hotel and drives for F.I.S.H. As an owner of two yellow labs, Sinclair became interested in Pets Lifeline by participating in its events, inspiring her to become a member of the board. Jane’s professional background is in contract design where she has designed projects for universities, corporate offices, restaurants, financial institutions, and government offices.
Linn Vehing’s professional background is in sales management within the health insurance industry. She also has a background in training and communications. Prior to her current position as director of operations at the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center, Vehing served on its board of directors. In addition, Vehing has been a volunteer at Pets Lifeline and is excited about being on the board. Other interests of Vehing’s include previously being a member of the Sonoma Valley Chorale and currently a member of Sonoma Song.
Continuing members of the Board of Directors include: Monica Dashwood, president, with a professional background in executive management in the entertainment industry; Irene Gilbert, vice-president, an attorney in the financial services industry; Trina Oliver, director, who provides CAD work for her husband, an architect; Joe Orlando, treasurer, a lead in the business valuation practice for Frank, Rimerman Consulting; Deanna Schwab, director, veterinarian with Arroyo Veterinary Hospital; and Marilyn Kelly, secretary, retired superintendent of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District.
