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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Kimo Pokini
Kimo is a long-time advocate of nonprofit volunteer work and has actively participated in a number of worthy causes that support humanitarian and animal rescue efforts. Kimo was Vice President of the Legacy Initiative of Utah, as well as Vice President and co-founder of Street Dawg Crew of Utah.
Kimo’s enthusiasm for Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering comes from his love of literally helping the underdog, believing that “when you help a pet, you help a person.” He has been an animal lover all his life, and has been a dog dad to several pups, including Kubo, a fairly recent addition to the family.
Kimo is married to RHCS board member Stan Stensrud, and enjoys the company of his mom and father-in-law, who also live in their home.
Board President
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Linda Webster
In 2016 Linda retired after a 45 years career in the Health Science field and is devoting her time to organizations she feels strongly about. She has served on Utah Planned Parenthood’s Board of Directors, as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) with the Juvenile 3rd District Court, and in 2019 developed and implemented a program to allow therapy animals in the Juvenile 3rd District Courts. She is a member of Utah Pet Partners serving at University Neuropsychiatric Institute beginning in the pediatric unit then moving to the acute care adult.
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Linda began her career in the medical field in 1976 as a staff nurse then becoming interested in neurodiagnostics moved on to become a technologist performing EEG, EP and EMG diagnostic testing at the University of California Medical Center, San Francisco. In 1982 Linda moved to Salt Lake City after being offered the supervisory position in the EEG diagnostic laboratory at the University of Utah Health Science Center. She helped to develop and implement new programs for Neuro-Intraoperative Monitoring, expansion of the Epilepsy Monitoring unit and the Sleep Disorders Center. Linda later became the manager of the three diagnostic service departments. In 2001 Linda moved into the sleep medicine industry, first as a top sales manager for a leading diagnostic company and later in 2005 as vice president of operations for a group of private sleep disorders laboratories. In 2013 she returned to University of Utah to manage the Sleep Wake Center. Over her career, Linda has served on numerous educational and task force committees with AAST, ABRET, BRPT, AASM.
Board Secretary
Randall Carlisle
Board Member
Randall Carlisle loves animals and has had pets for most of his life, although he prefers cats for their independence.
Randall had an illustrious 54 year career in broadcasting that began at the age of 14 when he won the Ohio State radio announcing contest and was offered a part time job at a small radio station in northeastern Ohio. He switched from radio to television where he spent the next 40 plus years as an anchor/reporter in Colorado Springs, Dayton, Minneapolis, Dallas and Salt Lake City, most recently for more than 20 years at ABC4.
He won three Emmys, appeared on Good Morning America, has interviewed luminaries like Peter Jennings, President Jimmy Carter, Alice Cooper, was at Kent State during the national guard shootings and covered numerous national political conventions.
He retired from television in 2017 and is now working as a media and community relations specialist at Odyssey House of Utah, the largest and one of the oldest treatment centers in the state.
Brian Lohrke
Brian Lohrke grew up in Sacramento, CA, where he enjoyed playing water polo and swimming. He has had served the citizens of Salt Lake County, primarily as a law enforcement officer, for the last 22 years. He is currently a Captain with the University of Utah Department of Public Safety.
He remains active by volunteering with community service organizations and enjoys exploring Utah’s backcountry with his wife, two teenage children, and mini Dachshund. An avid sports fan, you can often see him at Utah events cheering on his alma mater. Go Utes!
Board Member
Brittni Vega
Brittni Vega, born and raised in Sandy, Utah, has always had a deep love for animals and a strong commitment to animal welfare. Her other passion, photography, began at age 10, when she received her first camera, sparking a lifelong love for capturing moments. Over the years, she found a unique niche in animal photography.
Brittni channeled her love of pet photography into her Instagram account, Harlow and Sage, where she shares heartwarming and playful images of her pets and celebrates the bond between humans and animals.
Today, Brittni resides in Sandy with her husband, Jeff, their two-year-old son, and a lively home full of dogs and cats, including a Weimaraner and four dachshunds. Brittni and Jeff also own and operate a flooring store in Draper called Shag Rug La, which was started by Brittni’s grandparents in 1968.
Board Treasurer
Dr. Heather H. Moreau, BVM&S, MRCVS
Dr. Moreau grew up ‘back east’ spending her childhood years in Pennsylvania before relocating to Massachusetts with her family. Developing a love for skiing and racing at an early age, she studied at the University of Maine, Fort Kent where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology while competing on their Nordic and Alpine Ski Teams. While at UMFK, Dr. Moreau was elected as the University’s Student Representative to the Board of Trustees for 2 years, gaining valuable skills in team leadership and communication. Dr. Moreau graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2008 on a full presidential scholarship.
In 2008 Dr. Moreau and her future husband Julian relocated to Salt Lake City due to their love of skiing and family connections. Shortly thereafter she got her start in veterinary medicine through mutual ski team friends. Dr. Moreau worked full time as a veterinary technician at a small animal practice in the SLC valley before attending veterinary school in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Moreau was accepted into the University of Edinburgh’s Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies accelerated 4-year program in 2012. The school was founded in 1823 by Professor William Dick and is one of the oldest Veterinary Schools in the world, offering a well-rounded multi-species education. After a challenging four years studying and honing her clinical skills in and out of the classroom, Dr. Moreau was awarded the ‘Best Student in Dermatology’ award by the University at graduation in 2016.
Since graduation, Dr. Moreau has been working full time in small animal practice here in the Salt Lake Valley. Her areas of interest are dermatology, diagnostic imaging, and internal medicine. She enjoys speaking and educating both Veterinary professionals through local continuing education conferences as well as clients on a daily basis. She’s thoroughly looking forward to running her own veterinary practice where she can create a close-knit team of professionals that are here to provide the best care for your beloved pet family members.
Board Member
Sandy Nelson
Board Member
After working for years in the private sector, Sandy decided to follow her passion to make a difference and made the leap to animal welfare. She started out at Salt Lake County Animal Services (SLCoAS) doing marketing and communications. At SLCoAS, Sandy truly learned about giving animals a voice and engaging communities to make a difference.
In February 2015, Sandy brought her knowledge and experience to Best Friends Animal Society. She has worked in a capacity of roles there including NKUT manager, marketing specialist, and development officer. She currently “herds cats” as a project manager for Best Friends.
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In her spare time, Sandy likes hiking, biking, snowboarding, traveling, and true crime podcasts. She shares her home with her partner Ben and whatever foster pet happens to need them.
Lexey Payne
Lexey is 21 years old and currently lives in West Jordan with her two adorable cats, Nygil Mortimer and Zara Fey. She is a first generation college student currently working on her degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Theatre Arts and Film Studies. Eventually she hopes to work her way up to directing community theatre and teaching theatre courses at a High School level. She is currently attending Salt Lake Community College and is ready to transfer on to a Bachelor’s program this Fall!
Lexey grew up in a house full of dogs, her parents have always been very big animal rights advocates and Lexey has grown into the same habits. When she was 13 her mom bought Lexey her very first cat, Nygil. Once she graduated High School Lexey had Nygil registered as an Emotional Support Animal. After growing up in a house full of dogs it seemed that being an only pet didn’t suit Nygil very well when Lexey moved away from home. He needed a friend and there came along Zara! Lexey adopted Zara as a rescue kitten at one month old, she is now a just over a year old and loves her best friend Nygil!
After leaving a toxic and destructive relationship Lexey had to end her shared lease suddenly and was then in between apartments with nowhere to keep her cats. She couldn’t bare the thought of rehoming her cats so she searched for somewhere to keep them safe while she got back on her feet. This is how she got involved with Ruff Haven! Nygil and Zara stayed with an amazing Ruff Haven Foster Family for one month while Lexey adjusted to her new life and found her new apartment. Now that they have returned home, Lexey feels more passionate than ever about keeping pets with their people.
Board Member
Stan Stensrud
Stan enjoyed a successful 30-year career in retail management before entering retirement a couple of years ago. As a volunteer, Stan was vice president for the Downtown Retail Merchants Association, and also served as the co-director of the Miss Salt Lake County pageant for seven years.
Stan has had many pets in his own life and understands the important role pets play in peoples’ lives. A Utah native, Stan actively participates in Spartan Races, charity bike rides, and other sporting events.
Stan lives in Murray with his husband Kimo, his dad, mother-in-law, and Kubo, their shepherd rescue.
Board Member
& Co-Founder
Patrick Harding
Board Member
A lifelong resident of Utah, I have spent most of my life in small towns and recently moved from my hometown of Grantsville. I have a passion for helping others and I enjoy serving my local communities. I was a paramedic for 15 years and loved every minute of it. I am married with 2 sons in college and my daughter is finishing up her Esthetician schooling.
My family has enjoyed being a dog family for many years, and we currently have 2 beagle sisters to occupy our time. I enjoyed being a Scout leader for my local youth group for 12 years, helping others to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in our amazing state.
My passions are working with my hands (metalwork and woodwork), as well as car racing, and all things Disney related. I have been involved in health insurance for 24 years, and in Underwriting for 22 of those years. I took a non-traditional path to obtaining my degree (working full-time and attending college part-time) in Health Promotion and Education, with an emphasis in Community/Public Health. I have also been a victim advocate for my local Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault hotline.
Ann Wigham
Ann has experience in animal rescue and doing animal adoptions at Salt Lake County Animal Services. She has never been without a dog for more than 1-2 years. She could eat Mexican food daily, knows a lot of useless 80’s music trivia, loves spooky stuff, and believes that no one should lose their animals due to a temporary life inconvenience. She lives at home with her husband, daughter, and their rescue dog, Hal.
Board Member
Dr. Rennie Putnam, DVM
Rennie Putnam, DVM, is an Emergency Medicine Veterinarian at MedVet Salt Lake City where he has been a part of the team since 2021.
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Dr. Putnam attended the University of California, Berkeley where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Environmental Biology and Conservation and Resource Studies. He then earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. Following earning his veterinary degree, Dr. Putnam completed a rotating medicine and surgery internship at BluePearl Pet Hospital. Additionally, he completed an ophthalmology internship at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to joining MedVet, Dr. Putnam spent over four years practicing emergency veterinary medicine, most recently in Syracuse, NY.
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Dr. Rennie Putnam has a special interest in endocrinology, trauma, and ophthalmology. His favorite part of veterinary medicine is the process of overcoming challenging diagnoses, allowing him to help a pet feel better and send them home with their family.
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Dr. Putnam joined the Ruff Haven team in 2021 and regularly volunteers as our outreach veterinarian. When not in the ER, Dr. Putnam enjoys rock climbing, running, cycling, and playing chess.
Board Member
Mike Tams
Mike passed away in December 2020. We are grateful for his immeasurable passion and love of our clients, furry residents, and support of our program.
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Mike is a native Utahn and has lived in the Salt Lake County area for the last six years. He currently works in data security in Draper.
Mike is a two-time beagle owner, and admits that many people would say that getting a second beagle says that must say something about his mental state. But he says that he wouldn’t trade it for anything. He lost he first beagle seven years ago and after three years, came to the realization that his life was missing something. Enter Dexter, who has stolen his heart and keeps him busy supporting Dexter’s current term as the Salt Lake County Canine Mayor Dexter.
Mike is excited to be able to work with this amazing organization and wants to see every animal be able to have to life that Dexter has.
Honorary Lifetime Board Member
Guinnevere Shuster
Emeritus Board Member
Guinnevere has a diverse background working with both people and animals. Before joining the animal welfare sector, she managed a group home and worked in an afterschool program with refugee children. Guinnevere has worked and volunteered with all sorts of animals, from dogs to horses, to giant African millipedes and even emus.
Guinnevere joined the Humane Society of Utah in 2012. As the Social Media and Photography Manager, she has created a nationally recognized photography program promoting shelter animals in a positive light. Having her work featured online by the Huffington Post, Time, The Today Show, Oprah.com, and published in newspapers and magazines in the U.S., England, Germany, and Poland. Guinnevere has photographed shelter dogs in commercial and social media campaigns for Purina and Canon. In 2016 she was awarded Canon's Rebel with Cause winner. Guinnevere published her first book, Shelter Dogs in a Photo Booth, in 2016. She has assisted animal shelters and rescues across the country with setting up or improving their photography programs.
Guinnevere enjoys volunteering and often assists local animal welfare groups or coaching Special Olympics.
Guinnevere currently resides in Salt Lake City, UT, with her two rescue dogs, Petunia and Huxley. On Instagram @Tubs_and_Crew. And her Amazon parrot Sunshine and Turtle Evie.