Board of Directors
Desirae Kennington
President
Desirae Kennington has over 15 years of management and marketing experience consisting of digital marketing, event planning, graphic design, and marketing communications. Desirae joined TLC as a volunteer in 2012 when her employer selected TLC as the beneficiary for a community event. Since then she has been a driving force in fundraising and growth of TLC. In 2014 she joined the Board of Directors and took on the role of Fundraising Chair, maintained that role and became Vice President in 2015, then was elected President in 2016. She is always looking for what we need to do next to make sure we are continuing to grow while maintaining the highest level of care for our animals and employees.
Susan Russell
TREAsURER
Susan Russell has 37 years of experience in administration & accounting for Ryder Transportation including 10 years as manager of their Financial Reporting Department. After retiring in 2011, she joined the TLC Board of Directors in February 2013, served as Secretary until 2015, then added role of Treasurer. Susan served as Secretary and Treasurer through 2018, continuing as Treasurer and taking on the role of Fundraising Chair in January 2019. Susan is the head of fundraising and through her work we have brought in tens of thousands of dollars over the years to care for animals who have made their way to TLC. She keeps a close eye on our financials ensuring we are always set for success and keeps us aiming for the next big step in TLC’s story.
Marcia Engel
board member
Marcia Engel brings many years of leadership and management experience from her professional career to TLC. Since she has retired, Marcia has spent several years volunteering at TLC by walking dogs, socializing animals, working on dog playgroups, and assisting our Animal Caregivers when they need help. This has given her very valuable knowledge of how the shelter runs day to day and she has a wonderful relationship with our Animal Caregivers. She is very passionate about the safety and wellbeing our of animals. Marcia also assists in fundraiser efforts and ensures we continue to improve the lives of animals who find their way to our shelter.
Gayle Gannaway
Vice President
Gayle Gannaway has over 40 years of experience in finance, accounting and information technology. In her career she managed personnel, large projects, and developed training documentation. Working for small companies and large corporations, she developed management and organizational skills, mentored individuals, and served in many leadership roles. Gayle joined the TLC Board of Directors in 2010 and served as the Treasurer until 2015 and then took on the role of Vice President in 2016. Her experience in leadership roles and mentoring makes Gayle a wonderful mediator and ensures our decisions are well thought out before implementation.
Sean Bailey
SECRETARY
Sean Bailey has over 20 years of leadership and management experience in the healthcare industry and countless hours of volunteer work with humane societies around middle and north Georgia. He worked as an Animal Caregiver at TLC for over a year before joining his wife at the University of North Georgia where he displays his talents in digital marketing, event planning, and graphic design. He is incredibly happy to join TLC as a board member and very appreciative that he gets to continue to work with such a wonderful, eclectic group of people and animals. Sean’s time at TLC as an Animal Caregiver is a huge asset to our Board of Directors providing value insight into the day to day operations of the shelter and interaction with the community.
Taylor Stephenson
board member
Taylor Stephenson's commitment to the welfare of animals is undeniable. She previously served as an Animal Caregiver and her transition to the board signifies her deep-rooted dedication to TLC's mission. Her time spent as an Animal Caregiver has equipped her with invaluable insights into the daily operations of the shelter and its interactions within the community. As a board member, Taylor is poised to leverage her firsthand experience to enhance TLC's effectiveness and further its impact. Her dedication to animal welfare and her understanding of the intricacies of shelter operations make her a valuable asset to the Board of Directors.