Key Staff
Heidi Wills Yamada
Chief Executive Officer | hwills@paws.org
Heidi Wills Yamada has 25 years of experience in the public sector and as a non-profit leader. Prior to PAWS, she was an award-winning Executive Director of The First Tee dedicated to youth development. Before her career in non-profit leadership, Heidi served as an elected official on the Seattle City Council where she led on animal welfare and environmental protection, including the circus ban, renewable energy, green building, and public transit. In college, Heidi spent a summer volunteering at the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center in Sitka. She has served on the boards of Climate Solutions, Conservation NW, Transportation Choices Coalition, Seattle Seafair, UW Alumni Association, Visit Seattle, and the Sierra Club. Heidi and her husband, Kobi Yamada, own a Seattle-based company, Compendium, recognized for its philanthropy and community impact. They live in Edmonds with their two teens. Their daughter volunteered for a year at PAWS Cat City, where they adopted cats June, Jumper and Tawny. They also have a dog named Letti who takes them on regular walks.
Phi Nguyen
Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operations Officer | pnguyen@paws.org
Phi Nguyen came to PAWS in 2021 with more than 20 years of experience in a diverse set of industries including biotech, shipbuilding, manufacturing, software and non‑profit. She began her career in public accounting, then moved to the private sector focusing on business operations and financial planning and analysis. Her career has included several leadership roles. Phi graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington – Foster School of Business with specialization in Accounting and Finance and is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant. She has volunteered for numerous arts and cultures non‑profit organizations and joined PAWS to advocate for and work toward the well‑being of dogs, cats, and wildlife. Phi lives in Seattle with two dogs, two cats, and five chickens.
Jennifer Convy
Senior Director of PAWS Wildlife Center and Companion Animal Shelter | jconvy@paws.org
Jennifer Convy has over 31 years of animal welfare experience including 28 years of supervisory and management experience in animal care, operations, and leadership positions. She began her career in the equine and small animal veterinary field, then pivoted to a wildlife rehabilitation career at the Missouri Wildlife Rescue Center as a Wildlife Technician and Center Manager. Jennifer serves as an executive Board member for the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA), is the Secretary and Human Resources Chair for NWRA, and presents at annual wildlife conferences. She is a founding Board member and Past President of the Washington Wildlife Rehabilitation Association. She represents PAWS on task forces and advisory groups, most recently serving on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Advisory Committee to revise the Washington Administrative Codes for wildlife rehabilitation. Jennifer has authored and co‑authored numerous articles and chapters in wildlife rehabilitation books and journals, presented testimony at legislative hearings, and provides consultation to colleagues developing wildlife centers. She and her husband have three teenage sons, two PAWS dogs, Fiona and Poca Bean, and five cute fish.
Mick Szydlowski
Director of Public Affairs | mick@paws.org
Mick Szydlowski joined PAWS in 2022 overseeing social media, media relations, publications, messaging, brand awareness, education, and advocacy initiatives. He has two decades of marketing experience in a wide variety of private industries, as well as in non-profit. Prior to joining, Mick operated a business that specialized in digital media creation, social media and events consulting for pet brands, as well as book publishing and e-commerce. Additionally, he is an award-winning children’s book author and author ambassador of the National Federation of the Blind and NASA’s Center for the Advancement of Science in Space. Mick is a graduate of the University of Nebraska, where he studied history and attended graduate business school. He is passionate about animal welfare and environmental causes and has been a featured speaker on these topics at conventions across the USA and Canada. Mick resides in Seattle since 2012 with his wife, two young daughters, and two blind cats adopted from PAWS.
Andi Anderson
Director of Philanthropy and Events | aanderson@paws.org
Andi Anderson came to PAWS in 2019 after several years of working as a fundraising consultant to a diverse portfolio of non‑profits across the country. As Director of Philanthropy and Events, Andi manages all aspects of individual giving at PAWS, including the annual fund, major gifts, and planned giving. Additionally, Andi oversees the organization’s efforts to secure funding to construct a new wildlife center in Snohomish. In her role, Andi works directly with PAWS donors, manages a fundraising team, and collaborates with a group of dedicated volunteers. Andi’s favorite part of her work is having the opportunity to connect with people who are just as committed to making the world a better place for animals as she is. Andi earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish at Willamette University College of Liberal Arts and a Master of Business Administration with focus in non‑profit management from Willamette University Atkinson Graduate School of Management. Andi lives in Everett with her husband, Ryan, and cats, Tillie and Ollie.
Shauna Gunn
Director of People Experience | sgunn@paws.org
Shauna Gunn joined the PAWS People Experience (Human Resources) team in 2017, bringing a wealth of insight and expertise from organizations of all sizes and industries, including higher education, biotech, manufacturing, art instruction, and nonprofits. Combining her love of animals with the joy she feels working in Human Resources makes being a part of the PAWS team a dream come true. Shauna conscientiously works to improve individual and organizational effectiveness, ensure people policies and programs are value-add, and prioritize the people experience. Prior to PAWS, Shauna owned a small business for group painting lessons, which she built from the ground up and managed all day-to-day business aspects. Shauna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and the Senior Certified Professional credential from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP). She lives locally with her husband, their two PAWS cats, and a puppy who joined the family in early 2023. Shauna’s favorite pastime is spending time with her family. In her free time, she enjoys painting, baking, and traveling.
Board of Directors
Joe Grube, Chair
Joe Grube is an attorney with Grube Orehoski PLLC in Seattle. He has practiced law in the state and federal courts of Washington and Oregon for 24 years and in Nevada for 13 years, focusing on plaintiffs’ personal injury, civil rights, and commercial litigation and appeals. Over the years, Joe has been affiliated with numerous legal organizations that support providing public access to justice, a personal priority for him. An avid animal lover since childhood, preventing the pain, suffering, and needless death of animals is of the utmost importance to Joe. He shares his animal passion with his wife, Martine, and children, Jacob and Dylan. Joe and his family enjoy traveling, live music, good books, and spending time with their two dogs, Baxter and Cooper. Joe joined the PAWS Board in 2020 and served as Vice Chair from 2023 to 2024. He is the Chair and serves on the Executive Committee, Communications & Philanthropy Committee, and Vice Chair of the Advocacy Committee.
Jen Evans, Vice Chair
Jen Evans is a risk management professional with eight years of commercial banking experience. In her current role with MUFG Union Bank, she manages credit quality and regulatory compliance for middle-market clients in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. Originally from the East Coast, Jen received a Bachelor of Arts from Florida State University before moving abroad and earning a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in the Netherlands and Spain. She learned to speak Dutch and attempted Catalan along the way. After a decade of traveling, Jen moved to Seattle in 2013 and decided to stay. She became a regular volunteer with PAWS in 2016 in the companion animal shelter before joining the Board of Directors in 2017 and serving as Treasurer from 2019-2022, Chair of the Finance Committee from 2021-2022, and Chair from 2022-2023. Jen has lived in many different cities across the United States and Europe. However, her favorite is Edmonds, WA, where she lives with her boyfriend, two dogs (both PAWS alumni), and four chickens. She is the Vice Chair and serves on the Executive and Finance Committees.
C. Han Kim,Treasurer
C. Han Kim is the managing partner for Pagoda Investments, LLC. He has been a banker for over 30 years, serving in various executive leadership and management positions. He graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, earned a Master of Business Administration from Seattle University, and received a post-graduate certificate in bank executive management from Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. Community service and leadership are integral parts of Han’s life. He has served on his Presbyterian Church Board for more than ten years, including president and Treasurer, and served on the Laurelhurst Community Club as a Board member and Treasurer. Han enjoys an active lifestyle with skiing, yoga, running, and cycling. He has called northeast Seattle home for over 20 years, where he lives with his two daughters and Bailey, their adored black Labradoodle. Han joined the PAWS Board in 2020 and is the Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair and serves on the Executive Committee.
Katie Jordan, Secretary
Katie Jordan’s career includes nearly 30 years in various product management and marketing communications roles, with 25 years at Microsoft and SAP. Before her marketing career, she taught 5th grade in the Shoreline School District. A Seattle native, Katie graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations/Journalism, a certificate in Elementary Education, and a master’s degree in education. Katie serves on the University Child Development School Board of Trustees. She has held various leadership and committee roles over the past six years, including Board Chair. She spent many years as a parent volunteer, including a Parent Association officer and an Auction Co‑Chair. Katie lives in Seattle with her husband, Glenn, and high school‑aged daughter, Sarah. Katie enjoys family sailing trips, boating on Lake Washington, and spending time with family companions Boots (cat), Copper (rabbit), and Tilly (Arab Connemara pony). Katie joined the PAWS Board in 2020, served as Vice Chair through 2021, Chair through 2022, and Immediate Past Chair in 2023. Katie is the Secretary; she serves on the Executive Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and the Chair of the Board Development and Governance Committee.
Jim Soriano, At-Large Executive Member
Jim Soriano is co-owner of Western Pioneer, Inc. d.b.a. Alaska Ship Supply, a commercial fishing supplies and property business in Western Alaska. He has over 25 years of experience in executive-level management. He holds the title of a U.S. Merchant Marine Chief Engineer Ocean. Jim has served on the Board of Directors of two corporate entities throughout his career. He is also a voting member of the Okanogan Basin Watershed Planning Unit, which meets monthly to discuss and recommend viable solutions for protecting stream flows and improving salmon restoration. Jim is primarily concerned with habitat fragmentations and their adverse effects on wildlife. Over the last 40 years, Jim and his wife, Nancy, have collaborated with several Washington State NGOs, including the Trust for Public Land, Conservation Northwest, Futurewise, and the Okanogan Land Trust in their efforts to preserve critical habitat and protect a significant wildlife corridor connecting two great mountain ranges, the Cascades to the Rockies. In his free time, he works in organic agriculture in Okanogan or spends quality time outdoors with his family in the Seattle area. Jim joined the PAWS board in 2022 and currently serves on the Executive Committee and the Campus Planning & Facilities Committee.
Josh Amato
Josh Amato is a recognized local expert in digital marketing as it relates to political campaigns and government. He is the co-founder of Sermo Digital, a marketing agency that helps elect good people to local office, local governments effectively communicate with their residents, and small businesses grow. He is a guest lecturer in undergraduate and graduate-level political science classes at the University of Washington. He currently serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Sammamish and is an active member of Rotary. Josh and his wife, Jessica, married in 2016 after meeting on Rob McKenna’s campaign for Governor. In keeping with the political theme, their border collie mix dogs, Laura and Eleanor, are named after First Ladies Laura Bush and Eleanor Roosevelt. Likewise, their independent orange cat, Ike, is named after President Eisenhower. Josh joined the PAWS Board in 2020 and currently serves on the Campus Planning & Facilities Committee and the Communications and Philanthropy Committee.
Norm Arkans
Norm Arkans retired in 2017 after a 38-year career in public relations and media relations at the University of Washington. He oversaw the UW’s media relations program beginning in 1985 as well as the UW’s public radio station, KUOW. Norm was a member of the KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio Board and serves on the Board of The First Tee of Greater Seattle. In 2019, he was awarded the Jay Rockey Lifetime Achievement Award from the Puget Sound Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. A native of Philadelphia, Norm earned his Bachelor’s degree from Franklin and Marshall College and his Master’s degree and PhD in English Literature from the UW, with scholarly emphasis on Victorian literature. Norm taught English at the State University of New York–Stony Brook for three years before returning to the UW in 1979. Norm and his wife, Raimonda (Mona) Modiano, have lived in Seattle for 50 years, raising two children and a small horde of three rescue cats. His children, Sam and Andrea, are now devoted dog owners to a Chihuahua mix rescue and vivacious Australian blue heeler, and Norm and Mona do the requisite dog sitting. Norm joined the PAWS Board in 2020 and currently chairs the Development & Marketing Committee.
Joanna Grist
Joanna Grist is a state contract lobbyist, communications strategist, and the owner of Grist Public Affairs since 2015. She has a record of passing major policy bills, providing defense, and securing state funding for non‑profits, government agencies, and businesses. Joanna works in a broad range of policy areas including the environment, transportation, housing, education, financial security, criminal justice, health care, and capital projects. Prior to becoming a lobbyist, Joanna served as Director of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, a non‑profit advocacy organization. During her 15‑year tenure, the Coalition led a successful campaign to double state funding for parks, trails, and wildlife habitat to $100 million. This remains the single largest environmental appropriation in state history. Joanna lives near the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, which she visits frequently with her husband and two teenage boys. They share their home with Rafa Kitty, an orange tabby from Islamabad, along with PAWS kitten alumni Nico and Ginger. Joanna joined the PAWS Board in 2020 and currently chairs the Advocacy Committee as well as serves on the Board Development & Governance Committee.
Heather Hager
Heather Hager is an executive who has led transformation, innovation, and growth at three iconic global brands. She is the Founder and CEO of HH Interiors, a boutique design consultancy. Previously, she was President of Ann Sacks, a Kohler company, where she drove profitable growth and enterprise‑wide culture change. Heather also spent 14 years at Starbucks during which she held key leadership roles in Strategy, Customer Experience, Brand, and Category Management. She comes to PAWS with nearly 20 years of non‑profit Board experience. Heather holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from Indiana University, and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Management from New York University. She also earned an Associate of Arts in Interior Design, pursuing a personal passion for integrating design thinking into her professional arena. Heather enjoys yoga, horseback riding, scuba diving, hiking, and beach walks with her husband, Kevin, and their whippets, Jak and Zoe. She joined the PAWS Board in 2020 and currently serves on the Strategic Planning Committee and Campus Planning & Facilities Committee.
Steve Hall
Steve Hall spent most of his career in private club management. He was formerly the General Manager of Seattle Yacht Club and Broadmoor Golf Club. While at Broadmoor, he teamed with club and local leaders to form The First Tee of Greater Seattle, a non-profit organization that has benefitted thousands of youths in the Seattle area by teaching life skills through the game of golf. In 2015, Steve left the private club industry to pursue yet another passion by starting his own company, Revive Properties LLC. Steve’s company first focused on buying distressed properties to “flip,” emphasizing quality and design. The company now provides building design, consulting, and project management services for clients, and Steve uses his experience and expertise in this arena to assist PAWS with capital projects. He shares his home with Sami the cat, who runs the household. Steve joined the PAWS Board in 2020. He currently chairs the Campus Planning & Facilities Committee and serves on the Finance Committee.
Jill Jones
Jill Jones is a senior finance professional with over 20 years of lending experience. She currently serves as the Vice President and Senior Community Association Banking Officer for Columbia Bank providing financing for major condominium remediation projects. Prior to working at Columbia Bank, Jill was the Vice President and Business Development Officer at Wells Fargo Capital Finance. Jill holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from City University and a Master of Science in Taxation from Golden Gate University and is a former CPA. Jill is an active community member, currently serving as a volunteer tax preparer for the United Way FreeTax Program and serves on the Business Partner Committee of the Washington State Community Association Institute. She previously volunteered with Hike for Discovery, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and served on the Boards of Camp Fire Central Puget Sound, Footloose Disabled Sailing Association, and Bellevue Community College Foundation. Jill is a self-described world traveler, mountain climber, outdoor enthusiast, personal trainer, and passionate dog lover. Jill joined the PAWS Board in 2018 and currently chairs the Audit Committee.
Damian King
Damian King is a retired human resources executive and employment attorney with a passion for helping animals. His experience spans the pharmaceutical industry and large non-profit organizations. Damian also served his local community as a former civil service commissioner and the Alliance of Citizens for Edmonds in various board roles including President, Secretary, and Treasurer. He was first on the PAWS Board from 2016 – 2020 where he served as Vice President and took a pivotal role on the CEO Search Committee. Damian has degrees from the University of Washington, Pepperdine, and the London School of Economics. He is an advocate for collaborative thinking to support better strategic outcomes. In addition to board duties, Damian has contributed hundreds of hours as a PAWS Advanced Training Volunteer dog walker and has also fostered many PAWS companion animals. Damian and his wife, Eileen, enjoy travel, reading, cooking, gardening, and Seattle Kraken games. Two sweet PAWS rescue cats have made their home in Edmonds very entertaining and can expect to be joined by other furry companions when construction of their new home is complete. Damian re-joined the PAWS Board in 2022 and currently serves on the Campus Planning & Facilities Committee.
Ju Lee
Ju Lee is a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience. Currently, Ju is the Head of Tax at GLOBALFOUNDRIES. Prior to GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Ju was at Fortive, in charge of global tax technology strategies, tax accounting and reporting, and Sarbanes Oxley control. Prior to Fortive, Ju was a Tax Controller at Microsoft as well as holding tax positions at Paccar, Costco, and Clark Nuber. While at Fortive, Ju ran the annual charity campaign with Boys and Girls Club and launched multiple campaigns, including a remote campaign that engaged students and employees from all around the world. Ju has volunteered at Operation Sack Lunch as well as her local school’s Parent Teacher Student Association, serving as Treasurer and engaging in fundraising efforts. She currently lives in Bothell with her husband, two children, and two dogs, Toby, a beagle, and Mayzie, a PAWS rescue puppy. Ju likes to hike, go on trips, cook, play tennis, and spend time with her family. She joined the PAWS Board in 2020 and currently serves on the Finance Committee.
Bob Mahon
Bob Mahon is a partner at Perkins Coie LLP, where he chairs the law firm’s national tax, benefits, and executive compensation practice. Bob writes and speaks extensively on state and local tax issues and has taught state and local taxation as an adjunct professor at the University of Washington School of Law since 1999. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America since 2012 and was recognized as Best Lawyers’ Seattle Tax Lawyer of the Year in 2015 and 2018. Bob currently serves on the Boards of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Washington Research Council, the State and Local Tax Committee of the American Bar Association Tax Section, and the Washington State Bar Association Taxation Section and as a member of the Washington Department of Revenue’s Business Advisory Council. He also previously served as chair of the Seattle Ethics and Election Commission. He lives in the Montlake neighborhood of Seattle and is a past President of the Montlake Community Club. Bob joined the PAWS Board in 2020 and served as Treasurer from 2022-2024, Chair of the Finance Committee from 2022-2024, and currently serves on the Finance Committee.
Eddie Pasatiempo
Eddie Pasatiempo is President and Founder of EMP Consulting Group, LLC, a management consulting firm that helps companies and leaders perform better. He is a veteran technology industry executive with expansive cross-industry experience and has held executive roles with Thomson Reuters, EDS, and IBM. He has been involved with early-stage companies such as Paul Allen’s Vulcan Ventures and has held president positions at both private and public companies. Eddie received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Washington. He was inducted into the UW Department of Communications Hall of Fame in 2012 and in 2016 was awarded the UW Distinguished Alumni Award. A dedicated community activist, Eddie’s board service has included the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, UW Alumni Association, UW Board of Regents, Seattle University’s Albers School of Economics & Business Executive Advisory Board, Washington Technology Industry Association, Seattle Humane, Robert Chinn Foundation, and Advisory Board of BMO (Harris Private Bank). Eddie and his wife, Tammy, and grown daughter, Ashley, have lived in many cities throughout the United States and Asia. A proud UW alumnus, they returned to northeast Seattle and never left, where they live with their chihuahua, Lily. Eddie joined the PAWS Board in 2021 and currently serves on the Finance Committee.
Hon. Strom Peterson
Strom Peterson currently represents the 21st Legislative District in the Washington State House of Representatives and previously served on the Edmonds City Council from 2009 to 2014. Strom grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and received his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of New Mexico. He and his wife, Maria Montalvo, settled in Edmonds in 2001, where they founded three successful small businesses. Strom and Maria are active members of the Edmonds community and live in the Seaview neighborhood of Edmonds with their beloved dog, Lulu. Strom joined the PAWS Board in 2016, served as Secretary from 2019 – 2021, and currently serves on the Board Development & Governance Committee.
Peter Schrappen
Peter Schrappen has spent his 20-year career in the electoral, legislative, and advocacy arenas. He is the Vice President of American Waterways Operators, the trade association for the tugboat, towboat, and barge industry. Before that, he was the Vice President and Director of Government Affairs for the Northwest Marine Trade Association, which owns and produces the Seattle Boat Show. In his free time, Peter serves on and chairs numerous boards and recently became a Certified Association Executive (CAE), the association and trade industry’s recognized certification, demonstrating a wide range of knowledge essential to managing associations. Peter also recently started a podcast called “The Joy of Life.” Regarding nature and wildlife, Peter loves to think about, discuss, and plan trips to his favorite vacation spot, Yellowstone National Park. Peter, his wife Emily, and their two kids, Olive and August, call the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle home along with PAWS alumnus Archie the cat. Peter joined the PAWS Board in 2020, served as the Secretary from 2022-2023, and was Chair of the Board Development & Governance Committee from 2022-2023.
Chuck Stempler
After an extensive career as an executive in the apparel manufacturing industry, Chuck Stempler found his calling, putting his entrepreneurial leadership skills, customer focus, and creative approach to manufacturing to work in the printing world. Chuck relocated to Seattle and purchased AlphaGraphics in 2001. As Owner and CEO, Chuck acquired numerous other Seattle-based printing companies and turned AlphaGraphics into one of the fastest-growing companies in Washington State and the 3rd largest quick/small commercial printing company in America. Chuck and the AlphaGraphics team demonstrate their devotion to the Seattle community by supporting many community causes. Chuck currently serves as Board Treasurer of the Holocaust Center for Humanity and Board Treasurer of Seattle Arts and Lectures. He is a past Board Chair of Seattle Humane and served on the International Franchise Association Board. Chuck holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. He enjoys reading, traveling, marathon running, and spending time with his wife, Sally, and cats, Pablo and Vincent. He joined the PAWS Board in 2020 and served as Chair through 2021 and Immediate Past Chair from 2022-2023. Chuck currently serves on the Campus Planning & Facilities Committee.
Rebekah Strausbaugh
Rebekah Strausbaugh is a senior finance and operations professional with over 20 years of experience. She currently serves as the U.S. Senior Project Manager for Amazon’s Vaccine Programs after transitioning from a finance career that included multiple senior leadership roles at Amazon, JP Morgan Chase, and Ernst & Young LLC. Rebekah holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is a CPA (currently inactive). She serves as a Treasurer for the Preston Kuppe Guild, one of Seattle Children’s Hospital’s top fundraising guilds and has been fostering companion animals for over a decade. Rebekah is an enthusiastic world traveler (45 countries to date!), a live theater and concert aficionado, a paddleboarding novice, a lover of the outdoors, and a devoted mom to two extremely adorable, fluffy creatures. Rebekah joined the PAWS Board in 2021 and currently serves on the Campus Planning & Facilities Committee.
Karen Trujillo
Karen Trujillo has 25 years of combined expertise in areas including national account management, product administration, implementation, and customer experience. She currently works at Premera Blue Cross where she serves as the Sales Director for National Accounts. Karen earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington and is passionate about helping animals in various capacities, from volunteering at Pasado’s Safe Haven to helping stray or lost animals in local neighborhoods. She joined the PAWS Board in 2017 and currently serves on the Board Development & Governance Committee and Audit Committee.
Kris Tsujikawa
Kris Tsujikawa worked in the public sector for over 22 years, including 18 years for the King County Sheriff’s Office as a Fingerprint Examiner/Expert, before taking time off to raise her son, Nicola. A graduate of the University of Washington, she served as Volunteer Coordinator and then Legislative Intern for Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata. Her belief in community is reflected in the wide range of volunteer roles she has taken on with the Seattle International Film Festival, Asian American and Jewish Film Festivals, American Jewish Committee, KUOW, Regional Animal Services King County, and McDonald International Elementary. Kris shares her Wallingford home with her family and three senior cats. She spends her free time photographing wildlife. As an advocate for crows and other wild birds, Kris has amassed a large online following of animal lovers worldwide. Kris is confident we can create a better environment for animals and people through education. Kris joined the PAWS Board in 2020 and served as the Treasurer from 2023-2024. She currently serves on the Communications & Philanthropy Committee.
Muriel Van Housen
Muriel has been advocating for animals most of her life; donating her time and resources, demonstrating, campaigning, and speaking up and out for those who cannot speak for themselves. She has served on the board of Idaho Humane Society in Boise, Idaho and was a member of the Washington State Council of the Humane Society of the United States. In addition to serving on the PAWS board she is Chair of the Board of the Center for a Humane Economy in Washington D.C. Professionally, Muriel practiced personal financial planning and wealth management in privately held firms until selling the last one to US Bank. At US Bank she founded and managed the Private Asset Management Group. She later joined U.S. Trust Company and helped establish and lead its Seattle office until 2007. In addition to her work with animals, Muriel has devoted time to numerous arts and community organizations. She has served on the boards of the Seattle Opera, the Seattle Symphony and the YWCA of Seattle-King County, and was Treasurer of the latter two organizations. She is currently Secretary of the Seattle Symphony Foundation board. Muriel holds a BA from the University of Washington and is designated as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). She has shared her home with numerous dogs and cats over the years. Luciano a long-haired Tuxedo adopted from PAWS Cat City is her current feline companion.
Jennie Warmouth, Ph.D.
Dr. Jennie Warmouth is a public school teacher and university professor with a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Washington. Her qualitative research focuses on the psychology of human-animal interaction and the development of empathy. She is a two-time Fulbright alumna (Scotland and Ghana) and a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow (Arctic Svalbard). Jennie joined the PAWS Board in 2017 after developing an innovative humane education program through which elementary school students learn to read, write, and advocate through the generation of online advertisements for “difficult to place” dogs and cats awaiting adoption at PAWS. Nothing makes Jennie happier than spending time with her puppy, Maeby, who she adopted from PAWS. She currently serves on the Communications and Philanthropy Committee.
Erica Wolf
Erica Wolf is the founder and principal attorney at Wolf Law PLLC, a trusts and estates law firm. Prior to starting her law firm, she worked as Director of Graduate Law Programs, Executive Director of the Center for Indian Law and Policy, and as an Adjunct Professor at Seattle University School of Law, where she currently serves as a Fellow. Erica is an avid hiker and mountain biker, and enjoys participating in endurance events. She and her wife, Connie, are passionate about the welfare of all animals, and especially their love for cats. They know all the cats in the neighborhood and have vowed to never live without an animal. Erica joined the PAWS board in 2021 and currently serves on the Advocacy Committee and Board Development & Governance Committee.