Leadership
Board of Directors
Karen
Karen brings over 25 years of leadership experience from her tenure at Boehringer Ingelheim, where she held multiple senior positions, including President of the BI Cares Foundation. Her background reflects a strong dedication to corporate social responsibility and community impact. Karen joined the DAWS Board in 2023, bringing a strategic mindset and philanthropic passion that aligns with the mission of animal welfare. Her involvement has strengthened DAWS’ capacity for growth, outreach, and long-term success.
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn is a practicing attorney and a graduate of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, where she earned her J.D. cum laude. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, she has experience as a law clerk, researcher, and moot court champion. Her legal background includes work with insurance defense firms and the New York State Supreme Court. Kaitlyn contributes valuable legal insight to the Board and is deeply committed to the welfare of animals and the ethical governance of DAWS.
Luke
Luke is a Certified Financial Planner™ with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. He helps clients build tailored strategies for retirement planning and wealth management and holds FINRA Series 6, 7, 24, 63, and 65 licenses. Luke lives in Redding, CT, with his wife, two children, and their two rescue dogs, Momo and Appa. A triathlete and marathoner, he brings energy, discipline, and compassion to his role on the DAWS Board.
Alice
Alice is a finance professional with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as a derivatives marketer at Mizuho Securities. She holds an MBA from NYU, a BA in Computer Science from Rutgers University, and is a CFA Charterholder. Alice joined the DAWS Board in 2025 as Treasurer, providing financial oversight and strategic input. Her analytical expertise and passion for supporting local causes make her a vital asset to DAWS’ leadership team.
Lynne
Lynne is a seasoned interior and architectural designer with nearly three decades of experience in residential and commercial projects throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties. Her passion for animal welfare naturally evolved through her work designing veterinary clinics, shelters, and doggie daycares. A long-time supporter of DAWS, Lynne began volunteering in 2003 and later contributed pro bono architectural plans for the shelter’s renovation. With her husband, she helped transport over a thousand rescue dogs to no-kill shelters across the Northeast. Lynne now serves as Board Chair, continuing her commitment to improving the lives of animals in need.
Staff Leadership
Julian
Julian, an Orange American Shorthair, first joined DAWS in January 2025 and quickly rose through the ranks to become our beloved Chief Executive Overlord (CEO). Although originally placed on medical hold, Julian didn’t let a few vet visits keep him from taking charge. As the official shelter mascot and honorary executive, Julian now oversees daily operations from his favorite sunspot, provides morale boosts to staff and volunteers, and offers silent but judgmental approval of all major decisions. While he may never be medically cleared for adoption, Julian has found his home at DAWS, where he is cherished by the entire team. His leadership style is a mix of naps, snack requests, and occasional keyboard interference—but he inspires everyone around him to lead with compassion, patience, and a touch of cattitude.
Adam
Adam brings over 12 years of nonprofit executive leadership experience to his role as Executive Director of DAWS. Formerly with REACH Western Connecticut, he is passionate about animal welfare, community engagement, and organizational growth. Adam lives in Trumbull with his wife, three children, and their dog, and leads DAWS into its next chapter with a focus on strategic innovation, mission advancement, and long-term sustainability.
Michelle
Michelle has been an integral part of the DAWS community since 2010, starting as a cat socializer and quickly taking on increasing responsibility as an Adoption Counselor, Team Lead, and Co-Cat Chair. She was appointed Foster Manager in 2013 and has led the program with passion and dedication ever since. Her work ensures that vulnerable animals—especially kittens—find safe, loving foster homes as they await adoption.
Brian
Brian brings over five years of experience in animal care and a lifetime of compassion for pets to his role as Shelter Manager at DAWS. With a full house that includes six dogs, seven cats, two children, and lots of laughter, he leads shelter operations with energy and heart. Brian is also an avid hockey fan and values time spent with his family and animals both at home and at work.
Karen
Karen began volunteering with DAWS 18 years ago and quickly became a key figure in the development of the Puppy Program. She and her family have fostered many pregnant dogs and puppies, and she continues to bring that same care and commitment to her role as Intake Manager. Karen works tirelessly to ensure that animals entering the shelter are safe, supported, and given the best start on their journey to forever homes.
Kelly
Kelly is a seasoned fundraising professional with a strong background in donor relations and nonprofit marketing. Her career highlights include managing direct response programs for national nonprofits and surpassing fundraising goals at Saint Mary School in Bethel. Kelly has also worked with North Shore Animal League and brings a deep love for animals to her role at DAWS. Her strategic approach and results-driven mindset are helping shape the organization’s fundraising future.
Amelia
Amelia, SHRM-CP, is a communications and nonprofit marketing professional with a background in strategic planning and community outreach. She holds a BA in Communication Studies from the University of Northern Colorado and is pursuing her master’s in the same field. Amelia previously served as Marketing and Development Director at Housatonic Habitat for Humanity and Director of Communications at the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce. Now, as DAWS’ Marketing Manager, she is leading efforts in digital engagement, events, and public relations—bringing creativity, warmth, and professionalism to every project.