Kara Pappas | Interim CEO
Kara Pappas has served the nonprofit sector since 2006, and has 10 years of combined experience at Larimer Humane Society. She adds the responsibility of interim CEO to her existing role as director of development and community relations, which she has held since 2018. Kara has been instrumental in working with the Board of Directors and staff to build important partnerships and help expand the Society’s advancement.
In addition to her responsibilities at Larimer Humane Society, Kara is an instructor for CSU’s Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Degree Program in Zoo Aquarium and Animal Shelter Management. She has served as chief development officer for a national nonprofit supporting military and veteran families, and as director of development for Longmont Humane Society.
Kara earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and technical communication from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Regis University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in management specializing in nonprofit leadership.
Loveland natives, Kara and her husband share their home with adopted dogs, Wyatt, Shelby, and Hope. Kara is proud to work on behalf of an organization that removes animals from harmful situations; that provides animals with a safe, loving “home-between-homes;” and that helps facilitate the human-animal bond.
Marty Kennedy | Director of Finance
Marty Kennedy joined Larimer Humane Society as the Director of Finance in May 2019 with over 25 years of nonprofit finance and management experience. Marty is responsible for planning, directing and controlling the finance and licensing functions of the Society.
Prior to joining Larimer Humane Society, Marty worked for Envision, Creative Support for People with Developmental Disabilities as the Finance and Administration Director. Marty served as Chief Financial Officer of Special Olympics Colorado; Chief Operating Officer of Family Tree whose mission is to address the interconnected issues of child abuse, domestic violence, and homeless; and Chief Operating Officer of Morris Animal Foundation whose mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals.
Marty graduated from Bryant University with a BS in Business Administration and completed graduate studies in accounting and management at the University of Alaska, Anchorage.
Marty volunteered at Dumb Friend’s League Quebec and Buddy shelter for many years and is thrilled to continue to support animal health and welfare at Larimer Humane Society.
Jean Mooney, PHR | Director of Human Resources
Jean joined Larimer Humane Society as the director of human resources in January 2010, with more than 20 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies in human resources, public and government affairs, communications, and marketing.
At Larimer Humane Society, Jean is responsible for the strategic direction and tactical implementation of the shelter’s human resource policies and practices, as well as the creation of professional development programs and services for management and employees. Areas of focus include employment policies, practices and procedures; compensation and benefits; employee relations and communication; staffing, performance management and succession planning; compliance and organizational development.
Prior to joining Larimer Humane Society, Jean held management positions at Agilent Technologies and Hewlett-Packard in Colorado and Delaware, respectively. Most recently, she served as Agilent’s Colorado public affairs and communications manager, and the global business communications manager for the Materials Science Solutions Business Unit.
Jean earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Texas A & M University with a minor in business. She earned her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and her Human Resources Generalist Certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Additionally, Jean holds a Corporate Community Involvement (CCI) Certification from Boston College.
Jean was drawn to work for Larimer Humane Society after years of supporting animal welfare organizations and adopting shelter pets.
Jen Valentine | Director of Operations
Jen Valentine is the Director of Operations for Larimer Humane Society. Having been a member of the shelter team since June of 2008 serving as a Client Services Representative, Client Services Supervisor and Shelter Manager, she brings a wealth of organizational knowledge to this leadership position.
Jen is responsible for the strategic direction and daily operations of the animal shelter, including Animal Care and Placement, Veterinary Services, Information Technology and Facilities and Maintenance.
From a very early age, Jen has had a passion for working with and helping animals. With experience in working with domestic and wild animals, as well as livestock, Jen was drawn to Larimer Humane Society through her desire to provide assistance, guidance, and resources to pet owners to help preserve the human-animal bond. She feels blessed to have her dream job which allows her to help make a difference for her community every day.
Jen is a Colorado native and shares her home with her husband and their two cats. She enjoys reading, baking, music and loves all snow-related activities.
Rigo Neira | Director of Animal Protection & Control
Rigo is responsible for the overall management and leadership of the Animal Protection & Control department, overseeing the enforcement of county ordinances, municipal code and state statutes relating to animal welfare and public safety.
He rejoined the Larimer Humane Society in September 2019 as the Director of Animal Protection & Control. Rigo began his career in animal welfare as an Animal Protection & Control Officer right here with the Larimer Humane Society in 1997. Until his departure in 2007 he fulfilled roles as the Director of Animal Protection & Control and Chief Operations Officer for the Society. During that time he also served as a member of state boards and committees such as the Colorado Association of Animal Control Officers Board of Directors as President, the Animal Control Representative on the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies board, and on The Colorado Pet Overpopulation Authority Advisory Board.
Between 2007 and 2017 Rigo continued to work in animal welfare as the Vice President/Director of Operations for the Hawaiian Humane Society followed by a position as the Chief Investigator for the Colorado Humane Society. He also worked with the World Society for the Protection of Animals for almost a decade, volunteering as an instructor and program developer in South America and South East Asia teaching animal control officers and agencies humane animal control methods. In 2015 he graduated from a Colorado Peace Officer Standards academy and in 2017, after twenty years in animal welfare, took a break to work as a deputy sheriff in rural Colorado.
Rigo is excited to be back home with the Larimer Humane Society helping animals and people and continuing to promote responsible pet ownership.
Amanda Myers | Development Manager
Amanda Myers joined Larimer Humane Society as the Development Manager in April of 2019. In this role, she is responsible for the planning, budgeting and evaluation of annual fundraising activities to build support and awareness of the organization’s mission, programs and achievements.
Prior to her role with Larimer Humane Society, Amanda served as the Development Director at the Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts in Lafayette. A North Carolina native, she held the position of Grant Writer at the Arts & Science Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg before relocating to Colorado in 2016.
Amanda graduated from the University of North Carolina with a Master of Public Administration focused on nonprofit management. She also holds a Bachler of Fine Arts from East Carolina University. Amanda is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration, the International City/County Management Association, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Amanda’s interest in animal welfare and the work of Larimer Humane Society can be attributed to the three wonderful shelter pets that share her home in downtown Loveland.
Brett DeWester | Shelter Manager
Brett DeWester has been Larimer Humane Society’s Shelter Manager since July of 2019. Brett has been with Larimer Humane society since February of 2017, first serving as an Animal Care Supervisor for over two years. As Shelter Manager, Brett is responsible for the daily operations and management of the animal shelter, including front desk operations, animal care and placement, and the enrichment and evaluation of our shelter animals
Before joining Larimer Humane Society, Brett managed a farm and natural foods company in the Midwest for several years. In his free time Brett enjoys thrifting, hiking, cooking and spending time with his family (including his flock of chickens and dog June who are Larimer Humane Society alumni!)
Brett is originally from the small town of Tipton, Indiana and is a graduate of The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. At Wooster, Brett earned a Bachelors degree in History and was a four year letter winner for the school’s baseball team. He is passionate about animal welfare and is excited to get to help the lives of our shelter animals each day!
Lindsey Gapstur, DVM | Supervising Veterinarian
Dr. Gapstur joined Larimer Humane Society as the Supervising Veterinarian in May of 2019 after previously working as a relief doctor with us. She has experience in multiple areas of veterinary medicine, including small animal general medicine, surgery, emergency and critical care, and wildlife rehabilitation. Prior to joining the team at Larimer Humane Society, she served the pets of Fort Collins and Loveland as a general practice veterinarian. Dr. Gapstur is excited about the opportunity to support the animals in need in our community.
Justin Clapp | Marketing and Community Outreach Program Manager
Justin began his marketing career in 2000, focusing on radio and digital media. As his experience and reputation for excellence grew, Justin became an award-winning Operations Manager in the radio industry. In 2015, he was honored as the state of Colorado’s “Major Market Personality of the Year,” followed by being named Country Radio Seminar’s “Operations Manager of the Year” in 2018.
Justin’s passion has always been to merge marketing by making make a difference in the communities he serves. He’s garnered experience working with nonprofit organizations throughout the country, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Upper Valley Humane Society in New Hampshire, and Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte. Justin enjoys spending his free time with his wife Tricia, and four boys (Austin, Brady, Landon, and Grayson). You can also find him hiking Horsetooth Mountain and supporting the local businesses throughout Northern Colorado.
Kaley Platek | Volunteer & Humane Education Program Manager
Kaley Platek has been with Larimer Humane Society since May of 2016. She was hired on as an Animal Care Technician and worked her way up to Animal Care Supervisor. In October of 2020, Kaley began her position as the Volunteer and Humane Education Program Manager.
Kaley has always had a life-long passion for animals and the desire to work for an organization striving to improve the lives of both animals and people. Prior to joining Larimer Humane Society, Kaley worked at multiple cat and dog boarding facilities as an animal caretaker, as well as volunteered at Humane Society of Boulder Valley and with Defenders of Wildlife. She grew up in Broomfield, CO and attended Colorado State University, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology with a minor in Conservation Biology.
At home, Kaley has two Chihuahuas, Benny and Figgy, and a mini lop rabbit named Oatis, all of whom were adopted from Larimer Humane Society! She also has a parakeet and two box turtles. Kaley enjoys spending her free time relaxing at home with her animals, cooking vegan food, being in nature, and listening to music.
