Judy Calhoun, CFRE, CAWA | CEO
Judy joined Larimer Humane Society in 2008, bringing with her more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit organizational management and development. An accomplished professional in the animal welfare industry, she utilizes her knowledge to develop, implement, and monitor the short- and long-term operational and financial goals necessary to carry out the mission, vision, and strategic goals of Larimer Humane Society as set forth by Larimer Humane Society’s Board of Directors.
She is responsible for the overall management and operations, ensuring the organization complies with state and local regulations and contractual agreements, and is on track with its efforts to promote and provide the responsible care and humane treatment of animals in Larimer County through effective fundraising efforts, sound fiscal responsibility, and maintenance of an effective team of employees and volunteers.
Prior to joining Larimer Humane Society, Judy serves as the associate executive director for the Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation, Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, and Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society; and as the executive director of the GBLT Community Center of Colorado. Her professional experience also includes eight years as the vice president of development and community relations at the Dumb Friends League and five years as the director of development at the Peninsula Humane Society.
Judy earned her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in sociology from Bryn Mawr College. During her time at Larimer Humane Society, she led the successful Yes on 200 sales tax initiative to help fund the construction of the new facility which opened in September 2017.
Judy and her spouse Cheryl reside in Timnath with their two cats, Tiger and Smokey, and guinea pig, Kona.
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.
Tracie Thompson | Director of Finance
Tracie joined Larimer Humane Society as Director of Finance in August 2021 with 25 yrs of accounting experience in government, quasi-government, and non-profit organizations.
Tracie is responsible for planning, directing, and controlling the finance function of Larimer Humane Society. She works closely with the CEO, Board of Directors and senior staff to help guide the financial development and to ensure healthy and responsible fiscal activities within the context of the organization’s mission and goals.
Prior to joining Larimer Humane Society, Tracie held management positions at Loveland Housing Authority for 14 yrs, the City of Dacono as Finance Officer for 3 yrs, and Little Thompson Water District for 8 yrs.
Tracie graduated from CU Boulder with a BS in accounting while raising her three children. She enjoys going to Eagles Hockey games with her family. She has a 10-year-old rescue dog that is very spoiled. She is excited to share her talents with Larimer Humane Society as their mission is close to her heart.
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, Facilities and Maintenance, and Emergency Preparedness and Response.
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 | Director of Development & Community Relations
Amanda Myers joined Larimer Humane Society in April of 2019 and brings a decade of nonprofit fundraising experience to her role as the Director of Development & Community Relations. In this role, Amanda is responsible for the strategic direction and overall management of all fundraising, marketing, and community outreach initiatives. This work builds on her previous experience as the organization’s Development Manager—leading fundraising activities to drive support and awareness of the organization’s mission.
Prior to her time 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 positions of Grant Writer and Public Sector Liaison 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 Bachelor 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 (and occasionally run) her home in Windsor.
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!
Scott Wendelberger | Marketing & Community Outreach Program Manager
Scott joined Larimer Humane Society in June of 2022 and brings over 10 years of nonprofit and communications experience to the team. Scott is responsible for the marketing efforts and communication outreach needed for Larimer Humane Society to successfully promote its services and to build meaningful and lasting relationships with community partners. On any given day, Scott dives into a plethora of tasks: gathering content for social media, updating the website, crafting printed publications, generating e-newsletters and blogs, speaking on behalf of Larimer Humane Society, and anything related to marketing and communications!
Scott was born and raised outside Milwaukee, WI and has lived in Colorado since 2009. He graduated with a BA in Mass Communication from Principia College, IL, and soon after dabbled in the radio industry working at 620 WTMJ and 94.5 WKTI, both based in Milwaukee. He gained ample experience from other Colorado nonprofits: Imagine!, Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking, and Autism Society of Boulder County, gaining a valuable understanding of mission-based organizations that are designed to directly support its communities.
Scott takes pride in using his skillset and experience to directly impact a cause close to his heart. He looks forward to growing in this role while supporting the mental health and wellbeing of animals and their owners in our community!
