Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Kington.
Liz, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I first moved to San Diego, I was looking for ways to get out and meet people.
While on Facebook one day, I saw a post from Dogs on Deployment looking for volunteers to help with an upcoming event. When it came time for the event, I met the Social Media Director, Andrea, and the CEO and Founder, Alisa and was hooked. The mission was something I could get behind; my mother is a retired Naval officer and growing up we were never allowed to have pets due to all of our moves around the country and other obligations.
With Dogs on Deployment, we are giving those service members a peace of mind that their pets are being taken of care while they serve their country. I learned at that event they were looking for help with running the San Diego Chapter. That week I became the San Diego Local Coordinator and over the past four years, I worked my way up in the organization to become the Chief Financial Officer.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a fairly smooth road. As with any young organization, there are always growing pains but with a great board of directors, we were able to get through it and come out stronger.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dogs on Deployment – what should we know?
Dogs on Deployment is a nationwide non-profit online network that helps service members find foster homes for their animals while they are on deployment, at training, or moving. In addition to the network, we also have a grant program that assist enlisted service members (E-6 and below) and their pets by covering annual exams and vaccinations, spay or neuter surgeries, micro-chipping, pet food and supplies, emergency treatment, boarding fees related to emergencies, overseas airline travel costs during moves, and quarantine costs.
I am most proud of the grant program and we have been able to help people who are in a real bind. To date, we have issued over $535,000 to help those service members, and some veterans, when they needed it most.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Through this whole experience, I have really relied on the guidance from Alisa Johnson (CEO), Andrea Gal (Social Media Director), and Allison Mercer (Executive Director). They have been especially helpful during the past year as I navigated life on the board of directors and developing my role as CFO. They are always open to new ideas and provide the necessary support in order to achieve those ideas and make them a reality.
Contact Info:
- Address: 970 W Valley Parkway Box 667 Escondido, CA 92025
- Website: www.dogsondeployment.org
- Phone: 619-800-3631
- Email: info@dogsondeployment.org
Image Credit:
Andrea Gal, American Humane Society, Liz Kington
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