FALMOUTH, MA ‒ In early August, Dogs for Better Lives’ (DBL) Regional Advisory Board – Pacific Northwest welcomed Lisa Mandell as its newest member. From southern Oregon, Lisa joins a growing board that now encompasses nine members from across Washington and Oregon.
“We’re thrilled to have Lisa joining the RAB – Pacific Northwest,” stated RAB -NE chair Elena Tello Portoles. “With her strong professional background in marketing and public relations, this will certainly help us with advancing our advocacy initiatives.”
As DBL continues to grow and expand on its mission to better the lives of those with disabilities, pairing them with an amazing Assistance Dog, they are cultivating in tandem the next generation of leaders in Northeast region, and across the country. The Regional Advisory Board – NE was established in 2021 and while continuing to grow in size, is now beginning to create impact and awareness while further championing DBL’s advocacy and outreach efforts.
“We’re pleased to have Lisa join our Regional Advisory Board – PNW and know with her professional marketing background and passion for the mission, she will help to elevate DBL’s presence in the region to the next level,” stated CEO, Bryan Williams. “We love the fact that she’s in southern Oregon too.”
DBL’s Regional Advisory Boards (RAB) are comprised of like-minded professionals who have a passion for the organization’s mission, see the intrinsic value that service dogs play in the lives of those with disabilities, and wish to be a part of something much bigger than themselves. Members are primarily engaged in helping to promote DBL’s mission through outreach opportunities, riase awareness for its puppy raising program, as well as planning and fundraising through a variety of initiatives.
With the support and guidance of DBLs’ Regional Advisory Boards across the country, including the Northeast and California chapters, they annually play a leading role in promoting National Service Dog Month in September. Each RAB leads on organizing “Barks & Brews” events in their region, to raise awareness and donation support of DBL and the puppy raiser program, among promoting other volunteer opportunities.
Lisa Mandell
Lisa brings 20+ years of experience in marketing, communications, and public relations to her role as the newest member of Dog’s for Better Lives Regional Advisory Board – PNW.
“I have been a fan of DBL for years,” says Mandell. “I’m so impressed by the fine work the nonprofit does to enhance the lives of the individuals they serve as well as their commitment to the dogs in the program,” she continues. “Having worked for several non-profit organizations during my career, I understand how important active and engaged volunteers are. I’m honored to have the opportunity to support DBL and to help raise awareness for the organization and its mission.”
Lisa currently serves as Marketing Director for Ashland-based Adroit Construction. She has worked previously for Southern Oregon Goodwill as the organization’s Chief People Office, in Marketing & Customer Experience for Rogue Valley Manor, and in marketing leadership roles for Bend’s High Desert Museum and Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo. During her time at the zoo, she also served as Docent/Tour Guide and Keeper Aide with the zoo’s great apes.
Lisa is a connector at heart. She is a self-described lover of people and animals and enjoys nothing more than connecting good people to a great cause. As such, her addition to the Dogs for Better Lives Regional Advisory Board just made sense. Lisa is a graduate of University of Oregon and currently resides in Medford, OR.
In addition to further growing the Pacific Northwest, Northeast, and California chapters, DBL is looking to add chapters in Florida and Texas over the next year.
To learn more about the Regional Advisory Boards and/or to submit your application for consideration, please visit… https://dogsforbetterlives.org/regional-advisory-board/.