CENTRAL POINT, OR ‒ In early October, Katie Tormohlen joined Dogs for Better Lives’ (DBL) Regional Advisory Board (RAB) – Pacific Northwest. The Regional Advisory Board – PNW was launched in 2019 and has since been followed with Regional Advisory Boards in the Northeast and California.
Dogs for Better Lives’ mission is to professionally train dogs to help people and enhance lives while maintaining a lifelong commitment to all dogs we rescue or breed and the people we serve. The Regional Advisory Boards, like all volunteer groups that directly support DBL, work to advance the organization’s mission while recognizing the honor of being a part of something bigger than themselves.
Katie Tormohlen with her dog, Yogi.
“We’re delighted to see the Regional Advisory Board – PNW continue to grow and diversify, with the addition of Katie Tormohlen,” stated CEO Bryan Williams. “With Katie’s nonprofit leadership background and passion for community engagement, we know her invaluable contributions will shortly begin to elevate DBL, while ultimately benefiting our amazing dogs and clients.”
As DBL continues to grow and expand on its mission to better the lives of those with disabilities by pairing them with amazing Assistance Dogs, the Regional Advisory Boards are augmenting this focus by playing a key role in raising awareness and advocating for community support and education.
“I’m excited to see the Regional Advisory Board – PNW continue to grow,” stated chair Rita Brennan. With the addition of Katie, the board continues to grow and diversify in professional skillsets and locale, while bringing fresh ideas and ultimately helping Dogs for Better Lives maximize its impact.”
The Regional Advisory Boards are comprised of like-minded professionals that have a passion for dogs and DBL’s mission, while working to support people with disabilities in their communities. Members are engaged in promoting DBL while orchestrating regional outreach events and planning awareness and fundraising opportunities.
One of the primary focuses for the Regional Advisory Boards is the promotion of volunteer opportunities at DBL, particularly the puppy raiser and fostering programs, among others. The Regional Advisory Boards are also instrumental in overseeing National Service Dog Month (Sept) and planning “Barks & Brews” outreach events in their respective regions.
“It’s great to see the growth and advancement with the Regional Advisory Board – PNW, in particular Katie’s addition,” stated RAB Advisor and Vice President of Development, Harvey Potts. “The RAB-PNW is in a great place now and will only continue to advance and achieve great impact, in promoting DBL in the region.”
With the support and guidance of the Regional Advisory Boards in the Pacific Northwest, Northeast, and California, DBL continues to host signature events regionally and nationally around National Service Dog Month (September), Puppy Love (Feb), and Bone AppeTREAT (May), while engaging volunteers, donors, clients, and community partners.
Currently, DBL is working to augment its three current Regional Advisory Boards with adding RABs in both Texas and Florida in FY23-24.
Headquartered in Central Point, OR, and also operating as DBL’s West Coast Campus, DBL launched its Northeast Campus in 2022, located in Falmouth, MA. Currently DBL has three regional satellite offices, located in Washington, California, and New Hampshire. In partnership with Operation Kindness in Carrollton, TX, DBL operates its Shelter to Service Dog program.
Katie Tormohlen
Katie Tormohlen graduated from Washington State University, with a degree in Communications and a minor in English. Katie’s journey with the American Cancer Society began in 2016, starting as community fundraising staff and eventually taking on the role of an Area Associate Director of Development. She covers a diverse territory from Olympia, WA, to Bellingham, WA, where she leads impactful fundraising campaigns and initiatives alongside her five member team.
Katie’s continued dedication to growth & development led her to complete education certificates, including the Emerging Leaders Development Program, which has been transformative for her professional journey. In the spirit of giving back, Katie now mentors and guides others in the program. One of Katie’s most rewarding endeavors was co-founding the Young Professionals Board of Seattle for the American Cancer Society. With 25 dedicated members, they have collectively raised more than $60,000 in their second year, and Katie currently serves as a North Region Mentor and Advisor for emerging Young Professional Boards as well.
Outside of Katie’s work with the American Cancer Society, she has ventured into entrepreneurship by launching her own event and wedding planning company in 2014. This experience has allowed Katie to bring a creative touch and meticulous attention to detail to everything she does. Katie is all about making a difference and fostering the leaders of tomorrow, and she can’t wait to see what the Regional Advisory Board – PNW can achieve together.
“I’m passionate about supporting Dogs For Better Lives’ Regional Advisory Board – Pacific Northwest because, just like in my work with the American Cancer Society, I’ve witnessed the remarkable impact that dedicated individuals can make in their communities,” stated Katie. “The mission of DBL aligns with my values of empowerment and community, and I’m excited to bring my experience in mentorship and fundraising (along with my deep love for dogs) to help enhance the lives of those who benefit from the incredible human-canine bond.”
To learn more about DBL’s Regional Advisory Boards and to submit your application for consideration, please visit… https://dogsforbetterlives.org/young-professionals-board/.
