CENTRAL POINT, OR – On April 15th during the quarterly meeting of Dogs for Better Lives’ (DBL) national board, they approved their newest member, Dr. Julie Ryan-Johnson (CA).
Dr. Julie Ryan-Johnson with her late Irish Wolfhound, Aislinn, which means dream in Gaelic.
With this appointment, DBL’s national board moves to 22 voting members. Outside of six directors from across Oregon, the board includes members residing in nine other states across the country, including California (3), Massachusetts (2), North Carolina (3), New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, Washington State (3), and the District of Columbia.
“The board of directors are pleased to welcome Dr. Julie Ryan-Johnson onto DBL’s National Board,” stated Board Chairman Dr. Danielle Rose. “’Dr. Ryan-Johnson’s expertise in animal health and shelter engagement will quickly help to augment DBL’s national board and its diversifying presence nationally and particularly across the south and southeast regions.”
With a passion for animal health and shelter (animal) engagement, Dr. Ryan-Johnson is excited to contribute to Dogs for Better Lives. Beyond her professional experience, Dr. Ryan-Johnson knowledge lies in shelter animal care and nonprofit management which will be invaluable in advancing DBL’s mission to enhance the lives of people and dogs.
“As DBL continues to grow and in particular, expand the makeup of its national board, Dr. Julie Ryan-Johnson will further augment the diverse expertise found across this group,” stated CEO Bryan Williams. “From partnership building to committee participation and advocacy, Dr. Julie will play a crucial role in helping to further advance DBL as a national leader in the Assistance Dog world.”
Dr. Julie Ryan-Johnson
Dr Julie Ryan-Johnson is currently working as the Senior Associate Director of Shelter and Nonprofit Programs for Boehringer Ingelheim (BI). Dr. Ryan is passionate about Shelter Medicine, has been a shelter veterinarian for nearly 30 years, and was previously the Director of Orange County Animal Care Services.
Dr. Ryan-Johnson joined BI in a Key Accounts role after working in the stem cell world where she was VP of Sales and Marketing for a Biotech company. Her long career has been interwoven between the veterinary industry, private practice in equine and small animal, as well as organized veterinary medicine. She enjoys her role in the veterinary industry because of the interesting clients, emerging platforms, and the challenges of working in a changing field.
Dr. Ryan-Johnson is also the President and one of the founders of the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition, the Vice Chair of Greater Good Charities, the founder of the Large Animal Response Team for the city of San Juan Capistrano and the Co-Chair for Continuing Education for the California Veterinary Medical Association.
“I am so excited to join Dogs for Better Lives’ national board of directors,” stated Dr. Ryan-Johnson. “I was originally introduced to DBL from a fellow board member and over the years, the more I learned about the organization, the more impressed I have become with their service dog work, their passion, and their future.”
When Dr. Ryan is not riding her horse Alainn in dressage, she likes to paddleboard or outrigger with her husband and dogs.
To learn more about DBL’s National Board of Directors and/or with inquiries in joining the board, visit… https://bit.ly/2BrQZfU. You can also visit DBL’s profile on cariclub and Boardlead to learn more.
