CENTRAL POINT, OR – On January 27th during Dogs for Better Lives’ (DBL) quarterly meeting the National Board of Directors unanimously approved two new members, Chad Stark (OR) and Garren Hey (WA). Also at the board meeting, former chair David Hollingsworth was recognized for his six years of service on the national board, with a sign on one of the dog kennels and a plaque for him to keep.
David Hollingsworth
With these two appointments, DBL’s national board moves to 22 voting members. Outside of five directors from across Oregon, the board includes members residing in nine other states across the country, including California (3), District of Columbia, Massachusetts (3), North Carolina (2), New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington (4). Two Board Fellows with the University of Washington’s FOSTER School of Business are also serving on the national board during the 2024-25 academic year.
“The board of directors are pleased to welcome Chad Stark and Garren Heye onto DBL’s National Board,” stated Board Chairman Tom Dobry. “With their expertise in aviation and finance respectively, they will quickly help to augment DBL’s national board and its diversifying presence across the Pacific Northwest region.
With Oregon’s David Hollingsworth recently completing his board service, he was recognized at the January board meeting with both the naming of a dog kennel on the West Coast Campus / HQ, as well as a plaque presented to him, acknowledging his six years of service, two of which as board chair.
“As DBL further advances its national presence, Chad Stark and Garren Hey will quickly help DBL to further solidify its board presence in the Pacific Northwest region,” stated CEO Bryan Williams. “We are also so thankful to David Hollingsworth for his invaluable service to DBL and its national board.”
Chad Stark and his son’s Autism Assistance Dog, Serenity.
Chad Stark
Chad Stark is a Captain for Alaska Airlines with 28 years of experience in the airline industry. Chad earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Studies with a minor in Meteorology from the University of North Dakota (UND). Further, Chad worked at UND Aerospace as a FAA-certified flight instructor/check airman, training new aviators.
Originally from Texas and Michigan, Chad and his family have called Portland, Oregon, home for the past 13 years. Beyond aviation, he is deeply passionate about service and community engagement. Chad and his family have actively worked in schools and at local community events, educating others about the benefits of Service Dogs. As the parent of a child with an Autism Assistance Dog from Dogs for Better Lives, Chad has witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of professionally trained Service Dogs.
As a professional in the airline industry, Chad understands the importance of ensuring that all guests, including individuals with disabilities traveling with service animals, can do so with respect and ease. His family’s experience with their son’s Autism Assistance Dog Serenity, has provided him with a unique perspective on accessibility and the vital role Service Dogs play in providing independence for those who rely on them. This further fuels Chad’ passion for advocacy, fundraising, and furthering Dogs for Better Lives’ mission.
“My family and I were fortunate to be part of Dogs for Better Lives’ inaugural signature event, Bone AppeTREAT in 2023, where we had the opportunity to share our story about how our Autism Assistance Dog Serenity, has profoundly impacted our son and our entire family,” stated Chad. “Participating in the event allowed us to highlight the incredible ways Service Dogs provide independence, confidence, and support to those who rely on them. It was an honor to help raise awareness and give back to an organization that has made such a meaningful difference in our lives.”
When Chad’s not flying or working on nonprofit initiatives, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, being in the outdoors, hiking, fishing, and spending time on the water.
Garren Heye
Garren Heye
A Pacific Northwest native, Garren Heye brings over a decade of experience in the technology industry from startup to enterprise companies. As a Product Manager specializing in strategy, operations, and artificial intelligence, he is passionate about leveraging innovation to scale meaningful impact. Garren holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Gonzaga University and an M.B.A. from the University of Washington Foster School of Business.
Beyond his professional career, Garren has been deeply involved in mentorship and community service, including coaching aspiring Product Managers and offering pro bono consulting to small businesses. A lifelong dog lover, he lives in Seattle with his wife, son, and their beloved 30-pound scruffy mutt, Lexi. He has a love for music, playing both drums and guitar in his free time, which fuels his creative spirit.
On joining the board, Garren shares, “I believe in the power of forging meaningful relationships so that we can all realize our potential. Dogs for Better Lives does exactly this between Service Dogs and those who can benefit from them, which is why I’m humbled and honored to join the journey to carry this vision forward.”
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.
