CENTRAL POINT, OR ‒ In August, Hana Kim and Brooke Sutter both joined Dogs for Better Lives’ (DBL) Regional Advisory Board (RAB) – California. Formerly known as Young Professionals Boards, the Regional Advisory Board – California has quickly become the third chapter launched across the country, with the Regional Advisory Board – Pacific Northwest beginning in 2019 and the Regional Advisory Board – Northeast starting up this past January.
With Hana Kim in San Ramon (Northern CA) and Brooke Sutter in Santa Monica (Southern CA), Regional Advisory Board – California is already off to a great start in diversifying itself, starting with geography and professional backgrounds.
“We’re excited to see the Regional Advisory Board launch in California, and particularly pleased to have both Hana and Brooke joining,” stated CEO Bryan Williams. “With their diverse professional backgrounds and passion for community engagement, we know their invaluable contributions will shortly begin to elevate DBL, while truly 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 launch in California, with Hana and Brooke on board,” stated Regional Advisory Board mentor and national board member Michelle Farabaugh. “This is a great opportunity to further diversify Dogs for Better Lives’ advisor base while continuing to advocate for service dogs and enhancing the lives of our clients. The Regional Advisory Board members bring fresh ideas and help Dogs for Better Lives maximize our impact.”
The Regional Advisory Boards are comprised of like-minded individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s that have a passion for dogs and giving back to people with disabilities in their communities. Members are engaged in helping to market the mission of DBL, participating in outreach events, as well as planning and fundraising through a variety of initiatives. 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.
“This is a monumental moment for DBL and the Regional Advisory Boards, with the launch of the California chapter,” stated Regional Advisory Board Advisor and Vice President of Development, Harvey Potts. “Building off of the momentum and achievement already created by the PNW and NE chapters, RAB-CA will be instrumental in helping to take DBL’s advocacy and community outreach to the next level.”
With the support and guidance of Regional Advisory Boards in the Pacific Northwest, Northeast, and now in California, DBL will host signature events nationally around National Service Dog Month (September) and Bone Appetit (Spring), among other events, engaging volunteers, and community partners. Eventually, DBL ‘s long term vision is to establish Regional Advisory Boards across the country, working to support each of the national nonprofit’s planned five regions.
Headquartered in Central Point, OR, and also operating as DBL’s West Coast Campus, DBL launched its Northeast Campus in April, located in Falmouth, MA. Currently DBL has three regional satellite offices, located in Washington, California, and New Hampshire.
Hana Kim
Hana Kim
Hana Kim is a dynamic leader with demonstrated experience in marketing products and services across CPG and Retail industries. She has held several senior level marketing roles, at The Coca-Cola Company, Safeway, BevMo! and is currently at Tailored Brands, where she leads omni-channel marketing for Rental/Wedding businesses.
At BevMo!, Hana spearheaded BevMo! Loves Pets and partnered with five regional animal rescue organizations across California, Arizona, and Washington. She raised more than $100K over two years through tasting events and planned adoption drives in BevMo! parking lots, expanding the partnership beyond donations.
Hana has two rescue dogs, Pinot and Sauvi, who accompany her to the office and help with her workload. She enjoys going on hikes with them and also likes to travel internationally, experiencing different cultures. She also likes to golf with her family but needs more time to practice.
Hana’s two rescue dogs, Pinot and Sauvi.
“Being so passionate about dogs, I jumped at the opportunity to get involved with DBL’s Regional Advisory Board – California, focused on helping to provide Assistance dogs to those in need,” stated Hana. “I’m excited to work with others who share the same passion and wish to make a difference in peoples’ lives.”
Brooke Sutter
Brooke Sutter is a California native. She grew up in Northern California and recently moved to Southern California, now residing in the very sunny (and dog-friendly) Santa Monica. Her family has always had dogs and is the proud owner of a Corgi named Lily. She hopes to add a new furry member to the family in the near future.
Brooke graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Management and is an alumni of Alpha Phi Fraternity. She is currently the Operations Manager at an employment law firm that specializes in fighting for equal pay and against discrimination in the workplace. There, she also produces the podcast The Women’s Advocate.
Brooke Sutter
In her free time, Brooke can usually be found at a local coffee shop with a good book or tending to her vast collection of house plants. She loves creating digital art as well as yoga and traveling to new places.
“I decided to join the Regional Advisory Board – California because I am very passionate about advocacy work and want to help make a difference in people’s lives, regardless how big or small,” stated Brooke. “I believe the Regional Advisory Board is an excellent way to combine two of my passions – dogs and helping a cause greater than myself – to enact positive change in this community I’m honored to be a part of.”
In addition to further growing the California chapter, DBL is continuing to look for new members to join the Pacific Northwest chapter, as well as its Northeast chapter. To learn more about the Regional Advisory Boards and to submit your application for consideration, please visit… https://dogsforbetterlives.org/young-professionals-board/.
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Dogs for Better Lives is a nationally recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focusing on dog acquisition, professional training, and
placement of Hearing Assistance Dogs, Autism Assistance Dogs, and Facility Dogs, all at no cost to the client. With campuses in both Oregon and Massachusetts, and several regional field locations across the country, DBL continues to nationally grow its geographic reach. DBL is accredited by and a founding member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and recognized nine years running by Charity Navigator, as a top 4-star nonprofit.
