We are forever grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and community in ensuring the pets of Vashon Island are cared for. Below are some of the program leaders as well as the board of directors.
VIPP IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. The VIPP Board of Directors governs the overall execution of the organization's mission. Principally, the Board manages organizational finances, spearheads the organization's fundraising efforts, and sets long term priorities and goals for programs. Overall, the members of the Board contribute the educational, management, legal, and financial skills needed to ensure long term organizational stability and to ensure year-to-year success of VIPP's work in the community.
The following application offers us an opportunity to get to know more about you, your skills, attributes and what you would bring to our board. It also gives you a sense of what matters to us in a board candidate. To apply for a board position CLICK HERE.
NO HUNGRY PETS Program. Chris took over the management of the No Hungry Pets program in January 2023. This program supplies free pet food to our island community. Distribution is the first Wednesday of every month at the Vashon Food Bank. Chris is a jack of all trades and has taken this position very seriously as he works with a small team of volunteers to inventory, pack and deliver pet food to our Island neighbors in need.
Email, Petfood@vipp.org for more info.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR, Terri has a long history of volunteering for animal rescue groups. While in Austin, she volunteered for Animal Trustees of Austin (ATA) by socializing dogs and volunteering at ATA’s spay/neuter clinic, and she took care of a colony of feral cats in her neighborhood. Terri has been a dedicated super volunteer since 2001.
The cat shelter is run by a group of volunteers called the shelter gang who handle everything from figuring out the best roommates for a new cat to ordering pet food and pee pads, medicine and everything in between.
They make sure that all cats have lots of TLC time keep the shelter running like a top.
VIPP's dogs live in foster homes. When a dog has to be relinquished to VIPP, the people you talk to on the other end of the line are dedicated and compassionate. The dog team has volunteers in the positions of Intake, assessment, foster home coordination, training, walking, and adoptions. The dog team's teamwork is critical to VIPP's operations
Experience: I have been a self-employed musician, songwriter, and mosaic artist for most of my adult life. I have worked in management, publicity, promotion, and marketing. The Arts and animals are my passions.
VIPP volunteer since 2002
Programs: Serving on the board of directors, past and present. Through the years, I have handled many roles at VIPP and very much enjoyed all of them.
How I came to VIPP: I am a long-time animal lover and became a fan of VIPP when I adopted two adorable flame point siamese kittens in 2001.
Experience: I have been volunteering and working with animals for over 25 years. I have worked in various roles over the years as a veterinary assistant, kennel attendant, receptionist, office manager and most recently started working at Fair Isle Animal Clinic. Over the years I have volunteered with PAWS Wildlife Center, Seattle Humane Society, Pets for Life Program, Missing Animal Response, Ghost Owl Sanctuary and serve on the board of the Vashon Bird Alliance. I also owned a pet sitting business in West Seattle. I am dedicated to the welfare of all animals and to the people who care for them.
VIPP volunteer since 2022
How I came to VIPP: After moving to VashonI 5 years ago I started with VIPP as a FurBall volunteer.
Experience: I have been a life-long educator with experience at the K-12 and university levels as well as serving in a state department of education and editor of two technology and education magazines. In the not-for-profit world, I have been assistant executive director and board member of a national technology and education organization and an executive director of a similar statewide organization. On the island, I have served on the board of Vashon Allied Arts and the Voice of Vashon.
VIPP volunteer since: 2001
Programs: I have assisted with the feral cat program and help with calls for relinquishment and lost and found and we foster cats. I have been part of the Fur Ball team since its inception. I currently serve as treasurer on the board and was president for 8 years.
How I came to VIPP: Barbara Drinkwater volunteered me after hearing I worked with a pet rescue group in Austin.
When I moved to Vashon Island in 1990 I was a computer programmer/analyst. About seven years later I was managing a used bookstore that doubled as a foster home for VIPP cats. The bookstore is long gone but that was when I got my start as VIPP volunteer interviewing potential cat adopters. The cat in the store would often get the customers chatting about their pets and their experiences with cats and dogs. Those conversations were important to me in forming my views on how important an organization like VIPP is to the people in a community as well as for the dogs and cats. VIPP’s founding mother, Barbara Drinkwater, would often say that she took phone calls every day and there was never a dog or a cat on the other end of the line.
I am still on the cat adoption team plus I am on the cat intake team and a member of the group that manages the cat shelter and I am currently the secretary of Vashon Island Pet Protectors.
Experience: Michelle is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, sales, and event planning. She brings her strategic expertise in social media and event management to be instrumental in advancing the mission of Vashon Island Pet Protector. Committed to animal welfare, Michelle harnesses her skills to promote advocacy, community engagement, and fundraising efforts that benefit pets in need across Vashon Island. When she’s not working with the board, she volunteers in the community where there are needs, including time with the Strawberry Festival and the Vashon Film Institute/Festival.
VIPP volunteer since: 2024
Programs: Serves as a board of directors.
How I came to VIPP: In 2024, I met Elaine Summers to learn more about the needs for the community and VIPP programs. It was clear to her at that moment my skills would be a great asset for the organization.
Experience: Professionally, I am in Food Safety and Quality Assurance Management for the wild Alaskan seafood industry, as well as create and manage the social media content for the company. I have experience in marketing, recipe development, and kitchen/service industry, as well.
VIPP volunteer since: November 2023
Programs: At this time, I am mostly involved with the Cat Shelter as a shift Volunteer, as well as serving on the Board of Directors.
How I came to VIPP: I moved to Vashon in 2020 and first interacted with VIPP when I adopted a little bully mix, Marty, from the organization. I am forever grateful for the foster homing, resources, and continued support for my animals!
George is a long-time VIPP volunteer and supporter. He holds a regular shift at the VIPP cat shelter twice a week where he routinely spoils the cats. He is also a valuable volunteer with VIPP's No Hungry Pet's Program. George's cat shelter shift mates will tell you that he is well-known for his impeccable sense of humor, his gregarious laughter, his exceptional generosity, and his loyal friendship.
Experience: As an educator I have worked with students from infancy through late adulthood (in other words babies through graduate students at the doctoral level). Along the way, I have incorporated my love of nature and animals into my teaching and administrative work (mostly teaching). In my personal life, I have always had at least one cat and/or one dog - and sometimes many more. All of those animals have been found or rescued.
My volunteer work has been across professional and community organizations at the local, state, and national/international level.
VIPP Volunteer since: 2020
Experience:
Lo brings a wealth of experience in animal welfare, rescue, and non-profit dynamics to VIPP. She has collaborated with organizations like W.O.L.F. Sanctuary, Animal House, WAMAL, the WSU Bear Sanctuary, and Blackbird Farm Sanctuary, honing her skills in growth and fundraising strategies, event planning, education, advocacy, outreach, as well as animal care and enrichment.
With over 12 years of experience managing operations for dog training, boarding, daycare, and clinic facilities—along with several years in startup SaaS leadership—Lo is well-versed in animal care and operations.
Fun Fact: Not only has she assisted in emergency C-sections for dogs, but she’s also taught a 30-year-old grizzly bear rescued from Yellowstone how to high five.
VIPP Volunteer since: 2025
Programs: Unofficial VIPP Swiss Army Knife/Herder of Dogs. I help out where I am needed. You’ll see me coordinating Marketing + Social Media for the WOOF Team, helping out with FurBall, and creating WOW experiences for our adopters, volunteers, and community through strategic programs.
How I came to VIPP: I’ve been a nomadic “lone wolf” for a while with my canine companion Mesa. Serendipitously we found ourselves planting roots here on Vashon Island in early 2021. The island’s magical charm decided to keep us, and while I initially got involved with other organizations like the Vashon Nature Center, I learned more about VIPP over the years through “Mostly True” chats on VoV with Chris Austin (Fridays at 4pm!) and interactions with other dedicated volunteers. Fast forward to 2025, and Mesa and I are thrilled to be part of the VIPP family.
