Judy Calhoun, CFRE, CAWA | CEO
Judy joined NOCO Humane in 2008, bringing with her more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit organizational management and development. An accomplished professional in the animal welfare industry, she utilizes her knowledge to develop, implement, and monitor the short- and long-term operational and financial goals necessary to carry out the mission, vision, and strategic goals of NOCO Humane as set forth by NOCO Humane‘s Board of Directors.
She is responsible for the overall management and operations, ensuring the organization complies with state and local regulations and contractual agreements, and is on track with its efforts to promote and provide the responsible care and humane treatment of animals in Larimer and Weld counties through effective fundraising efforts, sound fiscal responsibility, and maintenance of an effective team of employees and volunteers.
Prior to joining NOCO Humane, Judy serves as the associate executive director for the Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation, Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, and Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society; and as the executive director of the GBLT Community Center of Colorado. Her professional experience also includes eight years as the vice president of development and community relations at the Dumb Friends League and five years as the director of development at the Peninsula Humane Society.
Judy earned her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in sociology from Bryn Mawr College. During her time at NOCO Humane, she led the successful Yes on 200 sales tax initiative to help fund the construction of the new facility which opened in September 2017.
Judy and her spouse Cheryl reside in Timnath with their two cats, Tiger and Smokey, and guinea pig, Kona.
Tracie Thompson | Director of Finance
Tracie joined NOCO Humane as Director of Finance in August 2021 with 25 yrs of accounting experience in government, quasi-government, and non-profit organizations.
Tracie is responsible for planning, directing, and controlling the finance function of NOCO Humane. She works closely with the CEO, Board of Directors and senior staff to help guide the financial development and to ensure healthy and responsible fiscal activities within the context of the organization’s mission and goals.
Prior to joining NOCO Humane, Tracie held management positions at Loveland Housing Authority for 14 yrs, the City of Dacono as Finance Officer for 3 yrs, and Little Thompson Water District for 8 yrs.
Tracie graduated from CU Boulder with a BS in accounting while raising her three children. She enjoys going to Eagles Hockey games with her family. She has a 10-year-old rescue dog that is very spoiled. She is excited to share her talents with NOCO Humane as their mission is close to her heart.
Jen Valentine | Director of Operations
Jen Valentine is the Director of Operations for NOCO Humane. Having been a member of the shelter team since June of 2008 serving as a Client Services Representative, Client Services Supervisor and Shelter Manager, she brings a wealth of organizational knowledge to this leadership position.
Jen is responsible for the strategic direction and daily operations of the animal shelter, including Animal Care and Placement, Veterinary Services, Information Technology, Facilities and Maintenance, and Emergency Preparedness and Response.
From a very early age, Jen has had a passion for working with and helping animals. With experience in working with domestic and wild animals, as well as livestock, Jen was drawn to NOCO Humane through her desire to provide assistance, guidance, and resources to pet owners to help preserve the human-animal bond. She feels blessed to have her dream job which allows her to help make a difference for her community every day.
Jen is a Colorado native and shares her home with her husband and their two cats. She enjoys reading, baking, music and loves all snow-related activities.
Director of Animal Protection & Control
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Amanda Myers | Director of Development & Community Relations
Amanda Myers joined NOCO Humane in April of 2019 and brings a decade of nonprofit fundraising experience to her role as the Director of Development & Community Relations. In this role, Amanda is responsible for the strategic direction and overall management of all fundraising, marketing, and community outreach initiatives. This work builds on her previous experience as the organization’s Development Manager—leading fundraising activities to drive support and awareness of the organization’s mission.
Prior to her time with NOCO Humane, Amanda served as the Development Director at the Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts in Lafayette. A North Carolina native, she held the positions of Grant Writer and Public Sector Liaison at the Arts & Science Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg before relocating to Colorado in 2016.
Amanda graduated from the University of North Carolina with a Master of Public Administration focused on nonprofit management. She also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from East Carolina University. Amanda is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration, the International City/County Management Association, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Amanda’s interest in animal welfare and the work of NOCO Humane can be attributed to the three wonderful shelter pets that share (and occasionally run) her home in Windsor.
Brett DeWester | Associate Director of Operations
Brett DeWester has been with NOCO Humane since February of 2017, first serving as an Animal Care Supervisor for over two years and later as the Shelter Manager for four years. Brett has been NOCO Humane’s Associate Director of Operations since July of 2023. As the Associate Director of Operations, Brett is responsible for the oversight of daily operations and management of the Organization’s shelter facilities, including safety and emergency response, front desk operations, animal care and placement, and the enrichment and evaluation of our shelters’ animals.
Before joining NOCO Humane, Brett managed a farm and natural foods company in the Midwest for several years. In his free time Brett enjoys thrifting, hiking, cooking and spending time with his wife, friends and family (including his flock of chickens and dog June who are NOCO Humane alumni!)
Brett is originally from the small town of Tipton, Indiana and is a graduate of The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. At Wooster, Brett earned a Bachelors degree in History and was a four year letter winner for the school’s baseball team. He is passionate about animal welfare and is excited to get to help the lives of members of the communities we serve and our shelters’ animals each day!
Leighanne Alford | Development Manager
Meet Leighanne! She and her husband, Wes, moved out to Fort Collins from Little Rock, AR, in 2019 to work at CSU. Leighanne has built a 17-year long career in fundraising for nonprofit missions she is passionate about in her community. While she enjoyed her time at CSU, the tug at her heart for being back in a non-profit setting became too strong to overcome. She knew from the very beginning that NOCO Humane was a perfect fit. It married her fundraising skillset and love of building donor relationships with her love of rescue animals, of which she and Wes have two.
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Leighanne and Wes make their home in Fort Collins, alongside 45-lb shepherd mix affectionately named Scholesy after Wes’s favorite Manchester United soccer player, Paul Scholes (Go Reds!), and a rambunctiously independent pug named Lolo. In their free time together, they enjoy craft beer, English Premier League games at Horse & Dragon on the weekends, cooking, being outdoors, and looking for the next travel adventure!
Scott Wendelberger | Marketing & Community Outreach Program Manager
Scott joined NOCO Humane in June of 2022 and brings over 10 years of nonprofit and communications experience to the team. Scott is responsible for the marketing efforts and communication outreach needed for NOCO Humane to successfully promote its services and to build meaningful and lasting relationships with community partners. On any given day, Scott dives into a plethora of tasks: gathering content for social media, updating the website, crafting printed publications, generating e-newsletters and blogs, speaking on behalf of NOCO Humane, and anything related to marketing and communications.
Scott was born and raised outside Milwaukee, WI and has lived in Colorado since 2009. He graduated with a BA in Mass Communication from Principia College, IL, and soon after dabbled in the radio industry working at 620 WTMJ and 94.5 WKTI, both based in Milwaukee. He gained ample experience from other Colorado nonprofits: Imagine!, Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking, and Autism Society of Boulder County, gaining a valuable understanding of mission-based organizations that are designed to directly support its communities.
Scott takes pride in using his skillset and experience to directly impact a cause close to his heart. He looks forward to growing in this role while supporting the mental health and wellbeing of animals and their owners in our community!
Clara Taylor | Volunteer & Humane Education Program Manager
Clara joined NOCO Humane in May of 2023. She is responsible for supporting volunteers and staff to work cohesively as one team to care for and enrich the lives of the animals at NOCO Humane. She also oversees our Humane Education Program where her goal is to expand
people’s minds about animal welfare topics. Clara’s passion lies with volunteer management as volunteers inspire her to be a dedicated and passionate member of the community.
Clara was born and raised in Windsor, CO. She sent 12 years in Charleston, SC where she developed her skills in hospitality. She graduated from the College of Charleston in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and Business Administration. After spending five years in the event industry, she realized her true calling was animal welfare. She began her career in animal welfare in December of 2021 where she created and implemented a non-existent volunteer program at a rural animal shelter in Summerville, SC. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her 2 dogs and 4 cats. She also enjoys baking, crafting, and hosting parties.
Using her love for animals and interpersonal skills, Clara proudly works with volunteers to support the staff and animals of NOCO Humane.
Brad Kobernik | Safety and Emergency Manager
Brad joined NOCO Humane in March of 2023. He is responsible for the safety and emergency planning and response for the volunteers, staff, and public so they can work in a safe and secure environment at NOCO Humane. He also oversees our Safety and Emergency Management Program where his goal is to educate, plan, and respond to all safety and emergency concerns. Brad’s passion lies in community outreach and preparing the shelter and the public for all emergencies.
Brad was born and raised in Jefferson, OH. He spent six years in the United States Navy where he developed his skills in security and emergency response. After being discharged from the Navy, he realized his calling was emergency preparedness. He graduated from the University of Akron in 2023 with a Bachelor’s in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Before working at NOCO Humane, Brad held the position of Security Supervisor at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, CO, and completed an internship with the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Emergency Management Department in Akron, OH. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs, camping, paddle boarding, and discovering new breweries.
Using his love for animals and interpersonal skills, Brad proudly works with volunteers, staff, and the community to plan and prepare for all safety, security, and emergencies at NOCO Humane.
