NOVELTY, Ohio — WKYC digital anchor and legal analyst Stephanie Haney has joined the board of trustees at Rescue Village, an animal shelter for homeless cats, dogs, small creatures, and domesticated barn animals.
Rescue Village, also known as the Geauga County Humane Society, Inc, appointed six new members to the board of trustees, bringing the total number of trustees to 16.
"These additions to the Board of Trustees come at a pivotal time as Rescue Village prepares for its next strategic planning process and the enhanced programs and new projects that will follow," Executive Director Ken Clarke said, when announcing the new trustees.
Stephanie told 3News she's thrilled to be able to contribute to the mission of Rescue Village, and help raise awareness about the incredible work the group does in Geauga County.
"The sheer magnitude of what Rescue Village is able to accomplish is amazing to me," Stephanie said. "When I first had the chance to tour the facility in Novelty, I was blown away by the wide-ranging care the group is able to provide to so many animals, from dogs and cats to horses and pigs. I'm thrilled to be a part of supporting the dedicated staff who work so hard to make sure animals are given the best possible chance at living safe, healthy lives."
Stephanie is a lifelong animal lover and pet owner, who recently adopted her dog, Oscar Wilde McCool, through the Cause For Canines animal rescue group based out of Columbus. She also has two cats, Lord Macduff the Thane of Fife, and Finnegan McCool.
In addition to Stephanie, the new members of the Rescue Village board of trustees include: Liz McCrea, an associate attorney with Meyers, Roman, Friedberg, and Lewis; Jim Paulitzky, a CPA and Senior Manager at KPMG in Cleveland; Karen Pavlat, the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer for the West Geauga Local Schools; Anmarie Rand, who has been with Progressive Insurance for more than 18 years; and Cherokee Susman, who has been with Progressive Insurance for more than 20 years.
Board of Trustees President Carrie Radivoyevitch said, “I’m thrilled to welcome this extraordinary group of professionals to Rescue Village’s board. Not only are they highly skilled, they bring different perspectives and a common passion for Rescue Village’s mission. I know I speak for the entire board in saying that we couldn’t be more excited about our future and expanding our lifesaving work.”
The new trustees join existing members Larry Bennett, Lydia Burrell, Amy Dwyer-Shute, Kathy Leavenworth, Jim Meltzer, and Sheila Simpson, along with President Radivoyevitch, Vice President Jill Shankar, Esq., treasurer Brian Greene, and Secretary Maggie Layman.
As the Digital Anchor and Legal Analyst for WKYC, Stephanie specializes in trending topics, legal news, and social issues. She has a master’s in journalism from USC, a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and she is an Emmy Award winner. Stephanie is also a volunteer and fundraiser for the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.
Stephanie connected with Rescue Village through Business Volunteers Unlimited at an event the group hosted in December of 2022 to match young professionals with leadership opportunities within non-profit organizations.
Founded in 1974, Rescue Village includes a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic and a law enforcement unit dedicated to upholding Ohio's animal anti-cruelty laws. Rescue Village operates from a 19,000 sq. ft. facility and serves the Cleveland area's eastern suburban and rural communities. Rescue Village also produces Woofstock, Northeast Ohio’s largest outdoor dog festival.
