Our volunteers have a strong commitment to serving the many clients served by our organization. But first and foremost, they focus their energies on those who take advantage of our programs and services.
Our board represents a cross-section of our community and has a passion for our organization and those we serve. The members work hard to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization and oversee that the funds raised directly affect those in need.
Board Member Bios
Mary Douglas is the President and a founding member of the Lincoln Animal Ambassadors, which was established in 2008. She has been involved in animal rescue for over 25 years. As a result, Mary realized that spay and neuter was one of the key components in alleviating animal homelessness and, along with a handful of like-minded volunteers, created LAA. She is the Co-Coordinator of the Pet Food Bank, editor of the newsletter as well as supervisor of all aspects of the organizations programs, committees and events. Originally from Scribner, Nebraska, Mary worked in the legal field in Lincoln for 44 years. She lives in Lincoln with her husband, Randy, of 44 years and currently has 1 fur-kid... a 15 year old Dachshund/Boston Terrier mix named Danica.
Pauline Balta is the vice president and a founding member of Lincoln Animal Ambassadors. As the coordinator for the spay neuter assistance program, she processes and issues the spay/neuter vouchers. Assisting with the assembly of the content for the quarterly newsletter, Pet Talk, is another task Pauline handles. For the past 20+ years she has been involved in other animal rescue work in Southeastern Nebraska. Volunteering for seven years as an advocate for domestic and sexual assault survivors through Voices of Hope also fills her time during her retirement. Pauline has worked and lived in Lincoln for the past 30+ years. Two rehomed small dogs--Jade, a twelve-year-old blind Rat Terrier; Taco, a 14-year-old Chihuahua; and Miss Fluffy Pants Marmalade, a rescued orange tabby female add the required animal noises to Pauline’s home. Important other pets in Pauline’s life are grand dogs Scrappie, Martin, and grand cats, Rick, Dorothy, and Carol—all adopted from a variety of animal rescue groups.
Mary Yager serves as LAA's Secretary, submits grant applications and processes pet food bank applications. Mary met her first pet companion in third grade and trained her dog in 4-H. Her husband Randy operated a dog grooming, training and boarding business in Lincoln for 20 years, which Mary helped with while working in the nonprofit sector. After spending 30 years in southern Lancaster County, Mary and Randy recently moved back to Lincoln where they continue to enjoy their grand kids, two dogs and a cat.
Pati Hughes is the Treasurer of the Lincoln Animal Ambassadors. She is new to the animal rescue effort. A native of Utica, Nebraska, Pati has resided in Lincoln since 1976, when she moved for college. Her career has always involved accounting and she is currently employed by a local insurance agency. Pati is also the treasurer for her church and volunteers to provide free tax service to low-income taxpayers. Pati currently has one pet Elsa, who is the most beautiful chill cat, adopted from Pieloch Pet Adoption. Pati loves spending time with her friends, family especially her grandkids.
Blake Gilmore serves as the Director of Technology. Blake is responsible for making sure our operational systems are in tip top shape. Blake also stays busy taking care of a Pomeranian/Dachshund mix named Scrappy and a Golden Retriever named Flower.
Jamie Bruder serves as Volunteer Coordinator, Events Team Chair and Co-Coordinator of the Pet Food Bank. She takes care of phone line coordination, volunteer onboarding and training, reports and event planning. Jamie has a spunky boxer named Hank, and a handsome cat named Rebel (aka. Ruler of the House).
Riah Engel serves as the social media chair. Riah is a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying Psychology and Criminology with a passion for mental health, restorative justice, and community support. Beyond academics, Riah works for the suicide hotline and is currently completing a research internship with the Juvenile Justice Institute, where she explores ways to improve outcomes for young people in the justice system. Recently, she studied restorative justice in Singapore, gaining firsthand experience in global approaches to rehabilitation. She also has a deep love for animal adoption and rescued her first dog, Revlin, from a shelter nearly nine years ago, and hopes to adopt many more in the future!
Amy Gilchrist is a valued member of the Fundraising & Events Committee. Her house is active with 2 dogs, 1 cat, and a husband.
