DVGRR Board of Directors

» Shopping Cart » My Account » Wish List

DVGRR Board

DVGRR's Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated group of professionals who strive to ensure the mission is upheld and that the vision is in place to allow the organization to continue to grow and move forward.

John Plummer

President

John Plummer

John Plummer began his career as a computer programmer in the banking industry and is currently the owner-operator of two Rita’s Italian Ice franchises. He became involved with DVGRR in 1993 and has served as a volunteer ever since. He is currently the Board of Director's President. John lives with his wife, two sons and three Goldens.

“DVGRR is special to me and I support the organization for a number of reasons,” John explains. “First, I have been fortunate to have had five DVGRR Goldens (Toby, Jake, Shamus, Lambeau, and Nittany) enrich my life over the past 18 years. Secondly, I have been able to witness first-hand the amazing growth and strides this organization has taken during that time. I was a volunteer, while my wife, Mary, served first as Treasurer and then as President during the mid-1990's through the acquisition of Golden Gateway. Following Mary's retirement, I was invited to become a member of the Board of Directors and now have the great privilege to serve as Board President. Finally, as I look to the future, I see more great things on the horizon for this organization, and I look forward to working with the Board, Executive Director, and staff to continue DVGRR on its path as the premier rescue organization and model for all others across the country.”

Sara Braverman

First Vice President

Sara Braverman joined DVGRR in 1993 and has served in a variety of roles over the years. Sara currently serves as First Vice President and is also a volunteer for Fun in Motion, PHS Basketball Booster Club, and Mercer County Animal Response Team. She recently became certified as an Animal Control Officer. Sara lives with her two children, five dogs, four cats and a horse.

Sara explains her involvement with DVGRR: “I have shared my life with Goldens since I was five years old. They have filled my days with joy, love and laughter. I discovered DVGRR in 1993 when I adopted a pair of young Goldens, and I quickly became a very involved volunteer. I came into the group because of the dogs, but I have stayed involved because of both the people and the dogs. DVGRR is a professional and progressive organization, always striving to improve and grow. It is an honor to be a part of the group, working together to make the world a better place for the dogs we love.”

Heidi Shore

Second Vice President Heidi Shore

Heidi Shore serves as Director of Marketing and Business Development at Geller & Company. She became involved with DVGRR in 2004 and writes grant applications as well as serving as the Second Vice President. She is also a board member of the Association for Corporate Growth, NJ Chapter. Heidi spends her free time writing grants and enjoying her three senior DVGRR Goldens.

“I have owned Goldens for many years, and was initially drawn to DVGRR because of their focus on this wonderful breed. Once I adopted my first DVGRR Golden, Molson, in July 2004 and got involved, I met the most dedicated, professional group of people I ever had the privilege to work with. The quality of the leadership and staff at DVGRR and the depth of thinking that goes into everything that they do is well beyond anything I was expecting. My time available for volunteering is limited due to the demands of my work life, so I have to be very selective with the time investments I make. DVGRR is an organization whose strategic vision and daily execution of so many vital services makes a difference to the breed that I love, so I am proud to be a part of their important work.”

Peg Kiebach

Treasurer

Peg Kiebach worked at Reading Alloys for 36 years as an Accounting Supervisor. Now retired, she volunteers for the Womelsdorf Ladies Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, and as Treasurer of DVGRR. She shares her home with her husband and two dogs and enjoys watching her grandkids play baseball and basketball.

“When I see a newly adopted Golden sitting in the car ready to ‘go home,’” explains Peg, “it reminds me of why I am proud to be a DVGRR supporter, adopter and volunteer. Special care is given to each Golden Retriever relinquished to DVGRR by an excellent staff, who all work together as a team from intake through adoption.”

Kathy Gardosh

Secretary

Kathy Gardosh is the owner of KMG Market Research. Kathy started volunteering with DVGRR in 1998 after adopting her first DVGRR dog, Kasey (97-053). Kathy has been involved with community events, home visits, the reunion, the capital campaign and the Gala. She is also involved with her church music ministry, does weekly pet therapy visits and participates in both rally and traditional obedience competitions with her two current DVGRR dogs, Sam and Bridget. She lives with her husband and their very talented dogs.

According to Kathy, “I’ve had the privilege of being owned and loved by four Goldens over the past 30 years. Volunteering for DVGRR allows me the opportunity to share that love with others who have the same passion for the breed and to contribute to DVGRR’s mission of being ‘Dedicated to new beginnings for displaced Golden Retrievers.’”

Jim Adams

Jim Adams is a Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX. He became involved with DVGRR in 2001. Jim is Vice Chairman of the Berks County Industrial Development Authority, two-term board member of Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce, member of the Borough of Sinking Spring Revitalization Committee, and chairs the CEO Roundtable. Jim is a commercial pilot and prolific reader. He lives with his wife, Robin and three Goldens.

Annette Bonner

Annette did not have a dog until she was 25 years old, and was, in fact, afraid of dogs… until a friend asked her to check in on his Golden Retriever while he was away – the catalyst for her decision to get a dog. Her husband wanted a Golden and she wanted a rescue dog. Eleven years later, they added a second Golden, adopting Benzer from DVGRR in 1996, followed by Zeke in 2000 and Beacon in 2001. With the passing of Benzer and Zeke, they look forward to rebuilding their family.

She began volunteering for DVGRR in 1995 through pet fairs and annual follow-up calls. After a hiatus, she resumed volunteering again early in 2001 with Meet & Greets and with Project Home Life. Annette explains her connection to DVGRR: “Every time I am at Gateway, I feel terrific – as if I am a small part of something with purpose, something that makes a big difference. Every time I leave, I feel a bit sad. Kind of like I felt as a kid when I left a joyful week at camp. To me, that is a real sign that I am in the right place! DVGRR is more efficient than most non-profits I have seen with no waste of time, energy, or money. It is clear that the dogs come first; there are no short cuts in the care of the dogs – everything is done to help the Goldens heal and find a new home. That is why I volunteer, and why I am honored to be on the Board.”

Barry Edwards

Barry Edwards is an independent industry consultant serving an international client base of manufacturers, formulation and development companies, marketers, distributors and investment firms with respect to the U.S. generic and specialty pharmaceutical markets. He provides practical and strategic insight drawn from over 35 years of industry experience with leading companies. Barry and his wife, Sue, currently include Nova as part of their family. Nova is their second DVGRR-adopted Golden and the fourth Golden with whom they’ve shared their lives.

“We began supporting DVGRR about 10 years ago as we were so impressed with the work they were doing,” says Barry. “I became a volunteer around 2006, as a transport driver, and have found it very rewarding as a way to give back something to this wonderful breed. I've done local pickups and transports, several runs to South of the Border for dogs from Florida and the NC20 run. Having recently been elected to join the board of directors of DVGRR, I hope I can continue to contribute to DVGRR, its mission and goals.”

Frank Fabian

Frank Fabian is the owner of Wm. W. Fabian & Son, Inc. He became a volunteer with DVGRR in 2009 and is also a 50-year member of the Newtown Fire Association and serves on the Board of Directors of the Pickering Manor Nursing Home. Within DVGRR, Frank is active with Meet & Greets, transportation and as an occasional handyman, in addition to his role on the Board of Directors. His hobbies are antique fire trucks and Lionel trains. Frank and his wife share their home with three Goldens.

Frank's reason for serving and volunteering with DVGRR? "It is a special place, and it is such a pleasure to work with a group of people who all have a common goal and work together providing a better life for displaced Golden Retrievers."

Maurice Furlong

Maurice Furlong was a commissioned Naval Officer through NROTC at Villanova University and served on Active and Selected Reserve duty for 12 years. He's worked in various capacities in U.S. flag maritime companies since 1988 and is currently employed by Wilmington Tug, Inc, Wilmington, DE.
Maurice heads up the Gala Committee and is a member of the Board of Directors of DVGRR. His interests are politics, international relations, shooting sports and cooking. Maurice lives with Tucker, a DVGRR Golden.

“Golden Retrievers are my favorite breed of dog,” says Maurice, “and my Goldens have made me a better person. I support DVGRR because it is an organization that provides new beginnings for these great dogs when they fall on hard times, and I want to share that joy with others. DVGRR is special to me because I support the mission and feel privileged to work with and know an outstanding group of people who daily make a huge positive impact on the lives of others.”