BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jim Beer is a retired geologist who held technical and managerial positions with Royal Dutch Shell in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Why I joined the SDV Board: "I choose to serve the SDV organization because of the moving testimonials from SDV clients about how dogs make a life-changing difference in their lives. Their stories are consistent with my own experience with dogs."
Jim Beer, Secretary
Shaele Culbreath is Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Engagement at the UVA Darden School Foundation. Before joining Darden in 2010, Shaele enjoyed a 12-year career at the United Way of Greater Charlottesville leading events and volunteers. Shaele is a graduate of the University of Virginia and lives in Charlottesville with her husband, four college-age kids and her two Labs.
Why I joined the SDV Board:I joined the SDV board because I am inspired by the incredible team and volunteers who train dogs to assist people with disabilities and in therapeutic settings, and it’s an honor to support their efforts.
Shaele Culbreath
Beth Luzaich is a veterinarian and co-owner of Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital. She has been a board member and nights and weekends volunteer with SDV for over five years.
Why I joined the SDV Board: "I became involved with Service Dogs of Virginia in the capacity of a veterinarian. The passion and dedication of the staff and team at SDV became quickly apparent. The organization and their mission embodies the human animal bond I am daily inspired by and work to cultivate. SDV transforms lives using this bond and I am proud to be part of this amazing team..”
Jan Oldenburg, Chair
Jan Oldenburg is a (mostly) retired consultant on Digital Health and Patient Engagement, who worked in and advocated for more and better tools to facilitate individuals’ involvement in their own health. Her retirement hobbies are jewelry making at Jewelry By JKO, and spending time with her husband, two labs, children, and grandchild.
Why I joined the SDV Board: "I joined the board of SDV because I truly believe in the mission and the transformative impact the service dog SVD trains have in the lives of individuals and families.”
Elizabeth Luzaich, DVM
Lani Morrissey is a retired systems engineer, project manager and business owner. She remains Chairman of the Board of her former company, Stratos Solutions, which provides Systems engineering consulting to the intelligence community. .
Why I joined the SDV Board: “I am always amazed to see the difference dogs can make in people's lives and am humbled by the dedication of the SDV team. It is a privilege to serve on the board of such a wonderful organization.”
Lani Morrissey, Vice Chair
Susan Wells Sargeant is retired cardiac nurse and nurse administrator with over ten years of nonprofit Board experience.
Why I joined the SDV Board: "I chose to serve on the Board of Service Dogs of Virginia because I am passionate about the remarkable life changing assistance service dogs provide for recipients. I have an interest in promoting Board growth and development and ensuring a sustainable organization for years to come.”
Susan Wells Sargeant
Marty, a retired anesthesiologist, joins the Board with certificates in Project Management and Public Administration. He lives in Albemarle County and is passionate about volunteer work and supporting Virginia communities..
Why I joined the SDV Board: "SDV profoundly and enduringly impacts the lives of the community members it serves. Each dog's training is customized to meet the unique needs of each individual client. Watching the trainers coach the dogs and guide them through their learning and growth is inspiring. The special bond that develops between the dogs and the individuals they assist is truly heartwarming. SDV is an organization of wonderful people doing amazing work.”
Marty Silverman
David Spader is the Chief Product Officer and a cofounder at Potentia LLC, a company that seeks to unleash the potential of all people and organizations by supporting consultants with its tools, assessments, and easy to deploy platform.
Why I joined the SDV Board: “As a former puppy-parent, I’ve been fortunate to observe the positive impact these dogs have on the lives of their partners. It’s an honor to work with this amazingly dedicated SDV team as they literally transform lives for the better.”
David Spader
Polly Tarbell is a software engineer with Delta Air Lines. She has an innate passion for working dogs and has volunteered for SDV since 2014. She delights in flying puppies from the ADI Breeding Cooperative around the country, assisting in whelping litters of pups, and providing a respite home for dogs in advanced training.
Why I joined the SDV Board: "Hearing from clients at graduation brought tears of joy to my eyes and gave me goosebumps."
Polly Tarbell, Treasurer
After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law, Holly committed to making Charlottesville her home and joined the local bar. She currently serves as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Albemarle County.
Why I joined the SDV Board: “I work with facility support dogs and have seen firsthand the way they bring comfort and dignity to people navigating the difficult criminal justice process. It's an honor to support the mission of Service Dogs of Virginia."
