By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
PALS Atlanta has provided support to pets of people in the Atlanta area living with critical illness, disability, and the elderly. Now the organization is seeking new leadership to improve the ongoing care even more. Peach spoke to David Lile, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, to talk about the organization and the candidate they are looking for.
Tell us about the work that PALS Atlanta does
For the last 28 years, Pets Are Loving Support (PALS Atlanta) has worked to provide ongoing care and support to pets of Atlanta-area persons living with critical illnesses, disabilities and the elderly (over 65). With this help, pets and the people who love them may remain together to share the healing power of love and companionship which flows from the human-animal bond. Since its beginning, PALS Atlanta has provided services to more than 1,000 clients and more than 1,300 companion animals. Currently, we assist more than 400 animals with the help of more than 50 volunteers. We provide these individuals with free pet food, annual vaccinations, year-round flea/tick treatments, and year-round heartworm preventative.
Why do you think it is so important to provide this type of support?
For some of our clients, their pets are the only companions they have in their life. For all of our clients, if PALS did not step in and provide these services, they would not be able to keep their companion pets.
PALS Atlanta is currently seeking a new Executive Director – tell about the role of the Executive Director
Qualified candidates should possess skills in Microsoft Office, fundraising and event planning, customer service, financial management, and grant writing. In addition to possessing the listed skills, a qualified candidate must be able to be certified through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The Executive Director’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, processing client applications, managing the receipt of inventory, managing the logistics for pick up, delivery of food, products to clients, scheduling veterinary/shot appointments, organizing volunteers, coordinating fundraisers, and keeping the Board of Directors notified of all operations.
What kind of candidate should apply for this position?
The ideal candidate should be passionate about helping others and must be able to work on multiple projects at the same time. The candidate must be organized and equally comfortable in front of 100 people as they are in front of 1. A flexible schedule is needed.
What do you hope to achieve through a new leadership?
I have always been a person that embraces change. Change brings new opportunities and new ideas. New leadership brings new skillsets, new contacts, and a different viewpoint. I have learned over my life that new leadership always brings new ways to do old things.
If one of our readers thinks he or she has what it takes, how can they apply?
Cover letters and resumes should be sent to david@palsatlanta.org.