Currently serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Quinte Humane Society, Donna is a retired Regional Director for the Canadian Red Cross (Toronto Region). As a Canadian Red Cross delegate, Donna was deployed for earthquake relief in Armenia (1988), Relief Administration in South Sudan (1989) and to the American Red Cross during Hurricane Andrew’s devastation in 1992. She was previously the Executive Director for Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (Toronto) and the Associate Executive Director for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ontario. Locally Donna has served on the Board of Directors for the Community Development Council (CDC), Three Oaks Foundation, and Friends of the Trail Inc. She joined the Quinte Humane Society Board of Directors in 2016. In 2018 Scruffy, a Shih Tzu/Terrier puppy who was surrendered to QHS found his forever home with Donna and her husband. Donna has one Son and a Granddaughter.

Hazzem Koudsi brings a fresh perspective to QHS. With 28-year experience in the public sector, a background in Human Resource Management, governance and client relations, Hazzem has vast experience and expertise to contribute as a member of QHS Board of Directors. Hazzem immigrated to Canada from Syria, growing up with different cultural beliefs, his younger years didn’t include animals. He, along with his brothers were finally able to change this, and convince their parents to welcome a cat into the home. The rest is history; throughout the years, Hank has shared his life with companion animals. In Hazzem’s words “I’m so proud to be a part of this fantastic team of loving and caring staff, volunteers and Board of Directors.” Hazzem, we’re delighted to have you on board!

Arlene has an extensive background (37 years) in Magazine Publishing- with focus on marketing and promotion, she is surely an asset to the QHS and the new initiatives being developed! Arlene recently moved from Brampton, to Belleville with her loving husband Mike, son Daniel, and canine companions Jack and Emmy. During her working life Arlene managed premier magazine brands and spent the final phase of her career on the retail side of publishing. Arlene retired in 2017 as Vice President of Gateway Newstands in Toronto. Whether at the cottage, travelling or golfing, Arlene is enjoying retirement surrounded by family and friends. Welcome aboard Arlene, our future looks bright!

Ege is a life long resident of Belleville, graduating from Loyalist College with a diploma in Law and Security. Ege sat on Belleville City Council for an impressive 15 years, and was either a member or chair on dozens of committees. Ege has been a Youth Worker in various Youth Correctional Facilities, where he has dedicated his life to mentoring troubled and at risk youth for the past 30 years. He is a firm believer in the mission of the Quinte Humane Society, and a strong advocate for the future build of our new facility. Thank you Ege for advocating for the most vulnerable, human and animals alike!

Chris Barry chose a career in law enforcement, and at the beginning of 2021 he was promoted to Deputy Chief with the Belleville Police Service. This is his 29th year in policing, and his 6th year serving on the board of directors for the Quinte Humane Society. Chris resides in Roslin with his wife, 3 rescue cats, as well as 3 dogs- including 2 English Pointers he adopted from Rescue Organizations. Animal Welfare is a cause Chris has always been invested in. He is committed to the advancement of the QHS and seeing a new facility built. This will ensure future success for staff operations, and the many homeless animals seeking refuge in the Quinte Region. Thank you Chris for your continued dedication to the QHS and all we stand for!

A natural leader, mentor and community builder with an entrepreneurial mindset, Marijo has a passion to empower others to succeed. Believing that excellence in marketing is the foundation of all successful business ventures, Marijo applies her experience in the field to her seat on the Quinte Humane Society Board of Directors. She is a high energy, no-nonsense, ‘get the job done and make it fun while you’re at it’ kind of personality and is passionate about animal welfare.
Marijo slowly migrated from Kleinberg, to Durham, to Northumberland, and finally settled in Belleville, where she met her husband. Her two grown children live in Toronto and the Gulf Islands off the shores of Vancouver. She has fond memories growing up with dogs, and currently shares her home with a chocolate lab named Summer, partially trained in disability, Summer is the love of their lives. We look forward to the innovative and creative thinking she has to offer.

Born and raised in Belleville Ontario, Kelly has always been active in her community. Kelly is a business owner and a city counsellor. She offers the Quinte Humane Society a wealth of information, knowledge and experience. Kelly is a lifelong animal lover, and what better position to serve, than as a member of the board of directors for the Quinte Humane Society. She is a wife and mother to 2 children Kennedy and Kyle, Sadie a 12-year-old black lab, and a 3-year-old cat and QHS alumni “Little Pants.” Kelly and her family have made the safety, health and preservation of animals their lifelong mission. This aligns perfectly with the mission of the QHS, thank you Kelly for your continued support!

Our newest member of the QHS Board of Directors, Leslie brings a lot of valuable experience to our team. She currently holds a seat on City Council- Ward 1, and has sat on council for 6 years. Leslie has an impressive 33 years of Municipal experience to share. Some highlights include specializing in Parks, Recreation and the Culture industry in the municipality of Port Hope, paired with many years managing various Community Development Programs, Parks and Facilities. Leslie is a dog lover; she’s often called in for dog sitting duty for 3 “Granddogs” whom she adores. There are many projects Leslie would like to see accomplished in Quinte West, including the Hospice Quinte Care Centre building, an addition of a dialysis center at Trenton Memorial Hospital and of course, the new build for Quinte Humane Society. A warm welcome to Leslie, we’re happy to have you as a part of our team!

Rhonda came to the Belleville area in 2007 from a teaching career in her native Alberta. She is presently a gold standard mortgage agent with Centum Mortgage Express here in the city. She is a former executive member of the MFRC for many years and of Quinte Gymnastics Club and has also held a seat on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for the City of Belleville. She is excited to be on board with the exciting new changes associated with the QHS and their new location! Rhonda enjoys travel and sightseeing, home renovations and also spending time outdoors whether riding her Spyder, biking or skiing and in the company of her two amazing and talented daughters, Mackenzie and Sydney and their Shih Tzu fur babies Wonder and Joey.

Jim has an impressive history working as an accountant in many capacities. From tax accounting, insurance sales, and estate planning, Jim has a broad knowledge surrounding finance. He has served as Treasurer on the Quinte Humane Society Board of Directors for the past 2 years. Jim enjoys spending time outdoors walking, cycling and tries his hand at golf whenever schedules allow. He keeps busy by donating his time to many organizations throughout the Quinte Region. Currently acting as Chair of Finance at Eastminster United Church in Belleville for the past 5 years, Jim is President of Probus Club of Quinte, and offers time during tax season to assist mid to low income families. We feel confident knowing our finances are managed by someone so experienced. Now retired, he is happily married with 3 children and is a proud Grandfather of 2. Jim is an animal lover, and enjoyed raising a dog, by the name of Max, over 14 years. Last year the difficult decision was made to end Max’s pain and have him humanely euthanized. “I do miss him, especially for the many walks and adventures we took".