MFOA hires new Executive Director and Office Manager!
Much of what Maine Friends of Animals has accomplished over the last 25 years has been due to the extraordinary efforts of an active Board of Directors with founder Robert Fisk, Jr. serving as President and Executive Director, but as MFOA has grown increasingly successful in its mission, so has the need for more paid staff. In January, MFOA hired Jane Delson (Freeport) as Executive Director and Maggie Wood (Brunswick) as Office Manager. Their engagement greatly increases the operational capabilities of the organization in moving to the next level, with greater capacities in our operations, programs, fundraising, legislation, donor support and volunteer involvement, increasing MFOA’s impact, influence, and corporate value in the community at large as Maine’s voice for animals.
Jane Delson, Freeport, Executive Director
Jane brings over 40 years of experience and expertise in corporate communications, public relations and advertising, including senior management positions with international companies in corporate travel, film and entertainment, insurance, and a foundation focused on international biodiversity conservation, global environmental education and animal protection. Jane holds a B.A. degree at Bates College (Government) and numerous graduate courses in communications. Her lifetime involvement in animal welfare includes Lipizzaner horse ownership and care and fundraisers for shelters in Maine and Massachusetts.
Perhaps nowhere was MFOA in more need of improvement than its operational system and ability to market itself. Jane immediately recognized those needs and made changes that has help build a foundation in which MFOA can grow in all capacities. She is a meticulous communications expert, excited to bring her skill set to an organization she deeply believes in. Her professional, genuine, articulate, and diplomatic manner has increased both internal and external stakeholder buy-in, publicity and corporate goodwill. She has seamlessly connected the founder’s creativity and the new office manager’s execution skill sets to facilitate major and multiple improvements. She will continue to collaborate with the Board in strategically moving MFOA forward in increasing its scope, effectiveness, and influence.
Maggie Wood, Brunswick, Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator
Maggie comes to MFOA with a strong background in environmental studies and a Master of Law in Environmental Law & Policy with a focus on animal welfare. She began as an intern with the Maine Audubon Society focusing on public outreach, writing and communications. A minor at Colby-Sawyer College in business administration has resulted in work experiences growing her administrative capabilities. A horse lover, Maggie has managed in an equine care facility and worked at a mustang rescue.
As Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, Maggie is responsible for many of MFOA’s administrative functions and the new operating system. She has become a natural on the new system and its many capacities to increase and improve our database, accounting, fundraising, programs, marketing and volunteer and donor support. Beyond that she also responds to all calls/emails, handles the Facebook account and assists on Action Alerts, and will lead the revamping of our Volunteer Program. Maggie also serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors.
