November 15, 2018
Contact:
Sharon Fletcher, Director of Marketing & Communications
925.310.5458
fletcher@maddiesfund.org
Pleasanton, Calif., November, 15 2018 - Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, announced today the retirement of Lynne Fridley, Co-Director of Education, as of December 31, 2018.
Fridley joined the Maddie's Fund® team as a Field Representative in 2002, working throughout the South, primarily in Alabama, concentrating her efforts on assisting three Maddie's® Pet Rescue Projects. Most recently, as Co-Director of Education, she managed content and program development including the webcast program.
"For the last 16 years, Lynne has brought her courageous, positive and adventurous spirit to Maddie's Fund. She was instrumental in building Maddie's® Institute, which evolved into Maddie's® University, enlightening thousands of people in our industry and helping hundreds of thousands of pets receive important lifesaving care," said Dr. Laurie Peek, member of the Executive Leadership Team.
Fridley's career in animal welfare spans 40 years, serving in hands-on roles such as Shelter Manager at the Shelby County Humane Society in Columbiana, AL and Executive Director of the Chilton County Humane Society in Clanton, AL. She has acted as President of the Alabama Humane Federation in addition to several terms on the Board of Directors of the Alabama Animal Control Association, where she remains an honorary Board Member. Additionally, she was appointed by the Governor of Alabama to serve a two-year term on the Board of Directors of the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
"As a former shelter manager in Alabama, Lynne's experience helped build Maddie's Fund into the trusted, lifesaving leader it is today," Amy Zeifang, Maddie's Fund Board Chair. "She has been an invaluable voice for animals, and her upbeat and infectious laugh will be missed on a day-to-day basis."
During her career, highlights include her instrumental role in setting into motion Spay Alabama, a statewide program with a goal to end the euthanasia of healthy and treatable dogs and cats for the state. She did so in partnership with Esther Mechler, Founder of SPAY USA. In 2001, Fridley was given the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association's (ALVMA) Layperson of the Year Award, presented to a non-veterinarian for outstanding contribution to the advancement of the profession and the ALVMA.
"Lynne's not concerned about the glass being half full or half empty," said Mary Ippoliti-Smith, member of Maddie's Fund Executive Leadership Team. "She's just thrilled that there's a glass and something's in it - that's what makes Lynne such a dynamic force. She has an attraction that energizes people and brings them together in ways they couldn't imagine. And for that, we are so grateful to have had her as part of the Maddie's Team."
Her abiding love for all pets, including her personal pride and joy Casey the Wonderdog, knows no bounds. Her plans for retirement include traveling with her husband Fritz.
A group on Maddie's® Pet Forum has been set up for colleagues and friends to leave their comments and wishes.
About Maddie's Fund
Maddie's Fund® is a family foundation established in 1994 by Dave and Cheryl Duffield and is the fulfillment of a promise to their inspirational dog, Maddie. She provided them much joy from 1987 – 1997 and continues to inspire them today.
The Foundation has awarded over $265 million in grants toward increased community lifesaving, pioneering shelter medicine education and establishing foster care as a standard across the U.S.
Maddie's Fund proudly offers the industry a national voice, important funding opportunities for bold ideas, learning resources and access to collaborate and share innovative solutions. The Foundation invests its resources in a commitment to keeping pets and people together, creating a safety net of care for animals in need and operating within a culture of inclusiveness and humility. #ThanksToMaddie.