Board of Directors

Liz McCauley, President

Executive Director, Cape Coral Animal Shelter

Liz McCauley serves as President of the Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations and Executive Director of Cape Coral Animal Shelter. She brings extensive experience in animal welfare leadership, nonprofit management, and community engagement to FAAWO. Through her work with Cape Coral Animal Shelter and FAAWO, Liz is committed to strengthening collaboration among animal welfare organizations and advancing lifesaving initiatives for animals throughout Florida.

Frank Valente, Vice President

President & CEO, of the Humane Society Treasure Coast

Frank Valente serves as Vice President of the Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations and President & CEO of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. With more than two decades of experience in animal welfare, Frank brings extensive nonprofit leadership and operational expertise to FAAWO. He is committed to strengthening collaboration among animal welfare organizations and advancing lifesaving efforts for animals throughout Florida.

Anthony Priore, Treasurer

Senior Vice President of Administrative Services/CFO, Humane Society of Broward County

Anthony Priore serves as Treasurer of the Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations and Senior Vice President of Administrative Services and CFO of the Humane Society of Broward County. He brings extensive experience in financial management, nonprofit administration, and organizational leadership to FAAWO. Anthony is committed to responsible stewardship and strengthening animal welfare organizations throughout Florida.

Sandra Cagan, MPA, Secretary

Owner and Founder of the Orlando Cat Cafe

Sandra Cagan serves as Secretary of the Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations and is the Owner and Founder of Orlando Cat Café, Florida’s first cat café and the first in the nation to offer a franchise model. Sandra brings extensive business experience, innovative thinking, and a passion for animal welfare to FAAWO. She is committed to building collaborative partnerships that create lifesaving opportunities for shelter animals throughout Florida.

Shelley Thayer, Board Member

Executive Director, SPCA Florida

Shelley Thayer serves on the FAAWO Board of Directors and is Executive Director of SPCA Florida⁠. A past President of FAAWO, Shelley brings decades of leadership experience in animal welfare, nonprofit management, rescue response, and community engagement. She is committed to collaboration and developing innovative solutions that improve outcomes for animals throughout Florida.

Sherry Silk,
Board Member

CEO, Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Sherry Silk serves on the FAAWO Board of Directors and is CEO of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay⁠. With more than 35 years of experience in animal welfare, Sherry brings extensive expertise in shelter operations, cruelty investigations, and organizational leadership. She is committed to collaboration and advancing lifesaving programs that strengthen animal welfare throughout Florida.

Amy Carotenuto, Board Member

Executive Director, Flagler Humane Society and Animal Services

Amy Carotenuto serves on the FAAWO Board of Directors and is Executive Director of the Flagler Humane Society, where she leads efforts in animal sheltering, protection, education, and community services. She also serves on the Board of the Florida Animal Protection & Advocacy Association (FAPAA). With decades of experience in animal welfare, Amy brings extensive knowledge and a strong commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and improving the lives of animals throughout Florida.

Deborah Millman, Board Member

Executive Director Lemur Conservation Foundation

Deborah Millman serves on the FAAWO Board of Directors and is Executive Director of the Lemur Conservation Foundation. With more than 20 years of nonprofit and animal advocacy experience, including a decade as executive director of a large nonprofit animal shelter, Deborah brings expertise in leadership, strategic development, and conservation to FAAWO. She is committed to collaboration and protecting animals and endangered species through education, advocacy, and innovative programs.

David Paloff, Board Member

Director, Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services

David Paloff serves on the FAAWO Board of Directors and is Director of Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services. With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in public safety and animal welfare, David brings expertise in shelter operations, organizational leadership, and community partnerships. He is committed to collaboration and advancing progressive, lifesaving animal welfare practices throughout Florida.

Jacque Petrone, Board Member

Founder and Executive Director H.A.L.O. No Kill Rescue

Jacque Petrone serves on the FAAWO Board of Directors and is the Founder and Executive Director of H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue⁠, which she founded in 2006 as Indian River County’s first no-kill rescue shelter. Jacque brings 20 years of hands-on animal welfare and nonprofit leadership experience to FAAWO, with a passion for lifesaving innovation, collaboration, and ensuring even the most vulnerable animals are given a chance.