President: Laura Bush
PERSONAL BACKGROUND:
Sweetheart to Paul and Mother of two amazing children who are now thriving adults with their own families... and "Gramzie" to 4 grandchildren ranging from 1 to 13 years-old, as well as 4 grand-doggies. A dog mom since age 5, which began with "Princess", a rescue, Laura is currently mom to two furbaby rescues, CJ & Reba. CJ, the German Shepherd, was rescued in 2013 when a family member passed away. Reba was rescued 2 years ago in Bosque County, thanks to the help of BARK.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:
Laura and Paul own Rattlesnake Roadhouse in Walnut Springs - premier music venue, bar and grille... Her business has actively supported three charities since 2019: B.A.R.K., W.S.B.Y.A (Walnut Springs Business for Youth in Agriculture) and Texas Veterans Outdoors. In addition to these amazing causes, they also support individual causes as the need rises and have collectively raised over $125,000 for these and other causes since 2018.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: With over 30 years of non-profit experience, ranging from volunteer, employee and board member, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from those perspectives. A business owner nearly all of her adult life, Laura understands the dynamics of running a business and believes transparency and a network of allies who actively support the mission is a major key to nonprofit success.
"One of the main reasons why it's been so easy to be a part of B.A.R.K. is our members include a network of passionate people who support the safe rescue, treatment and rehoming of precious animals who deserve nothing less. Through the years, I've been blessed to help raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for various organizations and individuals in need and l look forward to continuing that record of success with B.A.R.K."
GOALS: "I pledge to continue the mission of B.A.R.K. with a focus on transparency, Board unity, increased awareness for our mission, community education and support, as well as an increase in adoptions, fosters, membership and donors. It all goes hand-in-hand."
Sweetheart to Paul and Mother of two amazing children who are now thriving adults with their own families... and "Gramzie" to 4 grandchildren ranging from 1 to 13 years-old, as well as 4 grand-doggies. A dog mom since age 5, which began with "Princess", a rescue, Laura is currently mom to two furbaby rescues, CJ & Reba. CJ, the German Shepherd, was rescued in 2013 when a family member passed away. Reba was rescued 2 years ago in Bosque County, thanks to the help of BARK.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:
Laura and Paul own Rattlesnake Roadhouse in Walnut Springs - premier music venue, bar and grille... Her business has actively supported three charities since 2019: B.A.R.K., W.S.B.Y.A (Walnut Springs Business for Youth in Agriculture) and Texas Veterans Outdoors. In addition to these amazing causes, they also support individual causes as the need rises and have collectively raised over $125,000 for these and other causes since 2018.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: With over 30 years of non-profit experience, ranging from volunteer, employee and board member, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from those perspectives. A business owner nearly all of her adult life, Laura understands the dynamics of running a business and believes transparency and a network of allies who actively support the mission is a major key to nonprofit success.
"One of the main reasons why it's been so easy to be a part of B.A.R.K. is our members include a network of passionate people who support the safe rescue, treatment and rehoming of precious animals who deserve nothing less. Through the years, I've been blessed to help raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for various organizations and individuals in need and l look forward to continuing that record of success with B.A.R.K."
GOALS: "I pledge to continue the mission of B.A.R.K. with a focus on transparency, Board unity, increased awareness for our mission, community education and support, as well as an increase in adoptions, fosters, membership and donors. It all goes hand-in-hand."
Vice President: Jackie Murksi
From Minnesota, Jackie is married to a Dallas Texas native, Mike Murski! They moved to Meridian nearly a decade ago and that's where Jackie's journey with BARK began... starting as a donor and hands on volunteer, then serving on the Board of Directors, in many positions, for over 8 years and chairs our annual Gala. Jackie is a go-getter and true champion for dogs!
"I'm passionate about rescue and educating our community on responsible pet ownership and the need for our organization. I hope to carry a legacy forward that is duplicatable and successful for BARK to thrive and grow!"
"I'm passionate about rescue and educating our community on responsible pet ownership and the need for our organization. I hope to carry a legacy forward that is duplicatable and successful for BARK to thrive and grow!"
Secretary: Susan Goen
Personal Background:
Mom of 4 (33,27,21,19) all who are successfully making their mark on the world, and “Missy” to
2 wonderful grandchildren (3, 14). She and her family have taken in many rescue animals, some
temporary, others stayed for the remainder of their lives. They currently have 3 shelter dogs,
one dog being “rehomed” on Facebook and 4 shelter cats. She enjoys woodworking, rebuilding
classic cars, and helping others whenever possible.
Professional Background:
Susan has been in education for 11 years working with special populations and general
education students and is now making the transition from the classroom to the office as the
Director of Testing and Special Programs. She has managed a horse ranch, a construction
company, and worked in home health care.
Favorite Verse:
Phillipians 4:13 “I can do all thing through Christ which strengthens me.”
Mom of 4 (33,27,21,19) all who are successfully making their mark on the world, and “Missy” to
2 wonderful grandchildren (3, 14). She and her family have taken in many rescue animals, some
temporary, others stayed for the remainder of their lives. They currently have 3 shelter dogs,
one dog being “rehomed” on Facebook and 4 shelter cats. She enjoys woodworking, rebuilding
classic cars, and helping others whenever possible.
Professional Background:
Susan has been in education for 11 years working with special populations and general
education students and is now making the transition from the classroom to the office as the
Director of Testing and Special Programs. She has managed a horse ranch, a construction
company, and worked in home health care.
Favorite Verse:
Phillipians 4:13 “I can do all thing through Christ which strengthens me.”
Treasurer (Interim): Wendy Bass
Personal Background: Wendy has spent much of her adult life traveling with her husband for 25 years of Air Force life. After his retirement, they've made Clifton home and are enjoying all the Bosque county community has to offer. Among their enjoyment, they are proud dog parents to three rescue dogs, including two from B.A.R.K. and are often guilty of sending surprises to the kennel from Chewy.com!
Professional Background: Wendy earned a Masters in Business Administration and spent her career working various financial jobs. She brings a wealth of experience to our Treasure position, including grant-writing!
"I am thankful for the opportunity to work with the B.A.R.K. family and look forward to watching the organization thrive."
Professional Background: Wendy earned a Masters in Business Administration and spent her career working various financial jobs. She brings a wealth of experience to our Treasure position, including grant-writing!
"I am thankful for the opportunity to work with the B.A.R.K. family and look forward to watching the organization thrive."
Board Member at Large: Mike Murski
Personal Background:
Married to his bride, Jackie, Mike is father to two grown kids and dog dad to countless animals they have fostered and/or adopted. He is an avid supporter of the community and is always willing to help a friend in need.
Professional Background:
Texas A&M graduate, class of 1985, Marketing degree
Mike spent 28 years as CEO of a sporting goods company with $750 million sales and also worked extensively in sales and marketing with Sams/Walmart, Academy & Bass Pro. He brings a wealth of talent, perspective and experience to the BARK team. He also brings experience from serving on other boards, including Texas Wildlife Association.
Married to his bride, Jackie, Mike is father to two grown kids and dog dad to countless animals they have fostered and/or adopted. He is an avid supporter of the community and is always willing to help a friend in need.
Professional Background:
Texas A&M graduate, class of 1985, Marketing degree
Mike spent 28 years as CEO of a sporting goods company with $750 million sales and also worked extensively in sales and marketing with Sams/Walmart, Academy & Bass Pro. He brings a wealth of talent, perspective and experience to the BARK team. He also brings experience from serving on other boards, including Texas Wildlife Association.
Board Member at Large: Claire Codanti
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To Contact a Board member, please email barkrescuekennels@gmail.com or call our office at 254-675-1954