Staff & Board of Directors
The BAM Board of Directors is entirely unpaid and made up of four Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) and three Directors (two 1-year seats, two 2-year seat, three 3-year seats). The Officers are up for reelection every year, with the BAM calendar year commencing at the April meeting. We currently have an opening for Secretary and 1 director. Please reach out to Robin@BAMutah.com if interested in finding out more.
President — Robin Smith
Robin has been active in animal rescue work for a number of years and started with BAM in 2019. She loves the outdoors whether cycling, hiking or trail running. She grew up in Oregon but has lived in several states before moving to Zion canyon 12+ years ago. Robin has worked in the insurance industry for 32+ years.
Vice President — Cathy Vanwey
Cathy was in the Financial Industry for over 30 years. Once she retired her and her husband decided to relocate from Southern California to Hurricane. They love it here, and enjoy off roading, hiking and bike riding. Cathy had a longing to do more and started to volunteer with BAM. "The volunteer work is so important and fulfilling". You will find Cathy at our Thrift Store and helping with many facets of our operation, including fundraising.
Treasurer — Jeff Hunt
Jeff is a local CPA and the managing member of J Hunt CPA, PLLC in Hurricane. He was introduced to BAM through the local Chamber of Commerce and, with a history of not-for-profit specialty, offered his expertise to BAM. He is also active in community affairs and has served as president of the Hurricane Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Hurricane Valley in addition to serving as a board member for many non-profit organizations throughout the years. Jeff joined BAM as Treasurer in February 2011 and served as President and Treasurer from April 2020 to July 2022.
Director, two-year seat — Susan Sweeten-Later
Raised in the Hoosier state (home of the Indy 500) so it is no surprise that she is an avid auto racing fan. Susan is a retired RN, a graduate of University of Maryland. Her hobbies include reading, keeping up with her 4 grandchildren and taking care of her 4 rescue dogs (2 are BAM alumni). She has volunteered at BAM in many capacities since 2020. She also volunteers her time at her church and donates to rescues around the globe that help animals in need of medical care. Her goal is to make all neglected, abused & homeless dogs that she comes in contact with feel loved, safe & cared for.
Director, one-year seat — OPEN
Director, two-year seat- George Palma
George is a graduate of Al Collins Graphic Design School in Tempe, AZ. After attaining his visual communication degree, he worked for the East Valley Tribune Newspaper creating advertising. He moved to California and in 2007 George went to work for the creative department at Gallo Winery. He left Gallo as the Print Production Supervisor in 2022. George founded his own company Palma Graphic Design here in Southern Utah. Besides George volunteering his expertise to help BAM with our logo & graphics, his family volunteer at BAM too!
Adoption Center Manager — Victoria Hebenton
Victoria's journey into animal rescue began in childhood, fostering a deep love for all creatures-from rodents to canines companions. This passion led to years of hands-on experience at San Diego Humane Society and Second Chance Dog Rescue as a volunteer, assisting with daily care, fundraising and fostering. For Victoria, becoming manager at BAM is more than a job, it's a vocation of purpose and passion to help her local community through non-profit work. With a lifetime of caring for diverse animals, Victoria understands the profound bond between humans and their companions and is a firm believer in the power of training to enhance animal-human communication. When not working with animals, you will find Victoria out exploring the great outdoors through canyoneering, climbing & mountain biking. Or curled up on the couch with a cup of tea and her animal children.
BAM Thrift Manager — Dorothy Massaro
Dorothy was born and raised in Southern Utah. Growing up she enjoyed all the outdoor activities that Southern Utah is famous for.
She is a lifelong animal lover with bearded dragons, and horses being among her favorites. She started helping BAM in several years ago with fundraisers (Celtic Crusaders Chili Cookoff) and in 2023 BAM welcomed her to our team as our Thrift store manager. Dorothy is always looking out for others (humans and animals), and we appreciate her efforts to continue to grow our Thrift store.
