Meet Our Team
What We Do
HSoMC is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of homeless animals, including abandoned animals, neglected animals and strays in our community. We take in dogs from other shelters that have reached capacity so that they have a chance at adoption, rather than being euthanized. We will not refuse or euthanize an animal that has a treatable medical condition. All animals are fixed, vaccinated and microchipped prior to adoption. Since 2011, we have found homes for approximately 2,000 animals per year and have one of the highest adoption rates in the state.
In addition to adoptions, HSoMC supports our community through youth programs, animal welfare education programs and assistance programs, including a pet pantry and low-cost spay and neuter services. Furthermore, our volunteer program offers extensive opportunities for concerned and caring individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of animals. We also have a robust foster program, which provides temporary homes for animals waiting for “furever” homes, along with a safe haven for those with special needs.
HSoMC does not receive dedicated governmental funding and relies on grants, fundraising, donors, and our dedicated staff and volunteers to provide these valuable services and programs.
Who We Are
At the Humane Society of Midland County our mission is to improve the lives of people & pets in our communities.
Our Mission
We are a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to finding permanent, loving homes for unwanted and abandoned animals. Our small staff and dedicated volunteers operate and manage the only animal shelter in Midland County. In 2011, HSoMC took over management from Midland County Animal Control and became a “no kill” shelter.
Our Staff
Alice Adams – Cat Care Coordinator
Allie Bosnak – Animal Care Technician
Ann Piwowarski – Shelter Director
Anne Wakeman – Animal Care Technician
Anthony McCarty – Kennel Attendant
Brian Filcek – Kennel Attendant
Chris Whitted – Office & Data Coordinator
Chris Johnson – Animal Care Technician
Dillon Ford – Kennel Attendant
Dr. Matthew Hint, DVM – Staff Veterinarian
Holly Kelley – Community Engagement & Development Manager
Jasmin Holden – Kennel Attendant
Jenna Miller – Vet Assistant
Jesse Fletcher, IOM – Executive Director
Lillie Heidger – Kennel Attendant
Liz King – Animal Care Technician
Maticka Grice – Kennel Attendant
Meghan Lupo – Marketing Manager
Terra Sadek – Foster & Kennel Manager
At the Humane Society of Midland County, our staff works hard on behalf of the animals in our care and the people in our community. Because of their hard work and diligence, we can find homes for thousands of animals, many of whom come to us in tremendous need of behavioral and medical care. They work hard behind the scenes, so we can continue to do what we do as the only animal shelter in Midland County.
Board of Directors
Christopher Bowman
PRESIDENT
Chris lives in Midland with his wife, Shiela, and their four boys, four dogs, cat and bearded dragon. Chris has been an attorney in the Dow Legal Department for the past 14 years. Currently, his role is the Chief Compliance Officer/Senior Managing Counsel – Ethics, Employment, Labor & Benefits. Chris joined the HSoMC board in 2021 and is a member of the HR Committee.
Joyce Halstead
VICE-PRESIDENT
Joyce joined the board in 2024 after 14 years as a dedicated volunteer. During that time she wore about every volunteer hat in existance and even began a new endeavor, the spay/neuter assistance programs. She lives in Midland, usually with a rescued cat or two, and currently service on the Finance Committee for both HSOMC and her church. Joyce retired from the State of Michigan after 23 years of service.
Benjamin Dollard
TREASURER
Budget Committee chair: Benjamin is a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial for 33 years and is a resident of Midland. Benjamin also served on the West Midland Family Center board and presently serves on the Kiwanis Foundation board. Benjamin and his wife, Kelly, have three dogs. Joined board 2019.
Terri Collins
SECRETARY
Terri retired from Dow in 2010 after 31 years with numerous positions in Information Services and Facility Management, including computer systems development, project management and supervision. Terri joined HSoMC in 2010 and has been involved in many projects and activities, including grant writing. She served on the Board from 2012-2017 as director and treasurer. Participate on funds development and nominating committees. Terri and her husband, Rick, have one rescue dog Mocha. Joined the board in 2024.
Jerry Burns
DIRECTOR, ELECTION COMMITTEE CHAIIR
Jerry is a Global Business IT Director with 25+ years of service at Dow. A 20+ year proud resident of Midland where he raised his children (Liam & Zoe), he recently relocated downstate with his wife (Keri) but continues to work in the city. Jerry is the dogfather of a precocious, one-eyed boxer (Lucile “Lucy” Penelope) and rescued a rambunctious Detroit pitty (Revley) from HSoMC in the spring of 2024. An avid sports fan, Jerry has coached for a broad range of area youth athletics while also donating his time in support of a variety of other local philanthropic organizations. Joined the board in 2023.
Patrick Horner
DIRECTOR
Patrick has been involved in the adoption, rescue, and fostering of dogs for the past 15 years. He and his partner, Laura, have focused on rehabilitation of misunderstood dogs and senior dogs who deserve to be spoiled during their final adventures. In 2021, he adopted Juniper, a sweet blue pitty, from the Humane Society of Midland County. Patrick is a Director of Business Development at Dow, where he specializes in strategy implementation and building lasting relationships.
Tammy Sherman
DIRECTOR
Tammy is an HR manager at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan and she chairs the HSoMC Human Resources committee. She has adopted and sponsored many pets, as well as rescued, fostered, and helped to get other pets adopted as well as volunteered at the HSoMC. Joined the board in 2022.
Heather Smith
DIRECTOR
Heather has over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, and business strategy. She recently focused on her family and volunteered at Gateway Family & Urgent Care in Midland, enhancing her commitment to helping both humans and animals. Growing up on a pig farm, Heather has always been connected to animals. Her journey in animal welfare began when she adopted her first dog from HSOMC, and she even considered a career as a veterinarian while working at a clinic in Maryland. Throughout her life, she has nurtured countless animals, faced the challenges of farm life, and made difficult humane decisions. She lives in Midland with her husband, Mike, their three children, and six animals. In her personal time, she enjoys sewing, design, and writing, always seeking ways to support animal welfare and community engagement.
Dawn Wright
DIRECTOR
Dawn is a Trust Officer & Financial Planner at Tri-Star Trust Bank, she has worked in the financial services industry for the last eight years, prior to that time she worked in the non-profit space. Dawn lives in Midland with her beloved English Bulldog, Charlie. She joined the HSoMC Grants Committee as a grant writer in December 2023.
Amy Gilstad
DIRECTOR
Amy is a lifelong animal lover and rescuer. She and her husband, Chad, currently have 2 rescue pups, Kona and Kai, and geriatric rescue kitty, Fluffy Jones. Amy works at Trinseo as a procurement manager. She is also the Community Outreach co-chair for Trinseo and has had the honor of helping foster a strong relationship with HSOMC.
Chuck Neal
DIRECTOR
Chuck is a recently retired IT professional with 30 years of service at Dow. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in Homer Township, where they raised their two children, Jessica and Phoenix. A passionate animal advocate, Chuck and his family are the proud companions of three dogs —Pepper (2011), Loki (2021), and Mila (2025) — all adopted from the Humane Society of Midland County. Their household also includes two rescued cats, Charlie and Silver Rose, who joined the family from other areas. With his early retirement, Chuck is excited for the opportunity to devote more time to volunteer efforts, community involvement, and personal hobbies.
Careers
Interested in joining our team? The Humane Society of Midland County is always looking for compassionate, dedicated people who want to help animals and support our community.