Our Staff
Kym Leyden - Executive Director
Kym joined the Foundation in April, 2011. Kym came to Iowa via Berkeley, CA and grew up in various countries including Japan and the Philippines. Kym worked for the United Way of East Central Iowa for their Fall 2009 campaign where she developed her passion for fund raising. She's glad to be able to take those skills and put them to use for animals. Kym lives in Iowa City with her husband Dave and their very spoiled dog Murray and cats Annie and Mickey (both Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center alumni.)
Charlotte Tobiason- Program Coordinator
Charlotte joined us as Program Coordinator on Halloween. She is replacing Kim Laczynski, who has been helping with the transition and will be missed! Charlotte is a Graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Animal Science and was previously one of the kennel assistants at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. She is excited to have a greater opportunity to make the world a better place for animals and looks forward to working with the Center’s volunteers and staff to do so.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors consists of volunteers from all aspects of the community. We meet the second Wednesday of every month.
Bruce Drummond (FACF Board President)
As a full time employee in the Human Resources Department at the University of Iowa, Bruce helps staff across campus with their training needs. He believes that all employees of the University can benefit by learning and understanding the issues, policies, and procedures established by the University. He brings those same beliefs in serving on the FACF Board. That the community (both people and pets) benefit when more people understand the issues and benefits of having a lifelong companion, and knowing that the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center is here to assist and help current and potential pet owners. Having two cats (Theo and Tiggs) reminds him daily of the benefits of having pets, such as never having to worry about over sleeping with two cats who expect to be feed by 6 AM.
Michelle Hickman (Board Secretary)
Michelle joined the FACF Board in 2007. Michelle has held the following offices; Treasurer 2007, President 2008 & 2010, and Secretary 2011. Michelle resides in Iowa City with her 3 dogs, Rocky, Scooby, and Bear.
Kristof Richmond (Board Treasurer)
Originally from Boulder, Colorado, by way of Houston, Greenland (the island), and the Bay Area, Kristof is a relative newcomer to Iowa City, having moved here in 2007. He and his sister adopted his first cat, Miau, a stray, when Kristof was 9 years old, and he has been adopting cats (only large male tabbies, somehow) ever since. Kristof and his wife adopted their current companions, litter-mates Angelo and Buddy, from the Animal Center when they got a house in Iowa City.
Kristof is a partner at Frontier Astronautics, LLC where he is the lead robotics and control systems engineer. He has been serving on the FACF Board and as Treasurer since 2008.
Laurie Smith (Board Secretary)
Laurie joined the FACF board in 2007. Having owned rescued pets all her life, volunteering for the FACF board was an easy fit. Except for a five year detour through Colorado, Laurie has always lived in Iowa. A graduate of the Iowa MBA program, Laurie works for the Department of Radiation Oncology at University Hospitals. Laurie and her partner Julie own Leash on Life pet store in Iowa City. They share their home with canine family members Rosie and Sadie. Also running the house are the feline contingent of Pongo, Snuggles and Manchego. All of them are great representatives of wonderful rescued pets.
Tara Mott (Board Member at Large)
Joined the board in January 2011 and shares her home with her husband and their six children (2 birds, 2 cats, and 2 dogs). Tara enjoys being on the board because she gets to interact with people and pets, hearing their stories, and making a positive difference in the lives of all animals.
Brad Bender (Board Member at Large)
Brad joined the board in February 2011. As a veterinary hospital manager, Brad feels that FACF provides him with an opportunity to see a different side of animal care that he doesn't often see at work. Brad enjoys being on the board because he enjoys hearing about all the success stories that FACF has contributed to and affected so many animal lives. He lives with his Jack Russell Terrier Fitzpatrick.
Whitney Randall (Board Member at Large)
Originally from Mount Vernon, Iowa, Whitney has been with Hills Bank and Trust Company since 2001. She is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in English Language and Literature along with a minor in creative writing. While Whitney does not currently have any pets of her own, she finds volunteering at the shelter and being on the board to be a great substitute and enjoys contributing in this way to her community. Whitney joined the board in August of 2011 and currently resides in North Liberty.
Kathy Magarrell (Board Member at Large)
Kathy is originally from Houston, TX, but has lived in Iowa City since 1979, and feels like she's almost a native. She joined FACF in January 2012 (for the second time, having served on the Board in 2006-2007). Animals are her passion, with a special love for dogs. She has volunteered at the IC Animal Care and Adoption Center since 2000, taking the dogs out for walks, and for some love and attention. Kathy is a research and instruction librarian at the University of Iowa. She and her husband Rick live in Iowa City, and adopted their dog Roxie from the animal center in 2011.
Liz Ford (Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center Board Liaison)
Animal Care Technician, Iowa City Animal Care & Adoption Center
FACF Animal Center Liaison, 2011
FACF Executive Director 2008-2010
FACF Program Director 2007-2010
FACF Board Treasurer 2004, 2005, 2006
FACF Board Member at Large 2003
Contact Info:
liz-ford@iowa-city.org