Prior to following her dream into animal welfare, Elena Bicker earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from St. Mary's College of California and spent 11 years with GE Capital.
More
Prior to following her dream into animal welfare, Elena Bicker earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from St. Mary's College of California and spent 11 years with GE Capital. She joined ARF as a volunteer in 1993 and became an employee in 1998. In her first year as a staff member she generated more than $1 million in funding, and her marketing and strategic planning skills quickly led to her promotion to Marketing Director. She was promoted to Executive Director in 2006.
Her accomplishments include increasing adoptions at ARF's shelter by 23 percent, retiring the $3.1 million capital debt, and establishing an endowment for the first time in the organization's history. She has streamlined efficiencies while growing programs, elevating ARF from two-stars to the highest four-star rating on Charity Navigator, the nation's premier independent charity evaluator. In 2020, she secured a four-star rating for ARF for the 13th consecutive year, an achievement obtained by only 1% of charities rated.
Elena is a prominent member of the animal welfare community, developing long-term collaborative shelter relationships with national and local agencies. In 2007, she received special Congressional Recognition for Outstanding & Invaluable Service to the Community as a graduate of Leadership Contra Costa. In 2010, she was recruited by the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce for board membership and served a two-year term. In 2016, she was inducted into the Contra Costa Commission for Women's Hall of Fame for Women Demonstrating Leadership.
Elena resides in Danville, California with her husband and ARF rescue dog, Jax.
Close
Stephanie joined ARF in 2018, bringing 18 years of non-profit experience to ARF's team. She began her career in community development and volunteer recruitment, and has 15 years of experience in fundraising and marketing.
More
Stephanie joined ARF in 2018, bringing 18 years of non-profit experience to ARF's team. She began her career in community development and volunteer recruitment, and has 15 years of experience in fundraising and marketing. Her development team coordinates all of ARF's marketing and fundraising campaigns, including our signature events and publications. Stephanie grew up in California's Diablo Valley and earned her Bachelors of Arts in Photography from University of California, Santa Cruz.
For media inquiries, please submit a media inquiry.
Close
Rebecca is a licensed attorney who has devoted her life and career to public interest, social justice, and advocacy for vulnerable communities.
More
Rebecca is a licensed attorney who has devoted her life and career to public interest, social justice, and advocacy for vulnerable communities. She was a Deputy City Attorney for San Francisco, where she drafted animal welfare legislation that has since been replicated across California and the United States.
From 2008-2014, Rebecca served as the Director of Animal Care and Control (ACC) for the City and County of San Francisco, where she pioneered new policy initiatives and programs. This includes their highly successful WOOF program, which paired formerly homeless residents with difficult dogs requiring special training and attention.
In late 2014, Rebecca was hired to oversee the transition of Oakland Animal Services (OAS) into a standalone department under the City Administrator's Office. She and her team made huge strides in advancing the quality of care for Oakland's animals and people. Under her leadership, OAS saw great improvement in outcomes, including a jump in the live release rate from 56% to over 86%. The average length of stay for animals decreased dramatically, from an average of 31 days to 19 days. With better-trained, more knowledgeable staff along with an ever-growing pool of dedicated volunteers, OAS now operates well above industry standards.
Close
Bob has over a decade of animal welfare experience with shelters and nonprofit organizations across the country.
More
Bob has over a decade of animal welfare experience with shelters and nonprofit organizations across the country. In 2014, he joined the ASPCA as an anti-cruelty behavior consultant for a federal, multi-state dog fighting case where he helped implement a comprehensive behavior program. Bob then advanced to become the Shelter Manager for Animal Alliance of New Jersey. He has strong experience in dog training and behavior modification, with a passion for positive reinforcement, reward-based training. As an ARF employee since 2016, Bob's most recent Shelter Manager role involved leading the organization's largest department and overseeing intake, behavior, and daily care.
Bob strongly believes in ARF's "educator spirit" and has completed Fear Free Shelters, Koret Shelter Medicine's Capacity for Care, and PetSmart Charities' Rescue Waggin' programs. As a lifelong animal advocate, Bob is committed to strengthening community partnerships and serves as an alum for Leadership Contra Costa.
When he's not working, Bob likes to spend his time hiking and exploring the Bay Area with his wife and pit bull rescue, Carmela.
Close
Tammy brings over 41 years of progressive military, law enforcement, and canine training experience to ARF as the National Director of Pets and Vets. She is retired from the U.S.
More
Tammy brings over 41 years of progressive military, law enforcement, and canine training experience to ARF as the National Director of Pets and Vets. She is retired from the U.S. Army and has served in a variety of roles, including: Military Police Officer, SWAT Team, Drug Suppression Team, Traffic Accident Investigator, Patrol Dog Handler, Patrol Narcotic Detector Dog Handler, Explosives Detector Dog Handler, Green (initial) dog trainer.
Tammy was an Instructor at the Department of Defense Military Working Dog School for trainers and students. Her resume also includes: Kennelmaster Certification Authority, Major Command Military Working Dog Program Manager, Department of the Army Program Manager, Quality Assurance Director for the International Explosives Detector Dog Association, and published author.
She has served as a canine trainer for federal, state, and local police departments; private industry; animal shelters; animal rescues; and private individuals. Tammy also held the roles of Field K-9 Coordinator and Regional K-9 Training instructor for The Department of Homeland Security.
Close
Cheryl joined ARF in 2019, bringing with her 20 years of accounting experience. She spent 15 of those years as a CFO in the non-profit arena, cultivating strong financial, human resource, and information technology systems within her organizations.
More
Cheryl joined ARF in 2019, bringing with her 20 years of accounting experience. She spent 15 of those years as a CFO in the non-profit arena, cultivating strong financial, human resource, and information technology systems within her organizations. She thoroughly enjoys providing leadership and has served on local, state, and national committees. Cheryl lives in Bethel Island, California with her partner, Jim, and their growing clan of canine kiddos.
Close
Wendy's background as a marketing and communication strategist includes creative engagement work for brands such as AT&T, DIRECTV, Tenet Healthcare, and a roster of political clients.
More
Wendy's background as a marketing and communication strategist includes creative engagement work for brands such as AT&T, DIRECTV, Tenet Healthcare, and a roster of political clients. A born storyteller, aka a Texan, she also is a dedicated problem-solver and passionately committed to ARF's mission. When her nose isn't in a pile of market research or animal statistics, she's often puzzling her teammates with obscure lyric references. Wendy and her husband share their Bay Area home with ARF rescue dog, Max, and rescue cats Bella and Vougie.
Close
Please click here for the most up-to-date information on operations during COVID-19.
Bring your expertise and love for animals to ARF! As ARF continues to grow, so does the need for talented, enthusiastic team members in a variety of roles.
2890 Mitchell Dr
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
(925) 256-1273
Adoption Hours
Wednesday-Sunday: 12-6 pm
Early sign-in: 9 am-12 pm
(Weds, Thurs, Fri only)
Business Hours
Monday-Friday: 9 am-5 pm
