Foothills Humane Society Board of Directors recently announced five new members who will serve a three-year term.

David Pritchard, board president, confirmed these outstanding professionals began their term in 2013.

“We are so fortunate to have such diverse backgrounds as new board members.  This will allow us to move forward in 2013 with new ideas and new perspectives,” Pritchard said.

Donald Hill is a lifelong resident of Polk County. Hill has been sheriff of Polk County since 2008. He has 23 years in law enforcement and for many years served as a K-9 officer with the sheriff’s office. Hill has one dog, Sam, who was his last service K-9 with the Polk County Sheriff’s office.

Nancy McKinstry, executive director at Tryon Estates Retirement Community in Columbus ,has lived in the Columbus area for three years. She became familiar with Foothills Humane Society by becoming a foster for both dogs and cats.

“As an owner of four cats and a dog there is no doubt that I have a commitment and fondness for animals. Helping those who cannot help themselves is a source of great pleasure,” McKinstry said.

McKinstry also serves on the board of directors for Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, The Pacolet Area Conservancy, The Polk County Red Cross and St. Luke’s Foundation. She is also an active member of the Rotary Club of TryoEric Mack is owner of Purrrfect Bark, a local pet supply store. He has lived in Columbus since 1993. Having grown up on a dairy farm in Vermont, he’s been around animals from a young age.

“As a dog and cat person, I’m looking forward to continuing to give back to the community’s pets and animals,” Mack said.

Mack has previously helped out with other animal groups, including WNC Nature Center.

Roberta Ratterree (not pictured) manages the Bank of America Banking Center in Tryon. She has been with the bank for 32 years and has lived in Tryon with

her husband, Bill, for 25 years. Roberta and Bill have a golden retriever named Luke and a cat named Daisy.

Roxanne Wiebe is a retired human resources professional. Wiebe moved to Tryon three years ago from Omaha, Neb. to pursue a lifelong love of horseback riding in a friendly, supportive equine community. She has three cats, two horses and one dog.

“My heart has always belonged to the needs of children and animals. I am honored to serve on the FHS board, providing me the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the community I now call home,” Wiebe said.

Pritchard also recognized the board members who completed their terms: Ann Inks, Bertie Phayer, Jim Scott and Sandy Sibley. He noted that each board member had made unique contributions to FHS and provided valuable advice in the areas of long-term planning, operations and fundraising. Special recognition was made to Phayer who first joined the board in 1993.

“With the exception of taking one year off, Bertie has served the board almost 20 consecutive years. Her wealth of knowledge and history of our organization will be sorely missed,” Pritchard said.

Foothills Humane Society is a 501 (©) (3) organization.  FHS is an open-admission, adoption-guarantee animal welfare organization serving the rural foothills of Polk County and northern Greenville and Spartanburg counties of South Carolina. FHS began in 1957 as the volunteer-operated, Polk County Animal Protection Society and received its non-profit 501c5 status in 1989. Since its incorporation, FHS has grown tremendously through generous community support, private donations and dedicated volunteer efforts.  Please contact Selena Coffey, executive director at 828-863-4444 or visit www.foothillshumanesociety.org for more information.

– article submitted by Joyce Cox