Secretary

Jim Beer is a retired geologist who held technical and managerial positions with Royal Dutch Shell in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. 

Why I joined the SDV Board: "I choose to serve the SDV organization because of the moving testimonials from SDV clients about how dogs make a life-changing difference in their lives.  Their stories are consistent with my own experience with dogs."

Robin Bland is an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach. She is a graduate of East Carolina University, “Go Pirates!” and received her Juris Doctorate from Regent University School of Law. In her spare time, she enjoys CrossFit, spending time with family, and hanging out with Zu girl.

Why I joined SDV Board: “I joined the board because in June of 2023 my office was a recipient of a facility dog, Zuhey aka “ Zu Zu”. I received extensive training to become Zu’s primary handler and continue to do so today. Seeing the profound impact Zu has on victims and witness has been a life changing experience. She has also become an office favorite with staff bringing them much needed comfort as they work some of the most difficult cases

Shaele Culbreath is Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Engagement at the UVA Darden School Foundation. Before joining Darden in 2010, Shaele enjoyed a 12-year career at the United Way of Greater Charlottesville leading events and volunteers. Shaele is a graduate of the University of Virginia and lives in Charlottesville with her husband, four college-age kids and her two Labs.

Why I joined the SDV Board:I joined the SDV board because I am inspired by the incredible team and volunteers who train dogs to assist people with disabilities and in therapeutic settings, and it’s an honor to support their efforts.

Holly Mason, MD, FASA is a practicing anesthesiologist.   Currently she is broadening her knowledge and skill set by obtaining her Master's in Public Health. She hopes to give back to the community of which she has been a part for more than three decades.

Why I joined the SDV Board: SDV makes a life changing and positive impact on members of our community.  I believe in the service SDV provides and want to do my part in supporting this wonderful organization.

Denise is a retired marketing executive who is passionate about helping organizations of all types make lasting change in the world. She recently served as executive director of Georgia’s Friends, a nonprofit devoted to creating a safe sober-living environment for women recovering from substance use disorders. She has also been a long-time advocate for the welfare of racing greyhounds throughout the U.S. 

Why I joined the board: The work Service Dogs of Virginia does is life-changing. I’m honored to be a part of this organization and support the talented and dedicated staff who work tirelessly every day to change lives.

President

Lani Morrissey is a retired systems engineer, project manager and business owner.  She remains Chairman of the Board of her former company, Stratos Solutions, which provides Systems engineering consulting to the intelligence community. 

Why I joined the SDV Board: “I am always amazed to see the difference dogs can make in people's lives and am humbled by the dedication of the SDV team.  It is a privilege to serve on the board of such a wonderful organization.”

Susan Wells Sargeant is retired cardiac nurse and nurse administrator with over ten years of nonprofit Board experience.   

Why I joined the SDV Board:"I chose to serve on the Board of Service Dogs of Virginia because I am passionate about the remarkable life changing assistance service dogs provide for recipients.   I have an interest in promoting Board growth and development and ensuring a sustainable organization for years to come.”

Vice- President

Marty, a retired anesthesiologist, joins the Board with certificates in Project Management and Public Administration.  He lives in Albemarle County and is passionate about volunteer work and supporting Virginia communities.

Why I joined the SDV Board: "SDV profoundly and enduringly impacts the lives of the community members it serves. Each dog's training is customized to meet the unique needs of each individual client. Watching the trainers coach the dogs and guide them through their learning and growth is inspiring. The special bond that develops between the dogs and the individuals they assist is truly heartwarming. SDV is an organization of wonderful people doing amazing work.”

David Spader is the Chief Product Officer and a cofounder at Potentia LLC, a company that seeks to unleash the potential of all people and organizations by supporting consultants with its tools, assessments, and easy to deploy platform.

Why I joined the SDV Board: “As a former puppy-parent, I’ve been fortunate to observe the positive impact these dogs have on the lives of their partners. It’s an honor to work with this amazingly dedicated SDV team as they literally transform lives for the better.”

Treasurer

Polly Tarbell is a software engineer with Delta Air Lines.  She has an innate passion for working dogs and has volunteered for SDV since 2014.  She delights in flying puppies from the ADI Breeding Cooperative around the country, assisting in whelping litters of pups, and providing a respite home for dogs in advanced training.

Why I joined the SDV Board:"Hearing from clients at graduation brought tears of joy to my eyes and gave me goosebumps."