The Puppy Jake Foundation board of directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Lisa Russell as CEO. Russell succeeds Becky Beach who retired from the organization earlier this year.

“As we enter the next chapter of our organization, Lisa’s experience and enthusiasm for our mission is a great match,” said Jeff Link, board chair. “She has served on our board for several years, and when Becky retired earlier this summer, she stepped into the interim role with ease. When she expressed an interest in staying on in the role indefinitely, we were pleased. Her vision for building on the success of Puppy Jake fit well with the board’s.”

Since 2000, Russell has owned her own communications and public affairs agency that worked with a variety of nonprofits and businesses to provide an extra set of hands. She has also volunteered with a number of local nonprofits and is an assistant boys track and country coach coach at Des Moines Roosevelt High School.