Who We Are

Gregory Castle, chief executive officer and board member

One of the cofounders of Best Friends Animal Society, Gregory Castle was named CEO in January 2010 and currently serves on the Best Friends board of directors. Throughout much of the last 28 years, Gregory has been one of the key leaders in animal welfare, as well as a voice of reason and reconciliation among grassroots rescue groups, animal shelters and national animal welfare organizations.

Gregory created No More Homeless Pets in Utah, a campaign involving animal welfare and rescue organizations, animal control officers, veterinarians, schools and animal lovers from across the state in aggressive spay/neuter, adoption and public awareness programs. Gregory also initiated Utah's Week for the Animals, which includes educational and public awareness programs, special discount spay/neuter services, pet adoption fairs and public service awards.

Originally born in England, he now lives in Kanab, Utah, with his wife, Julie, and their family of cats and dogs.

Rana Smith, chief development officer

Rana Smith is a highly respected nonprofit leader recognized for her expertise in building and maintaining key relationships with corporations and philanthropic leaders. As chief development officer, Rana serves as a key member of the Best Friends leadership team, overseeing both development and communications divisions. Currently responsible for nearly $50 million in annual revenue, Rana directs all facets of donor development at Best Friends including major gifts, planned giving, direct response, employee giving, corporate and foundation relations, and the oversight of donor services operations.

Prior to joining Best Friends in June 2011, Rana enjoyed a successful career working for United Way and The University of Texas at Austin. She spent the last eight years as chief development officer at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas where she and her team raised over $450 million to support local programs.

She has participated in multiple professional groups including the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy Executive Resource Development Institute, Association of Fundraising Professionals as well as serving on the board of directors for Legacy School of Rockwall and Recovery Inn and as a national resource development instructor for United Way.

A life-long animal rescuer who enjoys fostering kittens, Rana lives in St. George, Utah, with her husband, two children and adopted polydactyl cat named Jax.

Paul Altherr, chief programs officer

Paul Altherr is the Chief Programs Officer. He is responsible for leading the strategic development and implementation of programs and services that save the lives of companion animals, helping bring about the day when there are No More Homeless Pets™. This involves working directly with Best Friends staff as well as working with partners in the No More Homeless Pets™ network.

Prior to Best Friends, Paul served in general management, strategy, operations, finance, marketing and human resources roles. His career chapters have included Ernst & Young, The Coca-Cola Company, the Art Gallery of Ontario (the 8th largest art museum in North America), and as founder of his own consulting and services firm.

Paul and his wife, Peggy, and their two daughters, Tracy and Amy, have been long-time adopters of cats and dogs. Paul enjoys fitness, the outdoors, travel, learning about social enterprise, and taking deep breaths.

Julie Castle, senior director, communications

Julie joined Best Friends for a second time in 2007, after six years as executive director of No More Homeless Pets in Utah (NMHP in Utah), a coalition of 22 rescue groups, 54 animal control agencies, and 85 veterinarians. During that period, NMHP in Utah saw a 50 percent drop in euthanasia statewide.

While at NMHP in Utah, Julie helped design and build many nationally recognized model lifesaving programs, such as The Big Fix, a mobile spay/neuter clinic; Furburbia adoption centers; Strut Your Mutt; the Feral Fix; and super adoptions. 

Julie has created and held several management, marketing and consulting positions over the past 15 years, including setting up a student exchange program in the former Soviet Union; developing nationwide brand extensions for companies such as Coca-Cola, M&M Mars, and Ocean Spray; and advising numerous animal welfare organizations on marketing, fundraising, spay/neuter and adoption programming. 

Julie graduated from Southern Utah University magna cum laude with a B.S. and currently serves on their national alumni board. Julie and her husband, Gregory, live in Utah, where they run marathons and hike in southern Utah's red-rock wilderness. Julie enjoys restoring historic homes and is an avid gardener.

Judah Battista, director, animal care

Judah first began volunteering for Best Friends in 1984 while on summer vacations; he began working full-time at the sanctuary in 1988. He served as a vet tech, cat care manager and clinic manager before accepting the responsibilities of interim director of animal care in 2005. In 2006, he moved to Chicago and worked at PAWS Chicago as the manager of animal care at their rescue center. During his tenure, the organization more than tripled the number of animals rescued each year.

Michael Dix, DVM, medical director

Michael Dix, DVM, is the medical director for the Best Friends Clinic. He works closely with the other veterinarians and the rest of the medical team to provide care to the sanctuary's animal residents - which is no small task. On any given day, more than 1,700 cats, dogs, rabbits, horses and other companion animals call Best Friends home. The clinic is fully outfitted to provide comprehensive medical care, including x-rays, blood work, state-of-the-art dental care and ultrasound. In addition, the clinic provides spay/neuter for the local community and runs a trap/neuter/return (TNR) program for area feral cats. A day at the clinic includes treating emergencies, providing preventive care and performing surgical procedures.

Dr. Mike graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in 1998, completed a small-animal medicine and surgery internship at the University of Illinois in 1999, and completed the Colorado State University Veterinary Medical Acupuncture course in 2001.

Dr. Mike and the other veterinarians on staff can treat lifetime illnesses like feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and diabetes, which means that Best Friends can care for many special-needs animals. Because the sanctuary has a large population of aging dogs and cats and animals recovering from surgery or injuries, his acupuncture skills are a valuable addition to traditional pain management.

In his time away from work, Dr. Mike enjoys hiking, backpacking, going to the movies, and spending time with his family, which includes a wife (who also works at Best Friends) and their cats and dogs. He did most of his growing up in Michigan and moved to Kanab after practicing veterinary medicine in Portland, Oregon, for five years.

Holly Harris-Reid, director, finance and administration

Holly joined Best Friends in 2006 as controller, overseeing accounting and finance, before becoming the director of human resources in 2009. She has 25 years of combined corporate, start-up, and non-profit experience. She has a diverse background in journalism, accounting, and an MBA with a particular interest in organizational health and development.

Holly has done extensive editorial work in conservation and is treasurer of the board for Chimp Sanctuary, NW. She has volunteered for the DianFossey Gorilla Fund and Orangutan Foundation International.

Holly and her husband are the doting parents of 4 four-legged kids—three dogs and one geriatric kitty. They love to travel to far away places and take road trips with their dogs.

Patty Hegwood, director, visitor and volunteer engagement

Patty Hegwood was recruited in January 2011 to be the inaugural director for the new Volunteer and Visitor Engagement division for Best Friends Animal Society. This division houses all of the areas that work with supporters to insure that their experience at the Sanctuary is positive and inspirational, and to offer educational and resource opportunities for people to get active on behalf of the animals in their communities when they return home.

Patty first started working at Best Friends in 2006 as the manager of the Best Friends clinic. She was recruited to join Best Friends' staff following the society's efforts in Hurricane Katrina pet rescue. At that time, Patty was the lay business partner in a veterinary hospital; in fact, she was the first non-medical business partner in a veterinary hospital in the state of Louisiana.

Patty lives in Kanab, Utah, with her husband, Jason Hegwood, who also works for Best Friends, and their daughter, Hannah. Their happy family includes lots of dogs and cats and they enjoy hiking and gardening.

Vicki Kilmer, director, research and analytics

As director of research and analytics, Vicki is responsible for supporting the organization's information needs and member and community insights, as well as leading initiatives to gauge our progress in our mission of No More Homeless Pets.

Vicki brings 19 years of leadership experience in marketing, publishing, advertising and sales. She has a strong background in direct-response marketing, relationship management, emerging market development, organizational effectiveness and strategic planning. Prior to joining Best Friends, Vicki served as marketing director for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. 

She has been heavily involved in animal welfare, operating a home-based dog rescue, serving on the board of LABMED (Labrador Emergency Medical Assistance), volunteering for Best Friends' Hurricane Katrina rescue effort, and participating in a Florida-based rescue alliance to promote responsible pet guardianship. Vicki also actively worked with Floridians for Humane Farms and for approval of the Florida animal friends license plate. 

A Pennsylvania native, she received her undergraduate degree in communications at Pennsylvania State University, and attended Duquesne University's community and organizational leadership graduate programs, with an animal advocacy concentration.

Kate Schnepel, creative director

In her current role as Creative Director, Kate Schnepel oversees the marketing, graphic design, copywriting, and online strategy teams.

Kate first worked for Best Friends more than a decade ago, when there were fewer than 100 employees on staff, handling requests for help from members across the country. She soon moved on to become one of the first employees at No More Homeless Pets in Utah, a statewide coalition working to end the euthanasia of dogs and cats in shelters. Kate served as communications director, webmaster, and brand manager. She developed successful advertising campaigns and messaging strategies that were replicated in other areas of the country. 

She returned to Best Friends in 2007 as the marketing manager in the Community Programs and Services division. In this role, she was integral to the creation and promotion of the four national campaigns that Best Friends launched to help create a time of No More Homeless Pets. 

Kate volunteers time as president of the board for Wildlife SOS India, which has rescued more than 600 exploited sloth bears from a life of dancing for tourists. While she loves her job at Best Friends, a big chunk of her heart lives in India, with the animals and people she has met on her travels.

John Sichta, director of canyon operations

John and his wife Shelly relocated to Kanab from Michigan in 2008. Devoted animal lovers and volunteers at their local shelter, full time jobs at Best Friends for them both was the next logical step and a dream come true.

John started at Best Friends as the Sr. Caretaker at Angels Rest before assuming the responsibilities for Landscape and Housekeeping. John and Shelly are “failed foster parents” to several cats.

Prior to joining Best Friends, John was employed by several Fortune 500 companies, primarily involved in sales and marketing management. Coming from the Midwest, they miss the trees and water, but the beautiful red mountains and the spirit of adventure in the west and Angels Canyon make Kanab and Best Friends truly “home”.

Holly Sizemore, director, community programs & services

Holly Sizemore entered the animal welfare world in 1991 while in college. She discovered a population of feral cats eating from a restaurant dumpster, so she and a concerned restaurant patron began the task of what they later (much later) learned was Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR). Together they formed CAWS, a Utah non-profit group focusing on adoptions, TNR, and low-income spay/neuter. 

In 2000, Holly joined No More Homeless Pets in Utah and served the organization as Partner Development Director, Feral Fix Director, Community Development Director, and ultimately as Executive Director. Holly has volunteered and worked in many different animal welfare arenas ranging from very small grassroots to large-scale public/private partnership efforts. She now leads the outreach efforts of Best Friends.

Francis Battista, vice-chair

Francis Battista is one of the founders of Best Friends Animal Society. Along with his wife, Silva, Francis created Best Friends' Los Angeles programs, launching many model programs, such as the Catnippers spay/neuter program for community cats; celebrity events, such as the Lint Roller Party; super adoptions; and public awareness campaigns, such as Desex and the City, a spay/neuter campaign. Francis currently works as an advisor to Best Friends Community Programs and Services.

Anne Mejia, secretary

Anne Mejia (pictured with Bodhi, her sweet lab/pittie boy) is one of the founders of Best Friends Animal Society. In the beginning Anne established the Welcome Center, which includes volunteer coordination, the gift shop and tours of the sanctuary. During that time she helped create Angels Rest Pet Memorial Park to honor the passing of Best Friends' cherished animal residents. She was one of the leaders in the Katrina rescue operation in 2005. In 2006 Anne was involved in creating the Development Division and now is one of its senior fundraisers. Anne resides at the sanctuary with her husband Cyrus and their family of dogs and cats.

Kraig Butrum, board member

Kraig Butrum has over 25 years of non-profit management and fund-raising experience. Serving a wide variety of organizations, Kraig has served as president, vice president, campaign director, director of development and consultant to nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S., including groups such as Conservation International, the National Park Foundation, the Nuclear Threat Initiative and Earth Day Network. Kraig has been an animal lover since age seven, when his parents brought his first dog, Blitz, home from a shelter. He helped manage the family's horses, numerous guinea pigs, and six cats. Kraig lives with his partner of 32 years, Dave Stewart, and their English Lab, Caleb, in Washington, D.C.

Cyrus Mejia, board member

Cyrus Mejia is one of the founders of Best Friends Animal Society. He was born in New Orleans, and studied art in Mississippi. in 1984 Mejia was part of the advance team, arriving in Kanab to build the sanctuary. He later worked with his wife Anne to create the Welcome Center and the visitor's experience at Best Friends. Mejнa now works as Best Friends Resident Artist. His artwork has been exhibited nationally, spreading the message of kindness and compassion and serving as a call to action for the animals. Cyrus Mejia lives in Kanab, Utah, with his wife Anne and their family of dogs and cats.

Molly Koch, board member

Molly Jordan Koch is a certified Jungian analyst with a private practice in a little yurt that sits under an oak tree in Topanga, California where she lives with her husband, Hawk, their two dogs, 2 horses and a pond full of frogs. She earned her Masters Degree in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, Molly worked for Dr. John C. Lilly at the Human/Dolphin Foundation whose focus was on inter species communication. While there she coordinated benefits, published the foundation's newsletter and acted as public and press liaison for Dr. Lilly and his wife, Toni.

Gregory Castle, chief executive officer and board member

One of the cofounders of Best Friends Animal Society, Gregory Castle was named CEO in January 2010 and currently serves on the Best Friends board of directors. Throughout much of the last 28 years, Gregory has been one of the key leaders in animal welfare, as well as a voice of reason and reconciliation among grassroots rescue groups, animal shelters and national animal welfare organizations.

Gregory created No More Homeless Pets in Utah, a campaign involving animal welfare and rescue organizations, animal control officers, veterinarians, schools and animal lovers from across the state in aggressive spay/neuter, adoption and public awareness programs. Gregory also initiated Utah's Week for the Animals, which includes educational and public awareness programs, special discount spay/neuter services, pet adoption fairs and public service awards.

Originally born in England, he now lives in Kanab, Utah, with his wife, Julie, and their family of cats and dogs.

Abby Jones, board member

Abby Jones has more than 25 years of experience as a lawyer. Currently, she works as in-house securities counsel for a corporation based in Denver, Colorado. Abby has volunteered with animal welfare organizations throughout most of her adult life; she has volunteered for Best Friends since 2000, working at super adoptions, organizing fundraisers, walking dogs, and scooping bunny poop. She also writes cat biographies for a no-kill shelter in Denver. She shares her home with a tyrannical Quaker Parrot named Gonzo, a self-absorbed male cockatiel named Sydney and a female cockatiel named Sheila, who only has eyes for Abby's husband, Eric. Abby's daughter Chloe is a college student, who can often be seen surfing in Costa Rica or skydiving in Fiji.