Winn Feline Foundation
Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP (Feline)
Executive Director
888-963-6946, extension 702
Media Info
Steve Dale, CABC
Media Contact and Winn Board Member
773-895-8696
Media Info
For Immediate Release
Wyckoff, NJ, January 6, 2016: Winn Feline Foundation recently added two new members to the Board of Directors. The new members of the board, Susan E. Gingrich and Dean Vicksman DVM, represent a dedicated mix of talented volunteers to serve as Winn board members and indicate Winn’s commitment to expanding its board to include the necessary skill sets for a growing foundation.
Ms. Gingrich and Dr. Vicksman join current board members Glenn Olah DVM, PhD, DABVP (Feline), Eric Bruner, Janet Wolf, Vickie Fisher, George Eigenhauser, Steve Dale, CABC, Brian Holub DVM, Lorraine Shelton, and Drew Weigner DVM, DABVP (Feline), along with staff members Vicki Thayer DVM, DABVP (Feline) as Executive Director and Alisa Salvaggio as Donor Care Specialist.
“Winn Feline Foundation is thrilled with the two accomplished volunteers who have joined our board. We now have representation from our cat-loving group of supporters and an individual with an extensive background in nonprofit groups and media. Their combined experience will be brought together for the benefit of Winn’s mission in funding feline health studies and improving the welfare of cats. We are excited about the future of Winn”, stated Glenn Olah, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Winn Board President.
Susan E. Gingrich joined the Winn Board in October 2015. She is a Registered Nurse, with a master’s degree in human services, and recently retired as the Director of Housing in the Commonwealth of PA. Her professional career involved employment in the public and private sectors in the fields of health care, special education, information technology, and communication. Along with her husband, Jim Shurskis, Ms. Gingrich founded the Bria Fund for FIP Research at Winn, which had its 10th Anniversary in 2015, and continues to lead efforts related to the fund. To date, the Bria Fund has funded 16 studies on feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). She is a member of the National Birman Fanciers, where she is involved in Birman Rescue. Susan enjoys ballroom dancing and working on political campaigns. She is also an active member of a local theater group.
Dr. Dean Vicksman, a Denver native, graduated with honors from Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. He was then accepted into Angell Memorial Animal Hospital’s internship program in Boston for advanced training in small animal medicine and surgery. He has co-owned and directed Evans East Animal Hospital since April 1, 1987, with Dr. Steve Kromka. He is a Certified Veterinary Journalist and a participating member of the Veterinary News Network.
His personal interests include skiing and martial arts and Dr. Vicksman has a 2nd degree black belt in Peoples Kenpo Karate. In keeping with his journalist interests, he is a guest speaker on ABC Channel 7 and FOX31 News pet segments. He is currently Chairman of the Board at PetAid Colorado, the past Chairman of the Board at the Dumb Friends League and on the Advisory Board of the Grey Muzzle Organization. He and his wife, Rebecca, and their two children, Sarah and Koby, enjoy their dogs Odin, Whinnie, Jadzia, and Pickles.
Winn Feline Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1968 that supports studies to improve cat health. Since 1968, the Winn Feline Foundation has funded over $5.4 million in health research for cats at more than 30 partner institutions world-wide. This funding is made possible through the support of dedicated donors and partners. Research supported by Winn Feline Foundation helps veterinarians to improve treatment of common feline health problems and prevent many diseases.
www.winnfelinefoundation.org