Fayette Friends of Animals Welcomes New Leadership to Expand Mission of Compassion and Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Uniontown, PA -Fayette Friends of Animals (FFOA) is proud to announce the appointment of Keeley Forrestel as FFOA's new Executive Director and Luke Szymanski as Director of Operations, bringing fresh leadership to the organization as it continues its mission to provide a safe, compassionate haven for dogs and cats while seeking to place them in loving, permanent homes. Both leaders are poised to advance FFOA's mission of creating a world where every pet has a safe and caring home.

FFOA has recently launched a new website designed to make it easier for the community to engage with the shelter, explore ways to help, and access information about adoptable animals. The updated site will also support the shelter's efforts to build deeper connections with its supporters and offer seamless opportunities for fostering, adopting, donating, and volunteering.

Keeley Forrestel joins FFOA with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. Her strong background in community leadership, including her previous role as Executive Director of East End United Community Center, positions her to guide FFOA toward its vision of alleviating the burden of animal overpopulation in the region. Keeley holds a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from the University of Florida and a Master's degree in Social Justice and Human Rights with a focus on nonprofit management from Arizona State University.

Keeley shared her enthusiasm for her new role, stating: "At Fayette Friends of Animals, we're not just a shelter; we're a community-driven effort to save lives, reduce overpopulation, and provide second chances for cats and dogs. I am excited to be part of this transformative journey, working on restarting our spay and neuter clinics, enhancing our fostering program, and eventually building a larger, more efficient shelter that will allow us to help even more animals. Our new website is a small step toward making it easier for the community to get involved in our mission."

Luke Szymanski, a dedicated dog trainer who also owns a training business, Dharma Dog Behavioral Wellness, has been with FFOA for several years. Luke's expertise and love for the animals have made him a key figure at the shelter, and he now steps into the role of Director of Operations. With a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Environmental Studies from the West Virginia Wesleyan College and a strong background working in animal shelters, Luke brings invaluable insight into animal care and training. He aims to help FFOA expand its impact on the lives of stray, abandoned, and mistreated animals in the region, stating, "At Fayette Friends of Animals, we believe that we are all in this together as a community to help animals and give them the best life possible. We strive to provide a safe haven for neglected animals while also enriching our community through essential spay and neuter programs. Together, we can create a brighter future for both pets and people."

"Keeley and Luke's leadership is exactly what Fayette Friends of Animals needs as we move toward our ambitious goals," said the FFOA Board of Directors. "Their combined expertise will help us elevate the services we provide, especially as we work to reduce overpopulation while building a brighter future for our community's animals. We are also deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of our staff and volunteers, whose compassion and dedication are the heart of everything we do."
As a no-kill shelter, FFOA is committed to providing animals with the care they need until they find permanent, loving homes. Keeley and Luke's leadership will be instrumental in continuing the shelter's mission to foster compassion and create a safe space for animals while building the shelter's capacity to serve more animals in need.

For more information about Fayette Friends of Animals, to get involved, or to explore ways to support the shelter's mission, visit the newly redesigned website at www.ffoashelter.org.

223 Searights Herbert Rd.
P.O. Box 1282
Uniontown, PA 15401

Media Contact:
Keeley Forrestel, Executive Director
keeley@ffoashelter.org
352-514-3303 (cell)

Fayette Friends of Animals is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the humane treatment and improved quality of life for animals. We operate a fiscally responsible, no-kill shelter for stray, abandoned, and surrendered pets, ensuring they receive the care needed to find loving homes. Through education and community outreach, we promote responsible pet ownership, advocate for spaying and neutering, and strive for a world where every animal is treated with love and respect.

We envision a world where the rights and dignity of every animal are upheld by a society transformed through education, compassion, and a commitment to ending animal suffering, ensuring every pet thrives in a loving, forever home.

This release was published on openPR.