Celebrity Support

      

      

Denkai consists of a very active and enthusiastic Board of five experienced Directors. This board is actively involved on a daily basis with the Sanctuary. Board members are actively heading up and participating in fundraisers, development of educational programs for the community, directing our Feral Cat Initiative, development of our At-Risk Youth Program and actively putting in time transferring animals from other shelters, working at the Sanctuary doing physical labor and running our Mobile Adoption Program, not to mention helping to market the Sanctuary on a regular basis and providing donations of cash.

 Ms. Blackburn brings with her excellence in leadership skills, strong business and marketing skills gained from Colorado State University and Front Range Community College along with nine years of hands on experience dealing with all aspects of for profit and not-for-profit organizations.

Having founded Denkai Sanctuary in 2004 with minimal resources on a shoestring, Ms. Blackburn has experience in all aspects of not for profit on the ground and in public relations. Floss has individually contributed more than 18,600 volunteer hours since 2004 through managing Denkai Sanctuary, administering Sanctuary programs, personally providing medical treatment to the animals, fundraising, and supervising volunteers Ms. Blackburn has grown Denkai's budget from $7,000 in year one of operations to more than $500,000 in income and assets during 2011, just seven years later. Ms. Blackburn successfully negotiated and raised funding for the purchase of 640 acres of land with outbuildings, corrals and agricultural crops for Denkai Sanctuary after only four years in operation.

Ms. Blackburn led her team of professionals in facilitation of the Miracle Horse Rescue in Cheyenne, WY together with the Humane Society of the United States in April of 2007. Through this and other large horse rescues, Floss has gained a working knowledge of the agricultural industry including those in the State Veterinarian's office, individual and family farming and ranching operations, livestock auction facilities and more.

Ms. Blackburn has spent countless hours helping other not for profit horse rescue and sanctuary organizations through providing resources and guidance in the "bricks and mortar" of start up and existing not for profit organizations. Today, Ms. Blackburn continues to reside at the Sanctuary and provides daily care for more than 150 animals, managing staff, volunteers, has successfully written and received more than $40,000 in grant funding from numerous organizations all the while managing a budget and public relations for Denkai Animal Sanctuary.

Colorado Women of Distinction Nominee, 2011
E-Town, Echievement Award 2012
Colorado Women of Influence, 2011
"Top 40 Under 40" - Northern CO Business Report, 2009
7 Everyday Hero Award , 2009
Presidential Leadership Award,  2005

• Alan Oster, Vice President

Alan is a long time Weld County resident.  He has been a supporter of Denkai since 2005 and most recently joined the board of directors in 2009.  With a solid background in Business and Agriculture, Alan truly helps to bridge the gap between our facility and local agriculture. 

Elizabeth Connell, pet owner and animal enthusiast since childhood, and a graduate of CSU in Animal Science 1974. Elizabeth enjoys living with Gizmo, the Wonder Dog, and four cats.

• Diana Palluck, Treasurer

Diana brings with her years of corporate skills in management, hiring, general operations, budgeting and customer service skills.  Aside of her role as a Treasurer, Diana is in charge of all operations at our Greeley facility and keeps the quality top notch! She loves her doggy Jordan!

April McGowan,  Board Member