Get to know the Northern Oklahoma Humane Society's Board members.
Board President Justin Mathews
Q: Tell us about yourself(personally or professionally)
A: I graduated from PO-Hi in 2003 and returned to Ponca from Dallas in 2019. In 2021, I established my business, Paws On The Pavement, to have a more flexible schedule and spend more time with my dog, who was dealing with seizures at the time.
Q: What is your history with NOKHS? How many years have you been involved, and what roles have you held during that time?
A: I started volunteering at NOKHS to align my free time with my professional interests. My first volunteer role was at the Petstival in 2021, where both the nonprofit and municipal shelters aimed to make Ponca City a No-Kill community by 2025. Inspired by the shelter's community impact, I joined the efforts. I became a board member in March 2022, contributing to event planning, fundraising, designing marketing materials, and participating in discussions on community support programs.
Q: How long have you served as President?
A: I assumed the role of board President in June of this year.
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Q: Could you elaborate on the responsibilities associated with being the Board President?
A: The Board President significantly influences the shelter's direction and community engagement. They focus on guiding strategic decisions while collaborating closely with leadership to ensure effective operations, financial stability, and a dedicated commitment to animal welfare.
Q: What are your future plans for NOKHS, and what aspects excite you the most?
A: Our shelter has exciting plans ahead. As President, my aim is to foster a culture of compassion and creativity to reshape our approach to animal welfare. Despite the challenges faced by shelters and pet owners, embracing these qualities allows us to address issues with empathy and innovation, enhancing our organization's impact and effectiveness.
We intend to expand community outreach, raise awareness about pet resources, and develop educational programs for youth to promote empathy, kindness, and respect for animals. Additionally, forging partnerships with other organizations will create a comprehensive support network for those in need.
Q: Could you share your experience as President of the board or as a board member in general?
A: In the previous year, NOKHS successfully rescued 331 animals from unnecessary euthanasia at Ponca City Animal Control. Moreover, we funded over 1,000 spay/neuter surgeries for shelter and public pets and distributed more than 9,000 pounds of donated pet food to pets in need within the community. Despite our significant contributions to the community, we concluded the year with less community funding than anticipated. This financial shortfall presents a challenge to our sustainability as a nonprofit organization. Drawing from my experience as a former board member, I've gained insights into the operational complexities that now inform my leadership approach. This well-rounded perspective allows me to help guide the direction of the shelter toward a more financially stable future.
Q: What motivated you to take on this role?
A: My desire to contribute to a larger cause led me to the shelter. The joy animals bring and the importance of safeguarding their well-being inspired my involvement. Recognizing the value of my business administration skills, I offered my services without monetary compensation, benefiting the shelter and the community while minimizing labor costs.
Q: What aspect of working with NOKHS do you find most fulfilling?
A: Witnessing the positive transformations of animals under our care is incredibly heartwarming. Additionally, the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among staff, volunteers, and board members is motivating. Knowing that we are collectively changing the lives of these amazing creatures makes it all worth it and I hope to establish a lasting pathway for animals in need to find loving homes and ensure NOKHS's ongoing success.
Board Treasurer Lisa Sloan
Q: Tell us about yourself both personally and professionally.
A: I live by the motto “do whatever it takes” in all areas of my life and enthusiastically believe in community, family, and Faith. My very patient and supportive husband is Darren Sloan and we have 4 children (Evan, Peyton, Riley & Cade). I am blessed that he understands my passion and is always willing to lend a hand to support it. I founded the community group "The Givers" in 2014. In addition to my work at NOKHS, I am also the Board Treasurer for New Emergency Resource Agency. I work full-time as an Accounting and Business Manager but do my very best to serve my community in any way I can.
Q: What is your history with NOKHS? How many years have you been involved, and what roles, if any, have you held during that time?
A: I'm new to NOKHS and have been on the board for less than 6 months (that includes shadowing). My current role is Board Treasurer.
Q: What motivated you to become involved in the animal welfare cause?
A: A year ago, we had a feral cat in our neighborhood. I was impressed with how prompt and helpful the Humane Society was. I had no experience with a cat until this one showed up at the door. Karlissa helped me every step of the way. Because of those efforts, we went from being "non-cat people" to loving every minute of it. We went from just making sure a feral cat was spayed to enjoying KittyKitty (that’s her name) as a VERY spoiled member of our family. Something that I said I would never do. Never say never, right? I wholeheartedly believe this would have never been possible without the guidance of the Humane Society (and Karlissa's after-hours help). This opened my eyes to the importance of the facility to our community and me personally.
Q: Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
A: When I came to NOKHS, I was unsure of how I could best be of service, so I shadowed (as a guest) for a couple of board meetings. I very quickly, was voted Board Treasurer. Being an Accounting Manager for over 20 years helped me to put my skill set to valuable use. I'm so very thankful that I have something to offer this wonderful organization. I’m very honored to be a part of such a fantastic and truly dedicated team! I do not have a specific contribution that I am personally most proud of because everything is done as a team. The entire team spends a lot of their time working together (often daily). If there is an obstacle, we all jump in and overcome it. If we have a goal, then we all kick it in turbo mode and reach it. Each person has a unique skill set to offer. When everyone comes together, success happens. That's where I think the achievement is found.
Q: What has been most surprising to you about animal welfare since being involved?
A: I had no idea the extent of what our Humane Society does. It's truly remarkable. Until I became involved, I had no idea the extent of help that is provided to the community not only in helping animals find forever homes but helping the community care for their pets as well. It's not even possible for me to write a few sentences about what has surprised or impressed me. I would need to write a full essay.
Q: What would you say to someone who’s thinking about donating to NOKHS?
A: There are a few organizations in the world that I feel that we take for granted because they're always there. For example, if anyone mentions "The Humane Society", everyone knows they help animals. They may not know the extent of what they do but they know that they are there and have been around for a long time. What I think we all forget is how much money it takes every single month to keep that community help flowing. Without grants, donations, and sponsorships, there will be no Northern Oklahoma Humane Society. We can’t take for granted that it will always be there. Trust me, as the treasurer I know for certain that every single dollar MATTERS! We must keep donating and volunteering. It's literally the backbone of our existence. If you're a current donor, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU... You ARE making a difference. If you're thinking of donating, give us a call or even stop by. Let us show you how YOU can make a difference.
Q: What makes volunteering with NOKHS worth it?
A: Even if you are not sure of what exactly you could help with or how you could best volunteer, just sign up and start. Once you get a feel for the organization, you will see where your skill set could best be used. We all have something to offer that is beneficial. Even if it's just filing or coming to cuddle with a cat, it's needed. I can promise anyone thinking of volunteering that the feeling that they will have after volunteering is unexplainable. It definitely touches a part of your heart, and you know when you leave there that you have done something that matters! Be a part of the change you seek, is what I always say.
Board Vice President Jane Thomas
Q: Can you share your history with NOKHS, and what roles have you had during your time there?
A: Hi, I'm Jane Thomas, a Newkirk native. I've been with the Northern Oklahoma Humane Society for three years. I've served as the treasurer for two of those years. I joined to help abandoned animals who sadly don't have homes. I've been surprised to see so many homeless animals and feral cats in our communities.
Q: What inspired your involvement in animal welfare?
A: I believe in spaying and neutering animals. It helps by reducing the number of unwanted pets in our community. It also keeps your pet healthier and prevents them from wandering. Responsible pet owners spay, neuter, microchip, feed, shelter, and love their animals.
Q: How do you think the organization can sustain itself?
A: Our shelter is often full due to neglected animals. This makes it hard when owners must surrender their pets due to life circumstances, and we can't take them in. I encourage people to join us, especially as foster parents. Our animals will bring incredible richness to your life.
Q: Is there an achievement or contribution you're proud of?
A: One of our organization's greatest accomplishments in the past two years has been offering the "Big Fix" for free to Northern Oklahoma residents. We also run monthly low-cost spay, neuter, and wellness clinics. Our "Fix a Feral" program, focusing on community cats, is successful in reducing the number of unwanted pets in need of loving homes. I'm proud of these programs, as they help us work toward our goal of becoming a "No Kill" society by 2025.
Q: What would you tell someone thinking about donating to NOKHS?
A: The Northern Oklahoma Humane Society relies on donations from caring individuals and the support of volunteers to connect animals with people who care. Your financial support or volunteering can make a big difference in helping these animals find loving, forever homes.
Q: Why is volunteering with NOKHS worthwhile?
A: It's incredibly rewarding when one of our animals finds a loving, permanent home, knowing they won't be abandoned again. These pets leave lasting paw prints on your soul
Board Secretary Megan Sweaney
Q: Tell us about yourself both personally and professionally.
A: I grew up in Newkirk, graduated from The University of Oklahoma, lived in Texas for 6 years, traveled, then finally had the opportunity to move back in 2021. I truly feel blessed to be back home in a community I love and as Human Resource Manager at Cherokee Strip Credit Union, helping create company culture I’m proud to be a part of. As a board member of NOKHS, I’m able to support an organization that I cherish dearly since it united me with my first fur baby in 2021 when I moved back. It has been such an amazing journey, even through hard times with bringing a new puppy into my household and the struggles that come along with it, I feel in the end it has made me stronger and has strengthened my bond with both of my pups.
Q: What is your history with NOKHS? How many years have you been involved, and what roles, if any, have you held during that time?
A: I remember volunteering at the Humane Society when I was in high school. I adopted my first puppy from NOKHS in 2021. When I first started at CSCU in 2023 I volunteered for the spay and neuter clinic, helped out with multiple fundraisers through CSCU, then was elected to the board January 2024.
Q: What has been most surprising to you about animal welfare since being involved?
A: There are so many resources available that I feel are underutilized. Many people choose to surrender their pets in difficult situations instead of searching for a solution or using available resources that can help you manage almost any situation. Some of these include techniques to avoid triggering situations for certain pets, tips for certain types of weather, behavioral training, pet sitting, dog walking, and so many more resources that are available to our community. We just have to spread the word!
Q: How do you imagine the organization might achieve sustainability?
A: Continue providing quality care to animals, maintaining responsible practices at all levels of the organization, and having the resources available to connect animals with a loving home and the necessary care until we find that for them.
Q: With so many great organizations to support, why should others choose to support NOKHS?
A: This group of people are so dedicated and passionate about helping animals. Karlissa, Justin, staff, and board members go above and beyond dedicating their time, efforts, and money for this cause. This can be seen through the long days, late nights, problems solving, fundraising, networking, dirty work, you name it. Donating to the cause truly makes an impact on the community and the welfare of animals here. I encourage anyone to donate – if not money, your time as a volunteer. The memories you make while volunteering is something that will stick with you for a lifetime. They’re only here for a short time so we should try to make it the best life possible for them!
Q: What makes volunteering with NOKHS worth it?
A: Being actively involved in the community and a board member of NOKHS, I’m in a position to lead by example, to support a cause that’s dear to my heart, and to help find loving homes for animals so they can enjoy the little time they do have with us, especially since they give us so much love in return. Seeing that joy and love exuded from the animals, as well as their owners, is what makes it worth it for me. Just knowing I’m a part of something bigger than myself and that one person really can make a difference.
Board Member Katie Biby
Q: What can you tell us about yourself both personally and professionally?
A: I was raised in Ponca and I currently own Ponca City Urgent Care and Family practice. I also work here as a Nurse Practitioner, and I love serving my hometown community. I'm married to my wonderful Husband Seth, and we live on a little farm east of Ponca. I love helping people and animals in any way I can. I have a niche for finding random animals or they show up at my house and I try my best to get them healthy and find a good home for them. I love to travel, hunt, and fish and I’m a huge foodie.
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Q: How long have you been involved with NOKHS, and what roles?
A: I’ve been volunteering for NOKHS for about a year and a half now. Mostly with the TNR program and transitioned to becoming a board member.
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Q: What motivated you to become involved in the animal welfare cause?
A: I feel that animals are like children- all are innocent and depend on us to protect them, care for them, and help them out of unfortunate situations.
Q: How do you imagine the organization might achieve sustainability?
A: I believe it's crucial to inform the community about our work. It's not just about rehoming animals; we do a lot for both the community and the animals. Bringing in new board members and making the most of volunteers regularly brings in fresh ideas and diverse ways to help our organization thrive.
Q: What makes volunteering with NOKHS worth it?
A: Volunteering my time has been incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing an animal transform from scared to sweet/comfortable and eventually finding a forever home is an experience everyone should have. These innocent creatures rely on us, much like children. I highly recommend supporting NOKHS through donations because every dollar directly contributes to helping both the community and its animals.
Board Member Stephanie Blum
Q: Tell us about yourself (personally or professionally)
A: I was born and raised in Ponca City and live here with my husband, Danny, and our three children, Catie, Luke & Ella. I am Managing Director of Instruction for Epic Charter Schools, which is a public state-wide virtual charter school. I serve as the vice president on the Opportunity Center board in addition to serving on the NOKHS board. I love our community and like to help where I can.
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Q: What is your history with NOKHS? How many years have you been involved, and what roles, if any, have you held during that time?
A: I have been volunteering for NOKHS for a year or two and joined the board this fall. My family and I regularly foster orphaned kittens or puppies and assist in any of the events that I can.
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Q: What motivated you to become involved in the animal welfare cause?
A: I grew up with a house full of animals and my parents instilled a deep love for them. All animals deserve love, care, and respect, just like we do.
Q: What would you say to someone who’s thinking about donating to NOKHS?
A: Your support helps these animals get the care, food, and love they deserve while they wait for a forever family of their own. Your kindness truly changes their lives, giving them a better chance at happiness. Your donation isn't just money, it's hope and comfort for these forgotten creatures.
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Q: What makes volunteering with NOKHS worth it?
A: We have the best staff and volunteers! NOKHS truly appreciates their volunteers!
Board Member Ron Pye
Q: What motivated you to become involved in the animal welfare cause?
A: I have always had dogs, ever since I was a kid. They were the best friends you could ever want. They are always there, they are so happy to see you and it is just pure, unconditional love.
The ability to help other people understand the joy that a pet can bring is genuine. It can be a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig - whatever. It is a living being that brings the warm to your soul without a word.
Q: What would you say to someone who’s thinking about donating to NOKHS?
A: I think people believe there is a certain "amount" of money they have to give to help an organization. Yes, generous donors are appreciated, but in reality any donation helps us do such great things for animals. Like any responsible humane society, realizing the importance of spay and neutering animals is critical.
Q: What has been most surprising to you about animal welfare since being involved?
A: As I pointed out, the unconditional love pets bring is something I have always had in my life. I understand how some people might be afraid of animals from a past experience, but for some to be cruel or inhumane to these creatures just doesn't make sense.
I have had Old English Sheepdogs in the past after falling in love with them from the movie, The Shaggy Dog, and still love them to this day. I currently have two Bernese Mountain Dogs. The first one I got had been poorly treated. He was put in a cage for 5 months, and after driving him across the country from Arizona, I still wasn't sure he would be in my life as he was terrified of everything. I had a friend continuously remind me how much the poor thing had been through - and what I didn't know he had been through, and in the end, he just needed the love to bring him along. It has been a long time, and there are moments he still shutters, but adding a second dog has helped calm him down and see everything is going to be ok.
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​Q: What would you say to someone who’s thinking about donating to NOKHS?
A: I think people believe there is a certain "amount" of money they have to give to help an organization. Yes, generous donors are appreciated, but in reality any donation helps us do such great things for animals. Like any responsible humane society, realizing the importance of spay and neutering animals is critical.
To see lost pets and shelters filled to capacity just breaks my heart. I wish I could take them all, but NOKHS helps by getting pets fixed for people who can afford it. So how much is enough when donating? Every dollar adds up to help us do more to feed, house, and take care of their health.
Q: What makes volunteering with NOKHS worth it?
A: The animals are just so happy to see you. They might not come from a good situation or are here because people couldn't take care of them for some reason. They all just want a loving home. Having a pet taught me responsibility as a child and for all these years with all my dogs, it has given back to me 10 times the amount of love I could even imagine.
Board Member Ashley Adams
Q. Tell us about yourself both personally and professionally.
​A. Hi, my name is Ashley Adams, and I have been serving on the Northern Oklahoma Humane Society board since the middle of this year. I currently work at Grand Mental Health as a children’s therapist. I am a therapist that works in Tonkawa schools, and I absolutely love it. I work with children ranging from 5-19. I am married to Relo Adams, who currently holds the title of Mr. Ponca City. Together, we have a 13-year-old son, Peyton, who is in the eighth grade at First Lutheran School. We have 4 dogs and 2 cats, and we are currently fostering the cutest lab mix, Dos. We just recently started our fostering journey a couple months ago and Dos is our 3rd foster dog. I currently am on the board of directors for Survivor Resource Network, Ponca Young Employees, and serve on the advisory committee for Dearing House Child Advocacy Center. I am also incredibly involved with my church, NewPoint Church. I serve on the worship team, youth team, and kids team at church. My faith is extremely important to me.
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Q. What motivated you to become involved in the animal welfare cause?
A. I have always been passionate about helping animals since I was a little girl. Once I graduated with my master’s in counseling in 2022, I wanted to get involved in organizations that I am passionate about in my community. The Northern Oklahoma Humane Society was definitely one of them. There is a growing need in our community to help save animals.
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Q. What has been most surprising to you about animal welfare since being involved?
A. Since being involved with animal welfare, the most surprising thing has been the dedication of the volunteers and the quality of services and care each animal receives. The Northern Oklahoma humane’s society goes above and beyond to assure that each animal is ready for adoption. When possible, each animal will reside in a foster home to acclimate to a home environment with children and other animals, that way they’ll be a good fit for any home setting and environment. Foster families are always needed for these animals. Besides this, each animal is de-wormed, receives all their shots, and is spayed or neutered prior to being adopted! This is more than an animal shelter, it is a place where each animal that enters the humanes society’s doors, is met with love and is treated as family and special care is provided to each of their individual needs and personalities.
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Q. What would you say to someone who’s thinking about donating to NOKHS?
A. For anyone thinking about donating their time or resources to the Northern Oklahoma Humanes Society, you will not be disappointed or ever wonder where your time or money is going. You can volunteer as frequently as you would like or give as little or as much as you want. Every little bit given to the shelter counts! It is incredibly rewarding, and each animal is truly touched by the care and attention provided to them.