Dorchester Paws welcomes new members to their 2022 Board of Directors, including a new President Joshua Ayers.

The Dorchester Paws Board of Directors ensures that the shelter’s core values and mission is upheld in Dorchester County. The board’s goals for 2022 are to champion the shelter’s strategic plan and growth of the operational budget. In total, there are fifteen (15) members who serve  on a variety of committees. Those who are returning have served for many years working to make a difference for the future residents of the shelter.

“Dorchester Paws has always valued the dedication and time that the Board of Directors has given to support our animals, staff and their community” says Maddie Moore, Dorchester Paws Executive Director. “Our board has provided incredible insight, resources and knowledge on how Dorchester Paws can keep up with the demand that our community needs and we are very grateful to have them as advocates for our mission. Our board is dedicated to aiding in solutions for our current shelter’s operational needs and heavily involved in the future home of Dorchester Paws. In fact, many members have already dedicated countless volunteer hours to be on our Steering and New Building Committee”

2022 marks the 50th Anniversary for Dorchester Paws.

 To honor all the lives saved over the last 50 years and those who were instrumental in helping these animals, our Board of Directors as well as key staff members are working hard to celebrate them at our Shake, Rattle and Roll Over Gala on September 24th. Tickets for this event will go on sale next month.

2022 Board of Directors:

Executive Committee (Bio’s below)

o    President, Joshua Ayers 

o    Vice President, Erin Sullivan 

o    Treasurer, Nicole Carman 

o    Secretary, Susan Baughman 

Committee Chairs

o   Natalie Hutt, Co-Chair Capital Campaign

o   Gabrielle D’Alemberte, Co-Chair Capital Campaign

o   Tim Beechman– Development Chair and Nominating Chair

o   Susan Baughman - Building Committee Chair

o   Erin Sullivan - Governance Relations Chair

o   Joshua Ayers - Strategic Planning Committee Chair

o   Nicole Carman - Finance Chair

General Board Members and current employers

o    Adam White – 5th Street Group

o    Tim Beechem - Blackbaud

o    Sally Garshell - Humane Policy Volunteer Leader for The Humane Society of The United States 

o    Gabrielle D’Alemberte - Attorney

o    Natalie Hutt - McElveen

o    Dwan Burkins-Rivers - Attorney Owner at Law Offices of Dwan B. Rivers, LLC

o    Scott Crisp - Nanobebe

o    Bob Fairbairn - USI

o    Lisa Horan - Charleston Elite Real Estate

o    Griff Buddin - First National Bank

Executive Committee Bio’s

Joshua Ayers is a native to the Low Country as he grew up in Moncks Corner, SC. Josh received his Bachelor’s degree at the University of South Carolina and went on to obtain his Master’s degree in the Arts of Teaching from the University of South Carolina.  After graduation in 2013, he accepted a position as a High School Engineering and Science teacher at Summerville High School.  While teaching at Summerville High School from 2013 to 2020 he obtained a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary STEM Education from The Citadel and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. In 2020, Joshua Ayers became a financial advisor with Edward Jones. .Josh is committed to giving back in Summerville as prior to becoming the President of the Board of Directors, Josh was a very active volunteer and foster for Dorchester Paws in addition to being the Varsity Cheerleading coach for the 2014 to 2015 school year and Softball assistant coach from 2014 to 2020.  Joshua lives in Summerville with his wife Morgan and daughter Delilah. 

Erin Sullivan has been a huge supporter of Dorchester Paws, serving in many different capacities over the last few years. In 2021, Erin served as the President of the Board and was instrumental in the purchasing and closing of the 6.8 acres of land for the future home of Dorchester Paws. Erin's passion for animals and helping nonprofits, doesn't stop at Dorchester Paws. Erin is a lifelong equestrian and has a retired rescue horse named Al. Professionally she is dedicated to helping nonprofits evaluate fundraising and event technology. She lives in Charleston with her husband, Dorchester Paws foster-fail kitten, German Shepherd, and 2 daughters. 

 Nicole Carman currently serves as Dorchester Paws Treasurer. She graduated from University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School and worked for Ernst & Young as a CPA. She has vast volunteer experience, with Richmond Children’s Museum, American Heart Association, and Serenity House Volunteer. She most recently helped the organization complete their 2021 990 and went through an external audit review. Nicole Carman has hopes of helping the shelter through a millage campaign and negotiating the contract with Dorchester County.

Susan Baughman is an incredibly active volunteer with Dorchester Paws. Susan is a Physical Therapist who recently retired and currently serves as the Secretary of Dorchester Paws and the Chair of the Building Committee. Susan attended University of Georgia and graduated from Medical University of Georgia. Susan has lived in and loved Summerville for 32 years. Susan was on the board of Dorchester Paws approximately 20 years ago and continued in animal welfare working with Carolina Basset Hound Rescue as both their president and board member. She is glad to be back caring for and championing the animals of Dorchester County at Dorchester Paws . Susan currently volunteers at the shelter with playgroups, surgery recovery, general dog stuff and events. Susan is Dorchester Paws’ resident artist and uses her talents to raise funds for our animals. She enjoys reading, gardening, biking, travel, camping, and painting. Her life is run by a dachshund mix, Sophie Apple Dapple, who was adopted from Dorchester Paws in 2018 and her husband Mac.

To view the full list, please visit: Dorchesterpaws.org/board. To be considered for a future board member spot, please email [email protected].