ALYSSA GOLOB APPOINTED NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HELPING PAWS

Hopkins, MN (February 8, 2022) – Helping Paws, a regional leader in the assistance dog industry, today named Alyssa Golob as Executive Director. Helping Paws is a Hopkins-based non-profit dedicated to furthering people’s independence and quality of life through the use of assistance dogs. Golob joins Helping Paws from the Minneapolis Jewish Federation where she served as the Development Director.

Golob will start her new role on March 7. Helping Paws Board of Directors selected Golob after conducting an in-depth executive search.

“Alyssa is a proven and strategic leader who has served in several executive leadership positions focused on programs that support and help people to live independent lives,” said Helping Paws Board President Ryan Evers. “Her 25 years of experience and leadership in non-profits will be key in advancing our mission and taking Helping Paws to the next level.”

Alyssa’s leadership at Minneapolis Jewish Federation demonstrated success in fundraising; and building donor, staff and volunteer relationships. She was instrumental in identifying and implementing processes to support the daily operations in response to the Covid-19 crisis. Golob led an exceptional annual giving campaign raising $10 million, exceeding expectations. Before she joined the Minneapolis Jewish Federation, she was the executive director for Jewish Housing and Programming where she developed their 5-year strategic plan, operationalized their expansion project, and launched new revenue producing programs. Golob received her bachelor’s degree in child development from California State University Northridge.

“I deeply believe that everyone deserves to live a life that provides security, dignity, freedom, and independence, and to feel they are a part of a supportive and caring community. In my life, I have seen how dogs and their ability to connect with and take care of the humans who need them can change a person’s trajectory,” said Golob. “Coming to Helping Paws as the new executive director is an exciting opportunity to bring my nonprofit expertise to a mission that speaks to me. I look forward to collaborating with Director of Programs and Founder Eileen Bohn, as well as the entire staff and stakeholders, to ensure the continued growth and success of Helping Paws.”

Golob will train with outgoing Director of Development of nearly 18 years, Pam Anderson, who is set to retire at the end of May. Evers further noted, “On behalf of the board and the entire Helping Paws organization that extends across graduates, volunteers, and staff, we sincerely thank Pam for her dedication and impact. We wish her all of the best in retirement.”

About Helping Paws

Founded in 1988, Helping Paws is a leading non-profit organization that breeds, trains, and places assistance dogs with people who have physical disabilities and veterans and first responders with PTSD. We also place facility dogs that are partnered with professionals in mental health services, law enforcement and victim support services.  Helping Paws is accredited by Assistance Dogs International and meets the standards of the Charities Review Council. For more information, visit www.helpingpaws.org.

Media Contact: Ryan Evers – revers@helpingpaws.org.