MONTOUR FALLS--The Humane Society of Schuyler County, an advocate for animal welfare in the Finger Lakes, has announced the appointment of two new members to its board of directors: Carmen Ek and Lee “Bear” Smith.
“We are thrilled to welcome such dedicated and talented professionals to our board,” said Kimberly Manning, board president of the Humane Society of Schuyler County. “Their expertise and passion for animal welfare will be invaluable as we look to expand our community outreach and enhance our services for the homeless pets in our care.”
Carmen Ek joins with over 27 years of experience in marketing, product management, and sales. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Alfred University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Isenberg School of Management. She is Senior Marketing Manager at Regal Rexnord where she is focused on enabling customer success for clients in the food and beverage industries. Carmen is a mom to two rescue dogs: an 11-year-old black Lab-Rottweiler mix and a 3-year-old Pit Bull Terrier Australian Cattle Dog mix who is an alumna of the Humane Society of Schuyler County.
Bear Smith brings deep expertise in architecture and construction. Smith earned a BA in Architecture from Alfred State University. Upon graduation, he spent several years coaching gymnastics at state, national, and worldwide levels. He returned to his architectural roots in 2015 and has served as a Project Manager at Holt Architects since 2016. Bear’s primary interest lies in creating sustainable, affordable community projects for people of all incomes. He has been recognized for his contributions to developing affordable housing and historic preservation. He and wife share their lives with three dogs, one an alumna of the Humane Society of Schuyler County.
Additionally, Aimee Dars Ellis has been elected vice president of the board of directors. She has served on the board since 2023. Dars Ellis is the marketing specialist at Atwater Vineyards. She received her Ph.D. from Arizona State University, her M.S. in Curriculum Design and Informational Technology through the University at Albany (SUNY), her M.B.A. from the University of Oklahoma, and her B.A. from the University of Chicago. A long-time vegan, Aimee is passionate about animal welfare. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their rescue pugs (including one from the Humane Society of Schuyler County), reading, and crafting. Aimee also serves on the board of directors of the Watkins Glen Public Library.
Kimberly Ward Manning, MA continues to serve as president of the organization. Lydia Wickham, SHRM continues to serve as secretary and Sarah Collier, JD, CPF continues in the role of treasurer. Continuing to serve on the Board of Directors are Christopher Cutter, Verne Smith, Esq., and Ellen Tremante, DVM.
For more information about the board or to learn how to support the Humane Society of Schuyler County, visit SchuylerHumane.org.
“We are thrilled to welcome such dedicated and talented professionals to our board,” said Kimberly Manning, board president of the Humane Society of Schuyler County. “Their expertise and passion for animal welfare will be invaluable as we look to expand our community outreach and enhance our services for the homeless pets in our care.”
Carmen Ek joins with over 27 years of experience in marketing, product management, and sales. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Alfred University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Isenberg School of Management. She is Senior Marketing Manager at Regal Rexnord where she is focused on enabling customer success for clients in the food and beverage industries. Carmen is a mom to two rescue dogs: an 11-year-old black Lab-Rottweiler mix and a 3-year-old Pit Bull Terrier Australian Cattle Dog mix who is an alumna of the Humane Society of Schuyler County.
Bear Smith brings deep expertise in architecture and construction. Smith earned a BA in Architecture from Alfred State University. Upon graduation, he spent several years coaching gymnastics at state, national, and worldwide levels. He returned to his architectural roots in 2015 and has served as a Project Manager at Holt Architects since 2016. Bear’s primary interest lies in creating sustainable, affordable community projects for people of all incomes. He has been recognized for his contributions to developing affordable housing and historic preservation. He and wife share their lives with three dogs, one an alumna of the Humane Society of Schuyler County.
Additionally, Aimee Dars Ellis has been elected vice president of the board of directors. She has served on the board since 2023. Dars Ellis is the marketing specialist at Atwater Vineyards. She received her Ph.D. from Arizona State University, her M.S. in Curriculum Design and Informational Technology through the University at Albany (SUNY), her M.B.A. from the University of Oklahoma, and her B.A. from the University of Chicago. A long-time vegan, Aimee is passionate about animal welfare. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their rescue pugs (including one from the Humane Society of Schuyler County), reading, and crafting. Aimee also serves on the board of directors of the Watkins Glen Public Library.
Kimberly Ward Manning, MA continues to serve as president of the organization. Lydia Wickham, SHRM continues to serve as secretary and Sarah Collier, JD, CPF continues in the role of treasurer. Continuing to serve on the Board of Directors are Christopher Cutter, Verne Smith, Esq., and Ellen Tremante, DVM.
For more information about the board or to learn how to support the Humane Society of Schuyler County, visit SchuylerHumane.org.
