With more than 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine, I have dedicated my career to advancing animal health and welfare. Throughout my professional journey, I have developed a deep commitment not only to clinical excellence but also to serving the broader needs of animals and the communities that care for them.

For the past two years, I have proudly served with PAWS, where I discovered a true calling in shelter medicine and animal welfare operations. While I will always value and support the essential work of the medical department, I have found my greatest fulfillment in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within the shelter environment. I am currently focused on managing the Kyle location, where I strive to ensure compassionate care, operational excellence, and meaningful community impact.

Outside of my professional responsibilities, I am grateful to share my life with my loving husband, our three teenagers, five dogs, and six cockatiels. Our home reflects my lifelong passion for animals. In my personal time, I enjoy anime and gaming as creative outlets that allow me to recharge and maintain balance.

I began working with dogs nearly ten years ago and quickly realized it was where I was meant to be. When I moved to this area my path led to PAWS and I knew I wanted to be a part of the mission. As Kennel Manager and Dog Intake Coordinator, it’s my responsibility to lead the daily care and coordination of our kennel as well as our dog intake efforts.

I am especially passionate about behavior and training, helping dogs build foundational skills, grow in confidence, and prepare for lasting success in their new homes. We are always working to create a comfortable and safe environment while constantly providing intentional handling to promote good habits for each dog in our care.

At home, I share my life with two heelers who are both 6 years old, my partner Zenn, and Solstice who is 5 years old. I enjoy spending time with my dogs, crafting, and looking for cool items to collect like odd or old knick knacks and rocks in my spare time.

Working at PAWS has been such a fulfilling experience so far and I look forward to the continued success of our mission. I am thankful to be a part of the PAWS’ mission and to be a part of such a wonderful community.

My name is Audrey Pierce and I am currently the Chief Feline Operations Officer (CFOO) at PAWS, a newly established role created to bring dedicated focus to feline welfare, care standards, and adoption outcomes. Prior to this position, PAWS did not have a role solely focused on cats, despite cats accounting for roughly twice as many adoptions as dogs.

I began working at PAWS in 2019 as a cat offsite adoption counselor. That role immediately clicked for me and helped shape the direction of my career. Since then, I have remained deeply hands-on while continually working to raise the standard of care through both practice and ongoing education.

Over the course of my time at PAWS, I have directly cared for more than 1,200 cats. My work centers on low-stress, enrichment-based care, thoughtful adoption counseling, and advocacy for cats with complex or easily misunderstood needs. I believe good care is not static. It requires curiosity, humility, and a commitment to continual improvement.

My philosophy is simple. Every cat deserves thoughtful, consent-based care and a human willing to learn how to listen.

Jorge Valdespino serves as the Secretary of the Board of Directors for The Public for Animal Welfare of Central Texas (PAWS). Since joining the organization in April 2023, Jorge has been a passionate advocate for animal welfare and a committed leader within the organization. His background in the financial industry, customer service, and marketing gives him a strong foundation in relationship‑building, communication, and community engagement—skills he brings to his work supporting PAWS’ mission.

Jorge’s dedication to animal welfare is deeply personal. After rescuing an abandoned dog from the streets, he and his family committed to adopting only rescue animals. His family’s rescue journey with PAWS began in 2020 with Jupiter, the first dog they adopted. Jupiter was a beloved companion who passed three years later, leaving a lasting impact on the family. After Jupiter’s passing, Jorge and his family adopted Melly from PAWS, strengthening their connection to the organization. Since then, they have welcomed their third rescue dog, Gemma, also adopted from PAWS. Melly now serves as part of the Canines Who Care team, proudly working alongside Jorge’s wife, Ann, and daughter, Leila, who serve as her handlers.

Outside of his work with PAWS, Jorge is actively involved with the J.P. Morgan Chase Austin Culture Council, where he organizes volunteer opportunities, events, and cultural‑awareness initiatives for employees. He also participates in several of the company’s business resource groups, including VETS, ADELANTE, BOLD, ASPIRE, and PRIDE. At PAWS, Jorge focuses his board leadership on strengthening outreach efforts and supporting fundraising initiatives that expand the organization’s impact.

In his free time, Jorge enjoys golfing, running with his dogs, and spending quality time with his wife and daughter. He is proud to serve on the PAWS Board and strongly believes in the organization’s mission to protect and support animals in need.

I am retired from the Education Department of Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado. I now live in Driftwood and volunteer at and serve on numerous committees at The Village Store in Wimberley.