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RAGOM Board Members
Meet our Board of Directors & Officers
MICHELLE MALOTT, DIRECTOR & CHAIR
Michelle first connected with RAGOM in 2005 when she and her husband adopted King (05-423). Living in Minnesota at the time, she was inspired by RAGOM’s mission and began volunteering in the late 2000s, helping with transport, fostering (briefly and failed!), and answering calls to the general RAGOM number. She has served as a dedicated Hotline team member for the past three years.
Michelle holds a doctorate in biomedical sciences and has over 16 years of experience in higher education administration, specializing in grant writing, strategic planning, and project management. Originally from Canada, she now lives in Indiana with her husband, three dogs, two cats, and occasional opossums on their 13-acre property. She is passionate about dog rescue and has a soft spot for elderly and sanctuary dogs. She enjoys weightlifting, cross-stitching, and outdoor adventures with her pets.
Term expires: December 31, 2027
Neil Collins, DIRECTOR
Neil joined the RAGOM Board of Directors in 2026, inspired by his lifelong love of Golden Retrievers and the organization’s mission to rescue and rehome them.
Neil holds a degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Massachusetts and brings more than 25 years of executive experience in the health and manufacturing sectors. Neil’s career has focused on business operations, process optimization, and strategic leadership, with a proven ability to lead large, complex organizations through transformation and growth. In addition to his professional work, he has served on the boards of the District 112 Foundation and the Children’s Home Society of Minnesota, where he chaired the Investment Committee.
Neil, his wife Bethany, and their son Neil Jr. live in Chanhassen, Minnesota, with their two Golden Retrievers, Lucky and Fin. When they’re not enjoying multiple walks a day with the dogs, the Collins family loves traveling, watching sports, cheering on the Golden Gophers and New England Patriots, and spending time together at the lake in Alexandria, Minnesota.
Term Expires: December 31, 2028
SUSAN EVANS, DIRECTOR
Susan has been a passionate RAGOM advocate since 2006, when she and her husband adopted Lovey Howl, their family’s first rescue. After 15 wonderful years with Lovey, they welcomed Truly Scrumptious in March 2022 — a self-described “tornado of love.”
Susan brings more than 25 years of experience in multi-channel strategy, communications, marketing, sales, CRM, and business growth. Her expertise spans advising C-suite and senior leaders across B2B, B2C, and D2C organizations, and optimizing communication, sales, and marketing functions to work cohesively toward growth objectives. She has a proven record of success with regional non-profits, small businesses, and multinational corporations, developing scalable programs that strengthen business management, stakeholder engagement, omnichannel and content marketing, go-to-market strategies, and data analysis and visualization.
At home, Susan and her husband happily center their free time around Truly — enjoying her favorite activities: adventurous walks, dog park visits, and playful “tug-then-hug” sessions with her toys.
Term expires: December 31, 2026
AMY FLYNN BRENNAN, DIRECTOR & VICE CHAIR
Amy first engaged with RAGOM in 2008 when she adopted Murphy (08-057). Another RAGOM adoption followed in 2016 when Stanley joined the family. After two wonderful adoption experiences, Amy decided to support RAGOM in a new way, and she and her husband became fosters in 2022. One of their foster dogs, Seamus (23-031), quickly decided he was already home and became their third RAGOM dog. In 2024, Frannie, a former commercial breeder, completed their pack.
Amy has worked in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry for thirty-six years, holding roles in sales, account management, and sales management. She is also an active volunteer with her local lake association and serves on the board of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates. Her leadership and strategic planning experience help guide RAGOM as it continues to evolve.
Amy and her husband live in the Brainerd Lakes area. When not working, they can usually be found on the pontoon with their three pups—Seamus, Frannie, and English Springer Lucy—in the summer or snowshoeing in the winter. Amy also enjoys baking, gardening, and traveling with her husband.
Term expires: December 31, 2026
ANN MYERS, DIRECTOR
Ann became involved with RAGOM in 2005 when she adopted her first dog, Ben (05-317), who was affectionately known as the tallest Golden ever. She later adopted Beau (14-117), a true gentleman who loved comfort and roasted vegetables, and most recently Rizzo (25-082), a playful pup who always greets Ann and her husband Tom with two stuffies and Chewbacca sounds. Ann began volunteering with RAGOM in 2022, fostering dogs and serving as a transport volunteer, often teaming up with Tom to help dogs on their journeys to new homes.
Recently retired after a career in human resources leadership spanning multiple industries, Ann’s work focused on organization design, change management, and talent retention. She brings experience in strategic planning, coaching, and leadership development to her work with RAGOM.
In her free time, Ann enjoys adventures with Rizzo, traveling, baking anything with chocolate, reading, and practicing yoga.
Term Expires: December 31, 2028
MARY McGOWAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mary’s relationship with RAGOM began in 2007 when she adopted Mia (07-332), a golden girl rescued from a large North Dakota puppy mill. That experience ignited her passion for animal welfare, leading her to foster over 90 dogs, volunteer on nearly every operational team, and serve three years as Board Chair and President.
As Executive Director, Mary leverages over 35 years of senior leadership experience in Technology and Operations. Her expertise includes strategic planning, program development, process improvement, and leading large-scale organizational change—critical skills for navigating the complexities of nonprofit management. Mary excels in creating and implementing strategies that align with RAGOM’s mission, ensuring sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Mary’s leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to animal welfare, fostering collaborative environments, and building relationships that strengthen RAGOM’s impact. In addition to their love of dogs, Mary’s family enjoys traveling whenever possible, hiking, biking, beekeeping, and spending time with rescue dogs Beau, Maggie, and Shelby (21-150).
JANE NYGAARD, FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Jane founded RAGOM on February 14, 1985, and continues to serve as a Board member. She regularly visits schools and scout groups to educate children on how to properly interact with and care for a dog, including the importance of microchipping and training. Jane is a retired nanny who cared for many children, with whom she has remained in touch over the years.
With her husband, Hank, Jane has fostered more than 1,000 dogs. After Hank died in 1999, Jane adopted Ford (04-258), who was found in a trash can and weighed just one pound when RAGOM rescued him. Ford flourished and became a support dog, sitting with children in reading programs, attending funerals to support grieving families, visiting hospital patients, and comforting students who had lost their classmates.
After Ford died in May 2015, Jane adopted Doc (15-210) from the first group of Turkish Goldens that RAGOM helped rescue and bring to the United States. Doc went to the Rainbow Bridge in 2019. In February 2020, Jane adopted Leo (19-162), RAGOM’s first dog rescued from Korea. Jane’s best boy Leo crossed the bridge in 2025. Most recently, Jane welcomed Winnie (25-117), a retired puppy mill mama, who is now settling into the good life—enjoying visits with friends and neighbor dogs and spending treasured time with Jane.
David Olsen, Director
David is a lifelong Minnesota resident who earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota. He lives in Bloomington, Minnesota, with his wife and their Golden Retriever, Rocky.
David has been involved with RAGOM in a variety of ways, including volunteering with the Transport Team and helping manage the organization’s database systems. Outside of RAGOM, his interests include running, biking, hiking, reading, and exploring the rapidly changing world of healthcare, particularly the applications and implications of artificial intelligence in the field.
His happy place is hiking through the Colorado Rockies with his wife and Rocky by his side.
Term Expires: December 31, 2028
ERIN POWERS, DIRECTOR
Erin began her relationship with RAGOM in February 2025 when she and her fiancé adopted their Goldendoodle, Buddy. The three fell in love instantly, and Buddy quickly became the center of their family.
Erin holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and a law degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law. She is an associate attorney at BK Law Group in Bloomington, MN, where she specializes in criminal defense and enjoys proposing and advocating for new legislation.
When Erin is not in the courtroom, you can usually find her golfing with her fiancé or exploring new trails with Buddy. She also enjoys attending Packers games, reading, and traveling.
Term Expires: December 31, 2028
CARY RENTOLA, DIRECTOR
Cary’s relationship with RAGOM began in 2025 when she adopted Iris, a golden girl rescued from a commercial breeder in southern Minnesota. With more than 25 years in the nonprofit sector, including 15 in animal welfare, Cary sought not only to adopt but also to be of service to dogs after relocating to Duluth in 2024. Her nonprofit experience is rooted in development and marketing. She is currently the Director of Operations & Advancement at HEART (Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers), a national nonprofit focused on inspiring compassion and advocacy in youth for animals, people, and the planet. Originally from Colorado, Cary has an M.A. in Speech Communications and dual B.A.’s in Speech Communications and Journalism from the University of Northern Colorado and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Front Range Community College. In 2023, she completed her goal of running a half-marathon in all 50 states. In addition to spending time with Iris and her beloved senior golden Monroe, Cary and her husband enjoy dog-friendly errands and walks in the park or on their wooded trails at home.
Term Expires: December 31, 2028
CRYSTAL SANDER, DIRECTOR & Treasurer
Crystal began volunteering with RAGOM in 2023 as a Foster and then moved to the Finance and Audit Committee. She became interested in volunteering with RAGOM after adopting her Goldendoodle, Winston. They have enjoyed bringing fosters into their homes and watching them grow.
Crystal is the Controller at the Walker Art Center, a nonprofit organization in Minneapolis. She is an active CPA with a background in nonprofit accounting, auditing, and tax. Crystal has a unique perspective on the nonprofit industry and its day-to-day operations. Crystal and her husband live in the Twin Cities. They love having family game nights, spending time on the water in the summer, and traveling.
Term expires: December 31, 2027
ELAYNE SEXSMITH, DIRECTOR & PAST CHAIR
Elayne started in RAGOM as a transporter but quickly jumped into foster and now is a mentor for new fosters. She’s also part of the Intake team, working to match incoming dogs with a foster family who can help the dog get ready for its forever home.
Elayne recently retired as a health care administrator with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. She looks for ways she can use those business skills to assist organizations through active membership and board participation.
Elayne and her husband, Fred Page, have an active and welcoming pack of goldens and typically have a foster. Along with all the dog activities, Elayne enjoys gardening, traveling, and studying art history.
Term expires: December 31, 2027
PEGGY SPOFFORD, DIRECTOR & SECRETARY
Peggy started volunteering for RAGOM during the 2012 Goldzilla event, shortly after adopting Zena, their first RAGOM Golden. She is a Foster and volunteers on the Placement and Transport teams.
Peggy retired from 3M after 35 years in various jobs, from internal auditing to supply chain business information management. In retirement, she volunteered for several organizations, including the Humane Society and the surgery department of a local hospital. Peggy and her husband, Neil, travel as much as possible during retirement.
In addition to traveling, they enjoy spending time with their fourth RAGOM dog, Bentley (22- 177), and their daughter and grand-dog Nugget (19-057). They also have three cats: Sasha, Sully, and Zoey. If there is any time left after making all their animals happy, Peggy loves to bake and read. Neil is also a Home Visit volunteer, and their daughter is on the Goldzilla Planning Committee.
Term expires: December 31, 2027
