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Meet Our Board of Directors
From across our communities and encompassing all walks of life and professions, our dedicated volunteer board of directors provides leadership, governance and a broad range of supporting efforts to meet the demands of our mission.
Jason Craven Esq. (2014)
President
Bow, NH
Jason is an attorney specializing in corporate and real estate law. He, along with his wife and two daughters, enjoy donating their time to help homeless pets and currently have two dogs and six cats as part of their family.
“I was first drawn to the agency by its great mission. The shelter both responds to the immediate needs of animals as well as works for longer term solutions in support of animal welfare. The shelter is a critical part of our caring community.”
Judy Goodnow (2015)
Vice-President
Bow, NH
A retired trust attorney, Judy had also been the proud “pet mom” of the late Farley, an adopted shelter rescue cat. She now has a “wild and wonderful” Burmese cat named Moose.
“I first became connected to the shelter as a volunteer dog walker and had the wonderful opportunity to see the agency’s impact close-up before I was asked to join the board. I truly enjoy the scope of our work and the vital role we play in the community.”
Phil Vecchione (2017)
Secretary
Bow, NH
An experienced Business Improvement Consultant, Phil’s support of animal welfare dates back over three decades when before he moved to New Hampshire, he and his wife Michele took in an abandoned dog. They have had several dogs since, and really love golden retrievers like their nine-year-old Josie.
“I’m really proud of the impact the shelter has in our community. It’s all about the animals. Be it providing services to animals or advocating for change with our legislature, we have an enduring impact.”
Brian Bickford CFA CFP (2021)
Board Treasurer
Hopkinton, NH
Brian is a Senior Vice-President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Cambridge Trust Company.
Tom Heck DVM (2019)
Director
Contoocook, NH
Owner of Cilley Veterinary Clinic, Tom has a unique perspective on the connection of pets with their owners. “Pets are viewed as close family members much of the time,” he said. “They are integral parts of the household and that connection is so very important to people.”
At home, Tom and his family share their residence with 2 chickens, 3 cats and 3 dogs. The newest member of Tom’s “pet family” is a puppy that arrived earlier this year.
“I always wanted to be a Vet,” Tom said. “There’s a great deal of satisfaction when you are able to help someone by caring for their pet. The SPCA’s cause is especially important to me and I’m appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the Board.”
Tracy Banks (2019)
Hopkinton, NH
Tracy is Owner and President of Banks Autos in Concord NH. A lifetime lover of animals, her current dog Penny is her much loved companion.
“I have always loved animals and am excited to play a role in support of this valuable cause. I am proud of the work that Pope Memorial SPCA does to advocate for the health and well-being of pets in need."
Carole Palmer (2020)
Director
Penacook, NH
A retired Professor Emerita from Tufts University School of Medicine, Carole has been volunteering in animal welfare for over 20 years and is a proud pet parent of four rescue dogs: a rat terrier, miniature pinscher, chihuahua/minpin mix, and Chihuahua (listed by size).
“Pets can play such a positive role in the emotional health and well-being of their owners,” Carole says. “Having seen first-hand those critical connections being made and the impact they have, I am very much looking forward to doing whatever I can to promote the cause of our agency. I also very much appreciate the role we play in educating young people about pet health and welfare.”
Vince Trento (2012)
Director
Bow, NH
Vince is co-owner of Rumford Stone, and along with his wife have three cats: Willow, a calico rescue; Buddha, a male black and white tuxedo cat who plays fetch constantly; and Snuggles, the newest member of the household is a 15-month-old from the SPCA.
“I was first connected to the agency as part of the construction committee for the new facility and came onto the board a year later,” he says. “I deeply believe in our mission of connecting pets to families and strongly feel we are helping make a difference in building a stronger community.”
Jennifer Raimer (2020)
Director
Loudon, NH
A Director of Talent Management for Merchants Automotive Group, Jen is serving her second stint on the board. Her first was in 2009 when she played a role in planning and fundraising for the construction project for the SPCA’s current location in Concord.
“I was first drawn to the agency due to its mission,” she says. “That and my love of animals. The staff and volunteers are completely devoted to the cause and I’m excited to be connected once again.”
Jen’s “furry family members” are a Havanese named Bella and a Shi Tzu named Brady, both adopted from Pope Memorial SPCA. “I love the work that the SPCA does,” she says. “I’m particularly proud of the way we advocate on behalf of animal rights and help protect pets against abuse and neglect.”