The Pongo Fund is an all-volunteer, non-profit public charity operating without common administrative overhead such as rent and salaries. We are fueled by a passionate group of trained and dedicated volunteers that have cumulatively donated more than 7,000 hours of professional service in 2010.
A. Stan Blan
Animal advocate, Conservationist, Entrepreneur and Community Activist. Board Member, The Oregon Zoo; Board Member, Project Pooch; past Board Member, Camp Ukandu. Stan is the guardian of two canine friends, Molly the Mutt and Hank the Bulldog.
Lesley Dodson
Technology strategist with a long career in international retail and technology operations for companies such as Nike, L’Oreal, FatEarth and M Financial Group. Currently serving as Director of Technology Operations, M Financial Group. Lesley is committed to animal welfare and participates in the efforts of local, national and international groups working on behalf of animals everywhere. She was befriended by Pickle the Chihuahua in 2007 and is honored to be his chef, chauffer and best friend.
Jon Gramstad
Entrepreneur. Co-Founder, GimmeShelterPortland.org; Co-Founder/CEO LookModern.com; Co-Founder, Form & Function; Co-Founder Kaboom; Co-Founder, Lux Lighting.
Mark Goodman
Vice President of Portland-based City Center Parking; and Partner, Downtown Development Group. Mark is a valued advisor to many respected organizations, and serves on the Board of Directors for Portland Business Alliance, Portland Mall Management, Portland Center Stage and B’nai Brith Summer Camp. He is a Portland native and Oregon Duck, and proud papa to Sophie, quite possibly the world’s most spoiled Beagle.
Sarah Laughlin
Longtime Senior Executive, Norm Thompson Outfitters. Currently serves as Vice-President, Human Resources, The Audigy Group.
Albert A. Menashe
Managing Partner of Gevurtz Menashe, a Family Law Firm, and a former President of the Oregon State Bar. Albert is a native Portlander and involved in many aspects of our community, especially those involving children. He is the only Pongo Fund Director to never have had a pet, but is very good friends with a Chihuahua named Thelma. His focus on family brought him to The Pongo Fund, and he remains deeply concerned about the effects that hunger has on animals and the children who care for them.
Chris Oxley
Executive, Mentor and Gifted Strategist. Chris is General Manager of the Rose Quarter and all Rose Quarter venues, including the Rose Garden, Memorial Coliseum and Commons. He is a graduate of Drake University. Chris serves on the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Performing Arts Center, and is active in the University of Oregon Mentor Program. His family includes Luca, a very sweet 2-year-old Rottweiler.
Barbara Spears
Business Trends Analyst. Co-Founder, GimmeShelterPortland.org; Co-Founder, Kaboom; Co-Founder, Lux Lighting. Past Director, Oregon Peace Institute.
Larry Chusid
Founder & Executive Director, The Pongo Fund. Advocate, Preservationist and Entrepreneur. Defender and champion of animals everywhere; Lifelong friend of Pongo.
Pongo Chusid
Lifetime Trustee, The Pongo Fund