ACHS Staff
Mary Connolly, Executive Director
Mary's professional beginnings were rooted in human healthcare. During college, a summer job at a humane society in New Hampshire sparked her passion for animal welfare. Dedicated to helping animals, Mary has served a variety of roles including animal care technician, foster, veterinary assistant, and transporter. She brings that dedication to her work with ACHS. Mary and her husband Chad have provided a loving home to 8 dogs and 5 cats in Athens County.
Athens County Humane Society Board Members (listed alphabetically)
Paul Benedict, President
Paul has been a board member since 2017 and board president since 2018. Ironically, Paul is allergic to cats, but from time to time, some snuggles from a friends’ kitty are worth itchy eyes and a runny nose. Paul and his family (wife and 2 kids) are proud dog parents to Maggie, Loki, and Rosie. They want more dogs. Two kids are plenty, thanks! Paul’s day job is an entrepreneurship professor at Ohio University and director of its Center for Entrepreneurship.
Christine Delamatre, Treasurer
Chris started as a foster with the Humane Society in 2018 and joined the board in 2022. She had her first “foster fails” this year and added two cats and a dog to her clan. Her older cats were not amused but are suffering through it. Chris is the Director of Child Development Programs for HAPCAP providing Head Start and Early Head Start services for children and families in Hocking, Athens and Perry Counties.
Tom Erlewine
Tom joined the board in 2023. He and his wife Sue share their home with much-loved dogs and cats, including fosters (and failed fosters!). Their two grown children continue the tradition of taking in animals in need. Tom is a retired communications designer, having served at Stewart-MacDonald in Athens as Creative Director and Director of Branding.
Ally Hughes, Secretary
Ally joined the board in 2023. She lives in Nelsonville with her husband, Dan, and their six furry children. She is very passionate about giving disabled animals and senior animals a second chance. She is an assistant professor at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in the department of Primary Care. Her field of research is diabetes, disability, and health policy.
Heather Thornton, Vice President
Heather and her two rescue dogs, Shiloh and Finn, are familiar faces on Athens’ East side. Known for their prolific walking, she ensures her boys have ample time exploring the world daily. Keeping the peace between her two jealous mama’s boys requires just the right combination of exercise and mental enrichment. Heather was the Director of Human Resources at Jackie O’s Brewery for nine years before transitioning to her current role as Director of Retail Operations in the summer of 2023. True to form and always looking for another challenge, she joined the ACHS board in the fall of 2023 because her new position didn’t add quite enough chaos to her life.
Rod Sauer
Rod joined the board in 2024. He lives in Athens with his wife, Linda, their two cats, Bennie and Helen, and Rocksie, their current ACHS foster dog (pictured).
Rod and Linda have fostered over 15 dogs on and off for the past 20 years and have been involved with Athens County Humane Society for the past 40 + years. Rod is retired from 30 years of banking at Bank One, Chase, and Hocking Valley Bank.
Carol Waltz
Carol joined the board in 2023 . An educator by profession but a lifelong animal advocate. Carol lives on a small farm in Athens County dedicated to animal rescue especially those with special needs.
Prior to moving to Athens, she owned and operated Pet Holiday Center for over 20 years providing dog, cat, and horse boarding as well as the services of grooming, pet obedience, pet burial, and educational experience enhancing the bond between animals and their families.
Karen Wright
Karen is retired from a long career in health care management. She and her husband, Scott, have what they call a “hobby farm” outside Athens. Karen’s avocation is serving the Athens County Humane Society in whatever capacity that is most helpful. Karen is also a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.