Leadership Team
The Pets for the Elderly Board of Trustees is comprised of leaders who personally knew Avvy Katz and understand the importance of his mission. The leadership team is committed to ensuring that Mr. Katz’ legacy continues
Board of Trustees
Missia H. Vaselaney
President
Vaselaney is a partner at Taft, Stettinius and Hollister LLP and focuses her practice on estate planning for business owners and individuals. She is a featured speaker both nationally and state-wide on estate planning and other related matters on behalf of professional associations.
Vaselaney is a member of the board of advisors for the American Lung Association of the Midland States. She is also a board member and the chairperson of the Planned Giving Committee of Lakeland Community College. She is also a Planned Giving Committee member of the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland and is a former Trustee for the Catholic Charities Corporation (1994-2002).
Michael R. Donaldson
Donaldson is an attorney-at-law with over 32 years of experience representing small and medium-size businesses and their owners, focusing on general corporate representation, commercial and residential real estate acquisition and development, and estate planning.
Donaldson is presently a Trustee of the Brooklyn Heights Cemetery Association in Cleveland, Ohio as well as a member of the Board of Managers of CMSC, Ltd., a marine storage and services company in Sandusky, Ohio.
Kerry Chelm
Kerry Chelm is President of Chelm Properties, Inc, a commercial real estate development and management firm located in Cleveland, Ohio. The company currently owns/manages 38 buildings in Northeast Ohio and Texas, totaling just over 4 million square feet. Chelm Properties was founded in 1956. Kerry assumed the role of president in 1993.
Always one to give back to the community, Kerry Chelm, has served on several boards and committees. In 2002 Kerry was Chair of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Centennial Implementation Committee, which was an integral part of the $100,000,000 Centennial Campaign. In 2011-2012 Kerry served on the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Poverty Task Force Committee. He was a past president of Jewish Community Housing and currently serves as president of the Cleveland Hebrew School Educational Foundation. Kerry also serves on the boards of Menorah Park and Hillel at Kent State University (where he was the immediate past president.) He has also been a past board member of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and has served as trustee of the Katz Foundation since its inception.
Executive Director
Shane Culey
Interim Executive Director
Shane Culey serves as Interim Executive Director of Pets for the Elderly, bringing more than 25 years of experience in marketing communications, creative direction, and nonprofit storytelling. Since 2017, he has worked closely with the organization as a marketing consultant, helping strengthen its communications, expand its national visibility, and support the growth of programs that assist older adults with pet adoption, veterinary care, and pet retention.
Over nearly a decade with Pets for the Elderly, Shane has developed a deep understanding of the organization’s operations, programs, and mission. From strategic communications and public outreach to program support and reporting, he has played an active role in advancing the organization's work and helping more seniors experience the benefits of pet companionship.
Having worked closely with the organization’s leadership team, Shane brings both continuity and a genuine passion for the mission to his role. He is deeply committed to the life-changing bond between people and pets and the positive impact that bond has on the health, happiness, and well-being of older adults.
As Interim Executive Director, Shane is honored to build on Pets for the Elderly’s legacy while leading the organization into its next chapter. He remains dedicated to expanding opportunities for seniors and shelter animals to find one another and experience the companionship, comfort, and joy that can come from a loving home.
Our Partner Shelters
To date, PFE works with 53 shelters in 31 states. Our partner shelters are committed to supporting and implementing our mission and our dedicated to saving the lives of shelter animals in their own right.
Articles & Research
While any pet owner can certainly attest to the many benefits of living with a furry friend, research confirming the health benefits of senior pet ownership have appeared in many well-respected publications and medical journals.
Our Leadership
The Pets for the Elderly Board of Trustees is comprised of leaders who personally knew Avvy Katz and understand the importance of his mission. The leadership team is committed to ensuring that Mr. Katz’ legacy continues.