Our Team

Leslie Dalzell joined the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County as Chief Financial Officer in 2018, bringing 20+ years of experience in executive leadership, financial and budget management, and strategy development from the business sector.  Leslie graduated with her undergraduate degree in Accounting and Management Information Systems, obtained her CPA license in 2006, and then her Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in International Finance.

After years of leadership in the business sector, Leslie has dedicated her skills to her passion for animals with a focus on the community.  Since joining the shelter, Leslie has guided and overseen several departments and programs, including the shelter’s community and pet support efforts and the Humane Education program.

Leslie shares her home with her partner and their Bernese Mountain Dog, Arthur Fonzerelli (aka The Fonz).

Emily Keegans joined the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County as Chief Operating Officer in July 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience in animal sheltering and behavior. Emily has worked in adoptions, admissions, and animal care, and has been a leader in promoting and implementing best practices in shelter animal behavior. She is passionate about supporting staff, improving processes, and advancing the field of animal welfare. Emily is dedicated to helping people understand animals more deeply, enhancing the lives of both animals and the humans who love them.

Emily graduated with honors from the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers and is a Certified Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant as well as a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator.

Emily lives with her husband and two cats, Marble and Fennel. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading, crocheting, and clicker training her cats to perform fun tricks.

Beth Brooks joined the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County as Director of Development in November of 2024, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in the philanthropy sector. A lifelong animal lover, Beth is thrilled to apply her expertise to furthering our mission of animal welfare.

Throughout her career, Beth has honed her skills in development, communications, and volunteer management. She has led successful fundraising efforts, grown donor bases, and crafted compelling content that inspires support for important causes, including Treehouse, MultiCare Health System, the Washington State Fair Foundation, and Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity.

Beth’s passion for animals is evident in her volunteer work with the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, where she has fostered over 67 kittens, as well as time spent fostering herding breeds for Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue.

Beth lives in Tacoma with her family, including her rescue dog Gryffin. When she’s not working, you can find Beth enjoying the outdoors, reading, or exploring local markets on the weekends.

Lauren first became involved with the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County as a dog foster and volunteer dog walker. Her passion for the cause led her to join the team as Marketing Coordinator in 2023, and she recently transitioned into the role of Director of Marketing and Communications, where she now oversees the shelter’s marketing strategy.

Lauren brings over a decade of animal welfare marketing experience to the position, having previously led the Pacific Region’s marketing efforts for Best Friends Animal Society. During her time there, she secured high-profile collaborations with celebrities, influencers, and brands, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, and garnered media placements in outlets like People Magazine. She also served as a mentor to multiple Los Angeles County municipal shelters, helping them improve their marketing and social media strategies to increase positive outcomes for animals with extended stays.

Before her animal welfare career, Lauren worked in the entertainment industry for companies such as NBC Universal and TMZ. (She’s from Los Angeles, after all!) So, next time you’re at the shelter, stop by her office on the second floor, around the corner from the Volunteer Check-In station, to chat about the latest pop culture news—or about her “foster fail,” June, a pit bull-type dog who is a shelter alumna!

Miguel has been part of the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County since May 2021. He graduated from the University of Washington in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in information technology. Initially joining the organization as the IT manager, Miguel now serves as the Director of Information Technology and facilities, overseeing the facilities department. His favorite aspect of the job is supporting the dedicated staff as they provide care for animals and provide support to community members to help keep pets with the people who love them.  

Miguel also leads a subcommittee for The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement’s DEI Council, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry. 

Miguel resides in South Tacoma with his wife, two Chihuahua-mixes (Kaeyo and Lando), and two cats (Draco and Lilly). During his free time, he enjoys camping, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family.