Denise: The Early Years
Denise Joins the Air Force (and does some other things after the Air Force)
Denise in Animal Welfare: Before JHS
Denise and JHS
Denise Potpourri
100
What state was Denise born in?
Bonus points for the city.
Bradford, Pennsylvania
100
What was Denise's role in the Air Force?
Spy
(We'll also accept Tech. Sgt.)
100
Just before joining the team at JHS, Denise was the executive director of the Humane Society in a Florida county named after a slow-moving marine mammal - which one?
Manatee
100
How many years was Denise CEO at JHS?
13 years!
100
What is Denise's favorite football team?
The Jaguars!
(We'll also accept the Chicago Bears.)
200
How many brothers and sisters does Denise have?
2 brothers, 1 sister
200
For how many years did Denise serve in the Air Force?
11 years!
200
Denise's first animal welfare job was in PR/Marketing/Communications at this shelter, located in the fourth most populous city in Virginia.
Richmond SPCA
200
Denise has said many times that one of the proudest moments of her career was Jacksonville becoming a no-kill city.
In what year did this happen?
2014
200
Who is Denise's all-time favorite reality TV show host/celebrity, who has also coined a style of leadership Denise referenced often, and who the JHS staff once gave Denise a "Cameo" from for her birthday?
Captain Sandy
300
Where did Denise graduate from college?
Virginia Commonwealth University
300
While in the Air Force, Denise served as what type of liaison for 2 presidential visits?
Secret Service Liaison
300
While working at Richmond SPCA, Denise was a highly sought after national speaker, instructor and trainer on the subject of one particular program she helped create at Richmond SPCA that eventually became a national model replicated across the country.
What was that program?
Pet Safety Net, one of the first substantive intake prevention programs in the country
300
After achieving community-wide no-kill, and the opening of the new building, Denise and JHS created a statewide initiative to help as many shelters throughout Florida save more lives and achieve no-kill.
What is the name of that program?
Florida Leaders in Lifesaving
300
In 2024, during their national conference, Denise received what award from Best Friends Animal Society?
Lifetime Achievement Award
400
What song was #1 the day Denise was born?
"Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley
400
After leaving the Air Force, Denise started her nonprofit career at what organization?
United Way
400
Denise worked closely with the Jacksonville Humane Society prior to becoming CEO, while still working at the Richmond SPCA.
In what capacity was this work done?
Denise provided consulting services after the fire to try and help get JHS back on their feet.
400
In 2021, Denise made a bold decision and reimagined and repurposed one of JHS's significant programs at the time to make sure we could better deliver on our mission, a critical decision that has allowed JHS to continue being a leader in animal welfare.
What program was it?
Our public-facing hospital
400
What is the name of the semi-annual celebration Denise shares with her family in which pajamas are worn, and nobody is allowed to go anywhere or do any work or chores for a full 24 hours?
Slug Fest!
500
Denise began attending Sunday School as a child due to a freebie that was given out to all of the children attending church each day...
What was that freebie?
Free doughnuts!
500
During Denise's time in the Air Force, she led a very specific, unconventional program for active duty Airmen.
What was it?
An outdoor adventure program for deploying/returning Airmen as part of resiliency support
500
While working with the Peninsula SPCA, there was a key moment while approving expenses when Denise realized she needed to get the heck out of there and find the next opportunity.
What specific item purchased by the organization led her to that realization?
Monkey chow!
500
How many animals entered JHS during Denise's tenure as CEO?
94,420!
500
What is Denise's most recent tattoo?
The JHS logo!
