Meet the Leadership team
Chief Executive Officer
Laura Toller Gardner
With more than three decades of nonprofit leadership, Laura Toller Gardner guides mission-driven organizations toward greater capacity, lasting impact, and cultural transformation. She believes that high-performing organizations align mission, vision, and culture to drive sustainable strategy, and she is deeply committed to empowering teams that bring diverse skills and perspectives to animal welfare.
At Pets In Need, Laura leads a talented and passionate team, building on the organization’s 60-year legacy of lifesaving work while pioneering new models for community support. Prior to joining PIN, she held executive roles overseeing fundraising, marketing, organizational development, and IT infrastructure—giving her a unique “360-degree” view of nonprofit health.
Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Southern California and a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Management from Georgetown University. A lifelong animal lover and devoted pet parent, she brings extensive board and hands-on rescue experience to her leadership of Bay Area animal welfare.
At Pets In Need, Laura leads a talented and passionate team, building on the organization’s 60-year legacy of lifesaving work while pioneering new models for community support. Prior to joining PIN, she held executive roles overseeing fundraising, marketing, organizational development, and IT infrastructure—giving her a unique “360-degree” view of nonprofit health.
Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Southern California and a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Management from Georgetown University. A lifelong animal lover and devoted pet parent, she brings extensive board and hands-on rescue experience to her leadership of Bay Area animal welfare.
Jeanne Wu, MBA, CAWA
Director of Human Resources
Jeanne Wu came out of retirement in 2024 to join Pets In Need, bringing decades of nonprofit leadership experience in human resources, volunteer programs, and operations. Before her work in animal welfare, she held executive HR roles in the high-tech sector, developing inclusive and people-focused workplaces. A devoted animal lover and frequent “foster fail,” Jeanne lives with her husband, four cats, and her rescue dog, Joey.
Director of Behavior and Medical Services
Laura Birdsall, RVT, CAWA
Laura Birdsall oversees behavior, medical programs, and staff across both Pets In Need locations, ensuring animals receive compassionate, high-quality care. With 16 years of leadership experience in animal welfare, she brings deep expertise in behavior, medical services, and shelter management from organizations including Humane Society Silicon Valley, San Francisco SPCA, and Placer SPCA. In addition to being a CAWA and RVT, Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology with an emphasis in Animal Behavior from UC Davis.
Director of Shelter Operations
Lauren Wickman
A Bay Area native, Lauren Wickman brings over 15 years of leadership experience in operations across nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She is passionate about creating positive experiences for employees, animals, and clients alike, and is dedicated to advancing best practices in animal welfare. Before joining Pets In Need, Lauren held key leadership roles in shelter operations, helping organizations achieve the highest standards of care and innovation. She is a Fear Free certified professional, holds animal CPR certifications, and has significantly contributed to implementation of AAHA standards in several hospitals. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with animals, hiking, baking, and watching sci-fi with her fiancé.
Director of Development and Marketing
Chelsea Miranda Denton
Chelsea Miranda Denton leads development and marketing at Pets In Need, driving initiatives that strengthen community connections and inspire generosity. With over a decade of experience in philanthropy, she is dedicated to creating lasting impact and ensuring every animal finds a loving home. She lives on the Peninsula with her family and their rescue dog River, who keeps them grounded, joyful, and reminded of why compassion matters.
Board of Directors
Officers
Barry Cheskin
Chair
Charles Bartels
Vice Chair
Brian Fox
Treasurer
Brian Korek
Secretary
Members
Doug Brent
Doug Carlen
Debbie Gersten
Rob Kalman
Adam Mayer
Freddie Park Wheeler
Michael Picone
Jayashree Rajan
Angela Young