Board of Directors

Chris Bowen, MHS Board Chair

Joy Fletcher, MHS Vice Chair

Joanne Angell, MHS Board Secretary

Joanne worked in the learning and development field in the high-tech industry in Massachusetts, California, and Oregon. In 2018, she left corporate life and returned to Keene, along with her husband, David, and their delightful white cat, Miss Kitty. 

Joanne joined the MHS Board in 2021 and has served on the Development, Events, HR, and Governance committees. She is also on the Marketing committee at Monadnock United Way. In 2021 she was honored with the Spirit of Monadnock Award for sustained commitment to the Monadnock United Way and our community.

Joanne’s family moved from Massachusetts to Peterborough when she was in high school. She graduated from Keene State College with a degree in Education and earned an MEd in Instructional Design from UMass Boston. Being raised with cats and dogs since second grade, Joanne cherishes animals and knows first-hand the tremendous rewards and benefits pets bring to individuals, families, and the community. She is passionate about helping MHS achieve their mission to ‘strengthen the animal-human bond by promoting and providing for the well-being of animals.’

Pete Schrader, MHS Treasurer

Pete Schrader brings more than thirty-five years of experience in financial and business technology leadership to the Monadnock Humane Society board. He currently serves in a management role at NGM Insurance Company and its parent organization, American Family Insurance, where he leads a business technology group focused on financial data architecture and governance, systems automation, and long-term strategic planning.

Pete holds degrees in Information Technology and Finance and has earned several related professional designations. In addition to his professional career, he has served in volunteer leadership roles on finance committees, most recently as Treasurer for Pathways for Keene and the local chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association.

Pete has lived in Keene for over three decades and has shared his life with cats and dogs over the years, including Cooper, Hudson, and Bodhi, who was adopted from MHS.  Outside of work and board service, he enjoys cycling, sailing, skiing, and spending time outdoors throughout New England.

Kathy Settipane

Kathy was born and raised in Keene and graduated from Keene State College with a BS in Safety Studies. She has held multiple analytical and leadership positions and currently holds the position of Customer Resource Center Officer at New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp in Keene.  Kathy has always had a love for animals and grew up with rescued cats and dogs from MHS. Kathy has participated in the Walk for Animals for many years and served on the Walk for Animals Committee in 2021. Kathy resides in Swanzey with her husband, Joe, and two dogs, Archie and Edith. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and friends. Kathy is excited and honored to be a part of the MHS Board of Directors.

Scot Ward

Scot was a long time collegiate athletic trainer and educator. He was previously employed at Seton Hall University, New England College, Keene State College (KSC), and Trinity College, and was instrumental in establishing an endowed scholarship at KSC.  Scot is a proud Keene State College and Indiana University graduate, and returned to Keene in 1999 where he has lived since.   In 2018, Scot joined the firm of Edward Jones as a financial advisor and till this day continues his calling of helping others achieve their goals (now with a different demographic).

Scot grew up in a household of cats – Windy, Max and Dusty.  In the spring of 2000 Scot and his wife Jennifer adopted their first dog, Copper (a Lab mix), from MHS.  She was orange like a golden retriever so they decided she was a “special breed”, a golden Labrador.  They were very pleased with the adoption process, Puppy Kindergarten, and Focused Fido training classes.  Jennifer is part of a therapy dog team with their 10-year-old golden retriever Haleigh.  Scot has been happy to come and observe their training with Monadnock Therapy Pets at MHS.  Their new puppy, Mackinley (also a golden retriever) is a therapy dog in training.

Scot is a member of the Keene Kiwanis Club and is currently working on the annual golf tournament committee. He is an avid skier and has been a volunteer ski patroller for over 20 years at Pats Peak in Henniker, NH.  He has also volunteered as part of the finish line medical team at the Boston Marathon since 1999.  His wife of over 25 years, Jennifer, was the “magic in the back room” at Creative Encounters until the store owner retired in 2021.  Their son CJ is a college student attending Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY. Scot is eager to help Monadnock Humane Society and is honored to serve on the board.

Candi Dionne

With over 15 years of extensive experience in human resources, Candi is a seasoned HR professional dedicated to fostering talent and driving organizational success. Holding an MBA and multiple industry-recognized certifications, including SHRM-CP and PHR, she brings a strategic approach to workforce management and employee engagement. Candi is currently employed by NewsBank as Sr. Director of HR Operations. Throughout her career, Candi has successfully implemented innovative HR initiatives that align with business goals, enhance workplace culture, and optimize talent acquisition and retention. Her expertise spans various industries, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of diverse organizational dynamics. When she is not volunteering for local nonprofits, she enjoys outdoor activities including walking, running and biking.

John Algeo

John was born and raised in Central New York and brought home his first dog from the SPCA at the age of ten.  “Happy” was always with him until he went away to college in Colorado.  He received his Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University.  After 39 years practicing architecture in California John retired returned to the Northeast and found Keene, NH.

John spent the majority of his career with Walt Disney Imagineering as the Lead Architect for attractions in Anaheim, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Paris and Orlando.  Prior to Disney,  John was a partner at Viniegra &Viniegra Architecture, project architect at RAW Architecture, a designer at Neptune & Thomas and a restoration specialist at Syracuse Model Neighborhood.

John has served on the South Pasadena Design Review Board, Church of Our Savior building committee, and the City of Los Angeles Neighborhood planning committee.

Through a ‘small world’ chance meeting with Dan Dodge, John was introduced to the MHS mission and knew this would be a place where he could continue to contribute his skills and experience.

John can be seen hiking through the many trails around Keene with his black Labrador Retriever, Snowball.

JoAnne Sweeney

JoAnne grew up in Keene before heading off to Purdue University. After graduation, she returned to New England, launched a successful publishing career, and spent twenty years living in the Boston area. Along the way, she attended culinary school and earned her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which she has continued to maintain. Today, JoAnne works for a non-profit in higher education, collaborating with a wonderful team to develop online courses.

Growing up, JoAnne’s family regularly rescued stray or abandoned cats, occasionally took in a dog, and even once cared for a rabbit. Today, she shares her home with three spoiled cats and Lily, a dog she adopted in 2020. JoAnne often credits Lily with teaching her the true value of understanding the emotional needs of pets. With guidance from a skilled canine behaviorist, a beloved trainer, and a patient veterinarian, JoAnne developed the skills needed to help Lily overcome many of her fear-based challenges. Now, Lily lives comfortably with her feline companions, and JoAnne wouldn’t change a thing about their journey together.

Upon moving back to Keene, JoAnne sought a way to make a meaningful contribution to her community and began volunteering at Monadnock Humane Society in October 2024. She is continually inspired by the board, staff, and volunteers who make this organization so special. When she’s not assisting the board or supporting staff as a volunteer, JoAnne is usually outdoors—often with Lily by her side.

Lifetime Vice Presidents

Dr. Carla Folkert

Carla has been in Keene for 20 years and joined the Park Place Veterinary Hospital team in 2009. She grew up in Rochester, Minnesota and attended Iowa State University graduating with a BS in1982 and Veterinary School in 1986. She practiced in Topsfield, Massachusetts until 1991 when she moved to Keene. She has been active with the Monadnock Humane Society since 1992, twice serving as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Carla and her husband have two children. She enjoys gardening, kayaking, crafts and any activity with her family.

Linda Guinane

Linda is a long time supporter of the Monadnock Humane Society. She and her late husband, Jim, were instrumental in creating the beautiful facility we currently enjoy. Linda continues to serve MHS as an honorary Lifetime Vice President of the board.