AWSHC INTERNAL GOVERNANCE

The operations and management of AWSHC are guided and instructed by its Board of Directors. The current board was initially established on December 7, 2020, when the new administration took control of the organization and the former administration was dismissed of any further involvement.  At this time, all the members of the previous administration reached a joint resolution with the new members of the organization to empower the new administration to take over AWSHC.  Many of the members of this new administration hailed from Canine Humane Network (CHN) as a result of their proven track record as an exceptional rescue in Howard County.  This change, however, did not make AWSHC part of CHN nor did CHN take over AWSHC, the two organizations simply shared board members for a period of time.  Since that resolution, the makeup of the Board of Directors has evolved and the board no longer contains CHN officers or board members.  The AWSHC Board of Directors is currently comprised of the following individuals.

DEANNA MAHANAND, President, Executive Director, Secretary, Member Board of Directors  

Mrs. Mahanand was elected Board Member by the Board of Directors on June 7, 2022.   She was appointed President and Executive Director on April 1, 2023.  She is a US Navy veteran, having served for 8 years as a Navy corpsman. After being discharged from the Navy, she went back to school to study business. She has an undergraduate degree in Business Management and an MBA. She has worked in acquisitions for the US Government for the last 15 years, where she has served as an auditor, contracting officer and policy analyst. She has three rescue dogs, and volunteers at a local shelter. She is married with three children, and lives in Clarksville. Her passion is helping dogs in need find their people, and she is thrilled to be part of AWSHC! 

LISA PELLEGRINO, Treasurer, Member Board of Directors

Mrs. Pellegrino was elected Board Member by the Board of Directors on April 25, 2021.   Prior to joining AWSHC, Mrs. Pellegrino taught in Howard County Public School System. She earned her Masters of Teaching at Loyola University, and has an undergraduate degree in psychology. She has also worked in bank management, retail, and for the Federal Government as a Bankruptcy Analyst. Over recent years, she has devoted more time to her passion for animals in need or crisis. A lifelong pet owner, and current owner of two senior rescued dogs, she has worked with a variety of non-profit groups in Maryland as both a foster and a dog walker. Currently, she works part-time at a veterinary hospital and for the Howard County Education Association. Mrs. Pellegrino is married with four children and lives in Columbia. She loves to read, walk, and spend time with family and friends. She is thrilled to be part of the team working to rebuild AWSHC and help more animals and families find each other. 

CAROLYN DERRENBACHER, Member Board of Directors

Ms. Derrenbacher was elected Board Member by the Board of Directors on January 11, 2023.