Board Member Nominees
Melanie Bailey (2nd Term)
I am honored for the opportunity to serve a second term on the Champaign County Humane Society (CCHS) Board of Directors and further be a voice for the animals of this community. I have been an animal enthusiast for as long as I can remember and pets have been a part of my life since I was born.
I first came to Champaign-Urbana as a student at the University of Illinois, and upon graduation I moved away to complete graduate studies and then begin my career. I have been a full-time resident of Champaign County since 1995 working in the mental health field. I initially worked for 25+ years for a children’s non-profit mental health agency. I now serve patients through Carle Health in the Psychology/Psychiatry Department. Children, adolescents, and families are my primary focus.
I obtained my clinical license (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor/LCPC) as well as a specialization as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) during my work with abused and traumatized children and youth. I have previously served on the Illinois Association for Play Therapy Board.
My years of experience working with abused and traumatized youth has helped me to further develop my passion for animal rights, education, care, and treatment. Both children and animals need caring, compassionate humans to help, protect, and care for them. Also, the healing power of animals can be highly beneficial through animal-assisted therapies.
1997 was the year my relationship with CCHS began with adopting and supporting their mission. Since then, I have been hooked! I have had numerous furry friends (cats) in my life over the years, and many of them have come from CCHS, most recently Cletus joined my family in May 2024. He joined three others at home: Stu, Midnight, Annie.
Continuing as a member of the CCHS Board provides the opportunity to further offer my time and talent to help guide an organization that connects companion animals with people and offers education and support to the community.
Amy Fischer (2nd Term)
I write to express my interest in continuing to serve on the Board of Directors of the Champaign County Humane Society. I have served the last three years as a Board Member and the last two years as Secretary.
My qualifications stem from 20 years on the teaching faculty of the University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences, where I teach courses in companion animal biology, policy, and shelter management. My teaching program also incorporates experiential learning opportunities with multiple animal services agencies in East-Central Illinois; the strongest of these relationships is with CCHS, whose staff graciously mentor dozens of undergraduate interns each year.
In addition to teaching, my University of Illinois Extension activities focus on humane population control, disaster preparedness, and pet retention programs.
On a personal level, my husband and I volunteer with animal transport and share our rural home with a large animal family comprised mostly of former fosters.
I believe firmly in the mission of CCHS and hope to contribute to its continued success.
Kris Fitzpatrick
I have been a resident of Champaign County all of my life. I grew up on a farm where there was always an abundance of wild life as well as our domestic animals. From an early age I cared for cats, dogs, my horse, newborn calves and just about any animal in need. My late husband and I purchased the family farm site and I continue to live in the 123 year old farm house built by my great grandfather.
My career was in law enforcement serving 30 years with the University of Illinois Police Department. In 2007 as I held the position of Chief of Police, I was asked to accept a position as Executive Director of the Police Training Institute where I served until my retirement in 2010. In 2010 I was asked to serve on the Champaign County Humane Society Board of Directors and remained on the Board until 2016. I am a strong supporter of CCHS having adopted two of my dogs from CCHS, participated in the garage sale fund raising events, Mutt Strut and the annual live auction.
I look forward to returning to the Board.
Paul Gibbs
I am honored to be considered for the Board of Directors of the Champaign County Humane Society. As a long-time volunteer, donor, and advocate for CCHS, I am deeply committed to its mission of instilling respect, kindness, and compassion for animals as community values. My combination of nonprofit volunteer experience, professional leadership skills, and availability to serve makes me well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the board’s work.
Commitment to CCHS and Animal Welfare For over 2.5 years, I have volunteered as a CCHS dog walker two to three times per week, building relationships with staff, fellow volunteers, and the animals in our care. I have also contributed in tangible ways, including helping fund and build the backyard pavilion, donating and maintaining three trees, keeping the outdoor dog pen supplied with mulch, assisting with the 2023 Fur Ball, and supporting dog transport. I sometimes provide lunch for the staff as a small token of appreciation for their dedication. Beyond CCHS, my family has cared for a variety of animals over the years — a cat, a rabbit, toads, and now our dog, whose energy and humor enrich my life every day. I believe deeply in the emotional and physical benefits that companion animals bring to people.
Professional Skills and Board Readiness I retired in 2024 after a 31-year career with Procter & Gamble and IBM, where I served as an Information Technology Director in the Employee Services organization, supporting over 100,000 employees in 30+ countries. My expertise includes managing large teams and complex projects, leading process improvement initiatives, and driving efficiency and effectiveness in operations. I currently serve as Treasurer for my local homeowners’ association, where I manage budgets, oversee projects, and ensure compliance — experience directly relevant to nonprofit governance. As a retiree, I have the time, energy, and flexibility to take on board responsibilities and lead projects as needed.
Community Roots and Perspective My wife Lisa and I have lived in Mahomet for 16 years, and our two adult sons live in Champaign. I was raised in the Champaign area, spent 15 years in Cincinnati, and am happy to call this community home. My ongoing presence at CCHS gives me insight into daily operations and the perspectives of both staff and volunteers, which I can bring to board discussions.
Board Service Approach While I do not have direct experience managing an animal shelter, I bring strong governance, leadership, and process improvement skills. I listen, ask thoughtful questions, and seek to understand before forming opinions. I believe in collaborative decision-making and aligning board actions with the organization’s mission and long-term goals.
I am excited about the opportunity to serve alongside other dedicated board members and contribute to the continued success of CCHS. Thank you for your consideration.
Leslie Lundy (2nd Term)
I am interested in continuing to serve on the Board of CCHS to further the goals and mission of the organization. I have been a member of the Board since 09.2022 and serve on the Finance and Audit committee. I am also the Board Treasurer.
I have lived in Champaign since 1989 and consider it home. In 2005, I adopted 3 kitties from CCHS – one was 8 years old and had been surrendered; the other two were about 1 year old and had been strays. Sadly, that group has passed, but I currently have 2 cats that were rescues.
Although I am officially retired from the City of Champaign (City Accountant), I continue to work part-time as the Finance Manager for a few small local not-for-profits. I am well-versed in the challenges that not-for-profit organizations face. Working part-time allows me time to also give back to the community by volunteering.
In the past, I have saved and folded newspapers for the cat cages, helped at a Kitten Shower, attended numerous Fur Balls and served on the CCHS Capital Leadership Team as the VP of Stewardship for the Capital Campaign. Each was a rewarding experience, and I look forward to the opportunity for continued service.
Olgica Milenkovic
I am a resident of Urbana (Beringer Commons) and professor at the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Since I can remember, I was passionately in love with animals. As a child, I took care of countless stray cats and dogs under challenging conditions, as well as abused and discarded farm animals. I became a vegetarian at the age of seven and have been vegan for the last three years, with the goal to contribute towards the health of our planet and happiness of all creatures, large and small. My husband Vlad and I have been volunteers with the Champaign County Humane Society for roughly three years. We are also long-term supporters/sponsors/members of CatsNAP, PETA, Paws Chicago, Farm Animal Rescue, Orphan Kitten Club, Animal Rahat, Stella Moje Sapice, Animal Rescue Nikola, Soi Dog Foundation and many other animal welfare organizations across the globe.
Our family includes 4 rescue cats (which unfortunately do not allow us to adopt a dog), and we regularly interact with and walk our elderly neighbors’ dog, Nugget the miniature Aussie.
I am very happy to have been given the opportunity to serve on the board of directors of the Champaign County Humane Society. I will fully dedicate myself towards further improving the well-being and work satisfaction of our outstanding staff as well as the living conditions, care and adoption rates of shelter animals in our community.