Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Liz Finch

Phoenix,AZ

Summary

Professional writer with more than 30 years of experience contributing to print and online publications, including in current role as senior writer of both business-to-business and business-to-consumer content for a national animal welfare organization. Dedication to and proven record of driving positive change in the animal welfare field through innovative programming. Diplomatic, collaborative approach to achieving buy-in from shelter staff and the public on new approaches to lifesaving that often challenge traditional thinking. Strong ability to pivot as needed in a fast-paced industry.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Writer

Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS)
02.2020 - Current
  • Write and edit weekly strategic pieces targeted toward 4,400 rescues and shelters comprising national network, with goal of positively influencing animal welfare standards, practices, and philosophies.
  • Craft mainstream stories for web and print publication to introduce consumer audiences to complicated industry trends, including translation of technical terminology and jargon into plain, clear language.
  • Organize material to research and complete writing tasks, conduct interviews with variety of subject matter experts.
  • Utilize exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
  • Repurpose and optimize existing content for use in different mediums.
  • Provide writing support for various projects and departments.
  • Incorporate review comments and corrections into content.
  • Manage competing deadlines with efficiency.

Director, National Community Cat Programs

BFAS
09.2016 - 02.2020
  • Negotiated contracts with municipal shelters to establish community cat programs at their facilities.
  • Managed daily operations while overseeing multiple locations to foster increased productivity.
  • Established departmental performance goals and provided feedback for underperforming areas.
  • Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
  • Worked closely with leadership to guide operational strategy.
  • Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to form strategic partnerships and strengthen client relationships.
  • Achieved increase in cat lifesaving in all partner shelters, typically from 50% save rate range to close to 90% save rates within three years.
  • Managed $4 million budget.
  • Designed public messaging to gain support for new programs.
  • Remained composed and highly professional in fast-paced and constantly changing environment, effectively handling challenging situations and difficult individuals to achieve objectives.

Senior Manager, National Programs

BFAS
02.2011 - 09.2016
  • Oversaw national programming that resulted in 300,000 fewer shelter deaths between 2012 and 2016.
  • Guided selection of annual grant recipients ($25,000 to $100,000).
  • Collaborated with marketing and national events staff to develop promotional concepts that represented BFAS brand while offering new opportunities for shelter and rescue partners.
  • Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
  • Managed large-scale projects and introduced new systems, tools, and processes to achieve challenging objectives.
  • Drafted multi-agency memorandums of understanding.
  • Served as on-site director for various emergency response efforts.
  • Conducted performance evaluations, compensations and hiring to maintain appropriate staffing requirements.
  • Developed presentations for internal and external audiences.
  • Boosted team member productivity by enhancing performance monitoring and instituting motivational approaches.
  • Reviewed and analyzed reports, records and directives to obtain data required for planning department activities.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.

Manager, Community Animal Assistance

BFAS
09.2005 - 02.2011
  • Managed and motivated 15-20 employees to be productive and engaged in work handling 50,000 calls/emails annually from general public, animal rescue organizations, and municipal shelters on all aspects of animal care and welfare.
  • Oversaw weekly meetings to consider requests for animal admission to Utah-based sanctuary, established SOP for submissions, and provided guidance for alternatives to acceptance.
  • Reviewed data frequently to identify trends and key metrics regarding impact of various outreach programs.
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
  • Recruited, interviewed, and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.

Founder/President

Rescued Pet Foundation
01.1998 - 08.2005
  • Completed California state 501c3 paperwork to launch nonprofit cat rescue organization that rescued and found homes for approximately 400 cats annually from L.A. City shelters.
  • Built out adoption applications and processes.
  • Recruited and supported volunteers and foster families.
  • Arranged status as in-store rescue partner with Petco and ran Saturday adoption events.
  • Managed annual fundraising newsletter and quarterly events to meet budget requirements.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.

Education

Masters - Interdisciplinary Studies

Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT
09.2023

Bachelor of Arts - English

University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
05.1992

Skills

  • Data-Driven Decision-Making
  • Organizational Improvements
  • Strategic Plans
  • Building Morale
  • Program Operations
  • Team Development
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Content Curation
  • Copywriting, Editing and Review
  • Media Spokesperson

Volunteer

Tour guide Sept 2020 – Present
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, Scottsdale, AZ

Board of Directors Sept 2019 – Present
Fearless Kitty Rescue, Fountain Hills, AZ


Volunteer Jan 2018 - Sept 2019

Homeless ID Project, Phoenix, AZ

Additional Information

Public speaker at Best Friends National Conference (multiple presentations on storytelling, Best Friends programs, community cats, hoarding); 6th annual Community Cats Podcast Online Conference (hoarding); Humane Society of the United States Annual Expo (breed labels); Petco cat conference (hoarding).


Proficient in computer and web applications, including Microsoft Office tools, Google suite, ADP, Sharepoint, OneDrive, Trello, Fetch, Workday, PowerPoint, Asana, Canva, Wix, Drupal.


Writing samples available at https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-finch-3149205a/

Timeline

Senior Writer

Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS)
02.2020 - Current

Director, National Community Cat Programs

BFAS
09.2016 - 02.2020

Senior Manager, National Programs

BFAS
02.2011 - 09.2016

Manager, Community Animal Assistance

BFAS
09.2005 - 02.2011

Founder/President

Rescued Pet Foundation
01.1998 - 08.2005

Masters - Interdisciplinary Studies

Southern Utah University

Bachelor of Arts - English

University of Iowa

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Liz Finch