MARS LAM
Oakland,CA
Summary
Adaptable foster program coordinator with extensive experience in animal welfare, volunteer engagement, program development, and shelter operations. Skilled in building volunteer capacity, creating practical policies, and coordinating lifesaving care in high-pressure, resource-constrained environments.
Overview
2
2
Languages
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Dog Foster Program Coordinator
Friends of Oakland Animal Services
02.2023 - Current
- Coordinate a network of 2,000+ foster volunteers, supporting recruitment, training, retention, and ongoing engagement; moderate a 2,000-member foster Facebook community.
- Match large dogs with appropriate foster homes using behavioral, medical, and caregiver assessments; coach volunteers on safe handling and animal care.
- Developed dog foster program eligibility policy to standardize placement criteria, improve prioritization, and enhance resource allocation.
- Trained in dog-to-dog introductions using Dogs Playing for Life (DPFL) principles; provide veterinary supportive care, including medications and vaccinations.
- Collaborated with veterinary, behavior, adoption, and shelter leadership teams to resolve complex cases and coordinate care efficiently in a fast-paced municipal shelter.
- Helped achieve a record 1,000+ large-dog foster placements in 2023; piloted and launched a shelter dog field trip program and an adoption-hours volunteer enrichment initiative.
- Supported fundraising to expand access to canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody (CPMA) treatment for puppies.
Store Manager
Pet Food Express
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Directed daily store operations, overseeing staff performance, sales objectives, inventory management, merchandising, and compliance with company policies and operational standards.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised employees, providing ongoing coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities to build a knowledgeable, high-performing team.
- Managed store financial performance by monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), controlling expenses, minimizing inventory loss, and implementing strategies to achieve business objectives.
- Fostered an inclusive, collaborative workplace culture that prioritized employee engagement, accountability, professional growth, and exceptional customer service.
Sales Manager
George
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed daily sales operations, customer service, and business-to-business (B2B) accounts.
- Developed and maintained relationships with commercial clients, providing tailored tire and automotive service solutions.
- Coordinated with technicians and vendors to manage service requests, inventory, and timely order fulfillment.
- Identified sales opportunities, negotiated pricing, and supported revenue growth through customer retention and new business development.
Store Manager
GameStop
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Oversaw daily store operations, sales performance, inventory management, and customer service.
- Recruited, trained, and developed employees to improve team performance and achieve sales objectives.
- Selected for Area Manager development, taking on assignments at multiple store locations to address operational challenges and improve underperforming stores.
- Implemented strategies to improve store efficiency, strengthen team performance, and ensure compliance with company standards.
Education
Sociology
Berkeley City College
BerkeleyHigh School Diploma -
San Lorenzo High School
San Lorenzo,CASkills
- Volunteer Recruitment & Retention
- Volunteer engagement
- Volunteer Training & Support
- Program Development & Policy Writing
- Foster Program Management
- Canine Behavior & Handling
- Veterinary Supportive Care
- Cross-Functional Coordination
- Shelter Records & Reporting
Languages
English
Cambodian
Timeline
Dog Foster Program Coordinator
Friends of Oakland Animal Services
02.2023 - Current
Store Manager
Pet Food Express
01.2022 - 01.2023
Sales Manager
George
01.2021 - 01.2022
Store Manager
GameStop
01.2017 - 01.2021
Sociology
Berkeley City College
High School Diploma -
San Lorenzo High School