Leadership
At Karma Cat + Zen Dog Rescue Society, we are dedicated to operating as a transparent organization. The organization was founded in 2010 by Christie Arlotta, Michelle Arlotta, and Amy Iervolino, nee Vinopal.
Please read on to learn more about our Board of Directors.
Board of Directors:
Christie Arlotta – President
Christie is a founding member of Karma Cat + Zen Dog Rescue Society. Her passion for animal rescue evolved from volunteering during college, to coordinating volunteers, to starting and running this organization! She was our Executive Director for over 10 years before retiring from the daily grind. Christie holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering. Prior to starting Karma Cat + Zen Dog, she worked for an international consulting firm as a licensed Professional Engineer where she focused on wastewater treatment facility design and construction. She now lives in Morristown with her six rescued cats: Karma, Emmett, Spitfire, Keiki, Choppy and Missy and one rescued dog: Kona (AKA “Cat #7”).
Fun Fact: Christie is a metal-head who practices yoga at least four times a week.
Tom Daily – Vice President
Residing in Old Bridge, Tom has spent 44 years as a CPA where he is currently a Manager at a CPA firm in NYC. Every year in January, Tom gives a tax seminar to his entire firm; although it’s nerve wracking, when he’s done, he feels like he has accomplished something that he is very proud of. Tom is very passionate about doing an excellent job and animal rights, which is one reason why he accepted the position as Vice President. In Tom’s down time, he enjoys playing guitar and singing with his wife, volunteering at church, and playing golf. Tom also has 2 sons and one kitty, Lillybelle.
Fun Fact: Tom’s family has had 4 cats since he was 6 years old. The first one lived to 18, the second to almost 20, the third to 16.5 and Lillybelle is 5.
Gina Loh – Treasurer
Gina is a resident of Franklin Township and works for an accounting firm as a virtual controller for various New Jersey and New York companies. In addition to the technical work, she enjoys collaborating with colleagues, communicating with clients about their financial concerns, and mentoring her team members. Although the hours are long and unpredictable, the accounting field is always evolving which Gina finds to be the most enticing part of the field. Outside of the office, she enjoys listening to various genres of music, tending to the outside cats, feeding the backyard birds and squirrels, visiting her two sisters’ pit bull dog and tuxedo cat, and caring for her own cats named Goji Berry and Matcha Latte. Through volunteering at Karma Cat Zen Dog, Gina has met several kindhearted volunteers with a passion for animal welfare. From the organization’s directors and members, she has learned about feline socialization/behavior, trap-neuter-return, and fostering.
Fun fact: Gina was intimidated by cats until she took in her two cats in August 2018 after they were abandoned outside. Soon after that she saw a Karma Cat + Zen Dog social media post and started volunteering!
Kristin Padden – Secretary
Kristin resides at the Jersey shore and works full-time as a Sr. Manager in Human Resources in the tech industry, overseeing the areas of HR operations, performance management, HR compliance and employee benefits. She holds an MA degree in Organizational Psychology & Human Behavior and an MS in Forensic Psychology from Kean University. Kristin works part-time on the weekends as an Animal Control Officer for a local township which is how her relationship with Karma Cat + Zen Dog began! She lives with her husband Kevin, their 6 rescue cats, and a revolving door of foster cats! In her spare time, she enjoys baking and cake-decorating.
Fun Fact: Kristin is a feline trainer and enjoys teaching her cats new tricks! Her cat Fireball got to perform virtually for Jackson Galaxy!
Mark Schmidt – Member
Currently residing in North Brunswick, Mark has been working as a Real Estate Agent with Re/Max Country since 2002. Working with people is part of his passion; Mark loves serving and helping others, letting them know how important they are is part of his motivation every day. One of his greatest accomplishments was fighting and winning against a town that was making his clients’ home sale impossible. Through his hard work and determination, he was able to sell that home. When Mark is not motivating others or selling homes, he enjoys making videos, reading, volunteering, and building relationships with everyone he meets. Mark also enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters and his cockapoo named Daphne.
Fun fact: Mark hosts a weekly show on YouTube called “Monday Mornings with Mark!”.
Nancy Stewart – Member
Residing in Metuchen, NJ, Nancy has spent 30 years in the financial services industry; the last 25 with JPMorgan Weath Management in NYC. She is now able to work permanently in a NJ office that allows more volunteer opportunities, including the Metuchen/Edison food pantry and related mission volunteer programs within Middlesex County. Nancy has been an animal advocate for many years and animal rescue and welfare has always been a priority. She has volunteered as an adoption counselor, socializer, and foster with Karma Cat + Zen Dog. Nancy also enjoys gardening, cooking, and hot yoga.
Fun Fact: Nancy is also an adopter! Her housemate is Karma Cat + Zen Dog alum Bertie who keeps her on her toes!
Interested in joining the Board of Directors?
Serving on the board is a rewarding experience and an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Please review our website, social media channels, and the Board Member Agreement/Responsibilities document. We are happy to answer any questions you have – you can email BOD@karmacatzendog.org
When you are ready to apply, please fill out this Board Member application. We look forward to hearing from you!