The Bryan County Bark Park is excited to announce the appointment of a new board member, Renee Laurie, who is the senior corporate sales manager at Savannah Lodging. Her experience in top tier for-profit and non-profit organizations, businesses and corporations has given her extensive insights into channeling the efforts of volunteers into mission driven community outreach projects that translate into measurable results.

Among her many accomplishments, she is most proud of her position as Event Chair for the annual “What If … Festival,” presented by the Kennedy Center’s “Imagination Celebration.” The festival, which was named Colorado’s Best Event for five consecutive years, celebrates lifelong learning and delights the community with the innovation, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the Pikes Peak region. “Imagination Celebration” ensures underfunded school in the Pikes Peak region resources for arts, music and theater.

Locally, and close to her heart, has been Laurie’s work with the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire. She has served as chair for the events and fundraising committees for The Savannah Mile from 2007 to 2013, raising $100,000 annually. She also created a format for the annual “Community Hero’s Golf Tournament” and the Valor Awards. The 200 Club provides immediate financial assistance to families of first responders, who have died in the line of duty.

Laurie lives in Bryan County with her husband Scott and their Brittany spaniel, Gunnison. Laurie can often be found running county roads as she trains for a half-marathon, fishing the nearby coastal waters or, on any given Saturday in the fall, donning her beloved Tennessee orange and singing Rocky Top.

“My dream is for every pup to have a play date with their friends,” Laurie said. “I believe the Bryan County Bark Park can make that dream come true!”