LEADERSHIP
Meet the team that keeps the mission going.
PetPALS of Southern New Jersey relies on the commitment and passion of its leadership and team. Our combined years of experience, differing points of view, areas of expertise and commitment to helping people and animals, provide an exceptional knowledge base to support our mission.
Together, we provide high quality care to our clients and their pets, and energize the programs and services we offer to help those in need. As a resource to our community, we are proud to have a strong and dedicated team looking out for pets and the people who love them.
Meet the 2025 Board of Directors
Carol Swanson, Esq.
President
Carol Swanson obtained her JD from The Law School of The University of Chicago in 1982. She joined the board of directors of PetPALS in 1998. At that time, as a managing attorney in a legal aid office, she fought in court to prevent the eviction of elderly and disabled clients who sought to keep their pets while not losing their housing. Since 2009, Carol has had her own law practice in Woodbury, NJ.
Kenneth Sell
Treasurer
Lynda Yamamoto
Secretary
A retired Postal Manager, Ken has volunteered with PetPALS since 2002. During his tenure, Ken has been a PAL to a number of PetPALS clients, fostered client pets, been involved with fundraising and tabling events. He has been Santa every year for Santa Paws pet pictures. He joined the Board of Directors in 2012 and in 2014 began serving as Treasurer.
Lynda Yamamoto obtained her JD from Rutgers University Camden in 2010. She successfully represented a number of private clients in the Appellate Division and the Supreme Court of NJ before joining South Jersey Legal Services as a staff attorney in Camden. Ultimately, Lynda’s passion is centered on the needs of our seniors, one of our most vulnerable communities.
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Lynda lives in Camden County with her husband, two of their three children, and their dog Kaiju.
Are You Interested in Joining the Board?
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The Board of Directors provides oversight and support for the organization. Some of the key qualities of a PetPALS Board Member include:
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A passion for PetPALS' mission and goals
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Specific experience and/or knowledge in at least one area: social work, veterinary care, legal, accounting, strategic planning, fundraising, finance, community relations or organizational operation
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Willingness to expand knowledge of board responsibilities through orientation and ongoing education
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Willingness to represent PetPALS to the community
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Typically 4 hours per month distributed among:
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Board meeting — preparation and attendance
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Committee meeting — preparation and attendance
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Special events and requests
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If you are interested, email info@petpalssj.com with a resume and a brief statement on why you would like to join. The Board will review all applications and contact parties directly.
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To learn of our other opportunities to help PetPALS, please see our Volunteer page.