Name:
Theresa Marie Kenney
Age:
46
Family/Pets:
Sole support of a 175-pound giant Alaskan Malamute named Sheena
Education:
University of Tampa (B.S.), University of South Florida College of Public Health, Stetson University College of Law (J.D.)
Admitted to the Bar:
January 1993
Employed by:
Duss, Kenney, Safer, Hampton & Joos
Field of practice:
Commercial real estate and business law; Florida Civil Law Notary.
Professional Organizations:
The Jacksonville Bar Association, National Association of Civil Law Notaries
Community Involvement:
Jacksonville Humane Society Inc. (vice president and counsel to board of directors)
How did you get involved?
About 12 years ago, I worked for a firm that regularly sponsored the Jacksonville Humane Society’s annual “Toast to the Animals” event. I was “asked” by the firm’s shareholders to serve on the event committee. A couple of years later, a couple of JHS board members “took me to lunch” to explain why I should broaden my horizons and join JHS’s board of directors. Frankly, they were so gracious (and persistent) about it, I felt like I had to do it. That was about six or seven years ago, and I must say it’s been a terrific ride.
How can someone else get involved?
JHS has many wonderful programs and opportunities for public involvement, all with different levels of commitment. Many folks get involved by making monetary donations to operations, special events and/or the new building fund (capital campaign). In addition to board of director service, available volunteer programs allow folks to get their feet wet and learn about JHS by volunteering at special events, walking dogs or cuddling cats. More information about JHS’s volunteer programs is available online at www.jaxhumane.org or by calling 725-8766, ext. 206.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I’ve met lots of terrific people (two- and four-legged) and had the opportunity to work on a number of really amazing projects, including planning and construction of the replacement adoption facility and new community animal clinic. Being a fairly practical person, I was initially worried that I wouldn’t be a “fit” for the board, assuming the organization was a charity that conducted business as a necessity. What I found instead was a well-run business with a charitable purpose and mission. The staff is composed of dedicated and capable people who are truly interested in caring for animals in our community and who regularly reach out to other pet welfare organizations, often without ceremony or recognition, in an effort to ensure as many animals are cared for, treated and/or adopted as is humanly possible. The quality and quantity of work that gets done at JHS in the ordinary course of business is simply staggering.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“The Inner Game of Music” by Barry Green and W. Timothy Gallwey.