Harvey Potts, Vice President of Development, for the award-winning nonprofit, Dogs for Better Lives, will share heartwarming stories of dogs who have changed lives in extraordinary ways. Since 1977, this national organization has been training and placing Assistance Dogs that bring safety, independence, and joy to people with disabilities. From supporting adults who are deaf or hard of hearing, to children with autism, to professionals serving vulnerable communities, Dogs for Better Lives shows how the bond between people and dogs can transform futures and strengthen our communities. A DBL trainer will present a demonstration with a trained dog.

Instructor Bio: Harvey Potts joined Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) in 2016. With more than 25 years of professional experience in the nonprofit sector, Harvey oversees philanthropic initiatives nationally for DBL. Harvey received both his Bachelor of Arts in European History and master’s in environmental education and planning from Pacific Lutheran University.

Prior to joining DBL Harvey worked in senior managerial positions within several national nonprofit organizations, including Restore America’s Estuaries, National Wildlife Federation, and Washington’s National Park Fund. Earlier in his career Harvey worked internationally, serving a 3-year term with the U.S. Peace Corps in Poland, working in Bialowieza National Park (second oldest national park in the world to Yellowstone), overseeing their first-ever national grant funding program.

Outside of DBL, Harvey enjoys trail running and peak bagging our PNW volcanoes and is engaged with several nonprofit boards including Rogue Valley Family YMCA. Harvey and his Weimaraner pack (5), along with various livestock, reside on his mountain ranch in southern Oregon.