Alaska SPCA Board Members

Laura Strand, Board Vice-President

Laura joined the board in 2011 and was elected Vice President in 2012. She also serves as the chair of the Real Estate and Land Management committee and organized the Spay-getti fund raising event in 2011. Laura says, "I am excited and proud to be affiliated with Alaska’s SPCA. I am an animal lover and have always had dogs and cats in my life. I am now able to really participate with the Alaska SPCA mission of “ending suffering of Alaska’s dogs and cats” and embrace this chance to help make a difference with animals."

Laura was born in Petersburg, Alaska, and has worked (and lived) throughout the state over the years. She has made Anchorage her home since 1989. She is a civil engineer by trade and alumni of the University of Alaska Anchorage. Laura currently lives with three cats and says she would love to adopt a dog if the cats would let her!

Chad Adams, Board Treasurer

As a Financial Advisor and Chartered Financial Consultant, Chad serves well as Board Treasurer, always asking the question, "how can we increase our revenues so we can help more cats and dogs?" Chad joined the Board of Directors in 2012 and works on the budget and investment policies. Born and raised in Alaska, he adopted Daisy, a husky mix from the Alaska SPCA, and Mika, the cat, and the two get along famously. Chad and his wife, Erika, agree that "Daisy and Mika are a wonderful addition to our family, and it is great to be able to give back to the Alaska SPCA community."

Michael Haukedalen, Board Member

Michael joined the Board of Directors in October 2012, and serves on the Development/Governance Committee.  A “serial volunteer” for many different animal advocacy organizations in the past, he is excited to make an enduring contribution to animal welfare with the Alaska SPCA.  Michael is especially interested in providing services in rural Alaska. 

Michael lives at the foot of the Chugach Mountains with his spouse Leslie, their two German Shepherds, and a village dog from the Alaskan bush. 

Mary A. Vavrik,  Board Secretary

Mary joined the Board of Directors in February 2009 and serves as Secretary. She chairs the board’s Development/Governance Committee. Mary also represents Alaska SPCA on Anchorage’s "Scoop the Poop" committee. Mary lives with an Alaska SPCA dog rescued from Haines and has several chickens.

Mary works as a court reporter and enjoys hiking, skiing, biking, gardening, cooking and taking walks and camping with Healy, her dog. Every year Mary holds a fundraising event for Alaska SPCA in remembrance of her German Shepherd, Rokka, who worked as a therapy dog and enjoyed many years as Mary’s beloved companion.