Our Leadership
Ellie's Rainy Day Fund relies on the expertise of an advisory group to provide guidance in the use of discretionary funds, general oversight and establishes programs and policy. This group includes veterinarians, social service professionals, and human-animal bond experts.
Our Board of Directors
Sue Wagner
DVM, MS, ACVIM
Adjunct Faculty
The OSU College of Veterinary Medicine
The OSU College of Veterinary Medicine
One of the most stressful situations for a veterinarian is when a client has financial difficulties, and is unable to pursue the care a beloved pet requires. I am very proud to be a part of an organization that addresses this issue. Keeping families together is not only greatly appreciated by clients, it reduces compassion fatigue for veterinarians. Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund is an all-around win!
Arthur Helmstetter
PE
Nonprofit Consultant
MBA University of Dayton
MBA University of Dayton
I serve on the Board of Eliie’s Rainy Day Fund because of the impact it has on our local area. I have been asked by nonprofit organizations that I work with professionally to sit on their Board of Trustees but have declined due to time limitations and other factors. As an animal lover I believe that our organization effectively fills a gap that no other organization I know of does, not only in our area but in the entire US. My hope is that we can provide a model for other groups to help people and their companion animals to stay together.
Ashley Wiese
DVM, MS, DACVAA
Regional Medical Director
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
Animals are an important part of any pet owner’s life. Veterinary care providers dedicate their lives to being advocates and care providers for animals. When the goal of fostering the human animal bond through providing medical care is compromised by financial limitations, I am grateful that ERDF is there to help owners in need.
Paul Moyer
MD
Ophthalmologist
Dayton Eye Associates
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine
Ohio State University
My family receives so much joy, love, and companionship from our animals that I want to do whatever I can to support other families, especially when their beloved pet is ill.
Our Executive Director
Juli Burnell
PSYD
Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund Founder
Psychologist, University of Dayton, Retired
Psychologist, University of Dayton, Retired
Ellie is only alive today due to our good fortune at being able to afford the emergency and specialty care she needs to keep her lung condition in balance. I believed when I founded Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund that people who deeply feel the connection with their companion animals would want to help their neighbors who feel the same. I’m very grateful that many generous folks in our community agree that no one should lose a family member because they’re forced to choose economic euthanasia.
Our Council of Advisors
Scott R. Gindlesberger
Sr. Vice President
Stifel Nicolaus
Stifel Nicolaus
Perk Reichley, CIC
President
Reichley Insurance Agency, Inc.
Reichley Insurance Agency, Inc.
Lisa Rismiller
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
University of Dayton
University of Dayton