Vikki ScottPresident

• Originally from Alexandria, Virginia
• Graduated from D.W. Daniel High School in 1969
• Attended Winthrop College, then transferred to the University of South Carolina receiving a Degree in Nursing in 1972
• Moved to Barnwell County in 1986
• Vikki has one married daughter that has provided her with many grand dogs and cats
• Owned The Partridge Shoppe Interior Design Studio 1987 - 2013
• President and member of the Animal Advocate Board of Directors 2005 - present
• Director of the Friends for Life Foster and Adoption Center 2013 - present
• Director of the MeowMate/MuttMate program at Allendale Correctional Institution 2013 -2023
• Sat on the Character Restoration Initiative Board of Directors 2014 - 2018
• Vikki has numerous dogs and cats, many of which are special needs animals

William "Will" KeelVice President and Maintenance & Repairs Co-Chairperson

• Native of Columbia, South Carolina
• Graduate of the University of South Carolina
• State Farm Insurance Agent
• Animal Advocate Board of Directors 2021 - present
• Married with 2 dogs, Finn and Molly.

Alexandra WhitbeckSecretary and Grant Writer

• Alexandra is a native of New York
• Resident of Barnwell County prior to moving back to N.Y.
• Former member of the Barnwell County Shelter Board
• Animal Advocate Board of Directors 2022 - present
• Alexandra is a journalist that contributes to The People Sentinel Newspaper
• Pet mom to American Bully (Bentley), Pitbull (Luca), and Feline (Felix)

Davey AtkinsonTreasurer

• Native of Lexington, South Carolina
• 2013 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in Insurance and Risk Management
• Board of Directors for Ducks Unlimited, Lexington Chapter
• Pet dad for a Lab named Sis, a Boykin Spaniel Shadow, and a Berne-Poo named Willow.

Rebekah GrubbsChaplain and Technology/Media Chairperson

• Barnwell native who married her high school sweetheart. Together, Rebekah and Josh, have 2 boys and a beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback, Dez.
• As an animal lover and advocate, Rebekah is passionate about educating the public on proper care of their fur babies, especially extreme weather conditions. She shares tips from local trainers on social media and in her newsletter.  Rebekah believes all dogs are GOOD dogs and that proper training can help any pup be the best version of themselves.  
• As a board member, Rebekah works to make a difference in the lives of animals in our community
• Rebekah is a local realtor with Meybohm Real Estate, specializing in helping clients find their dream homes
• Membership coordinator for the Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber of Commerce - building and supporting businesses

Katrina DealChairperson for The Pick of the Litter Thrift Shop

• Katrina lives in Barnwell with her husband, Dale, and 3 rescue dogs.
• Katrina and Dale have 2 grown children and 2 grandchildren
• Retired from SRNS with 33,5 years of service
• Board of Directors 2005 - 2017
• Board of Directors 2024 - present
• Co-Chair of Pick of the Litter 2006 - 2017
• Pick of the Litter Chairperson 2020 - present

McKensey KeelPick of the Litter Assistant Co-Chair

• Originally from Andrews, South Carolina
• Received a degree in biology from the University of South Carolina
• Became a Barnwell County resident when she married Will Keel
• Currently a preschool teacher at First Baptist Church Creation Station
• McKensey and Will have 2 sweet dogs, Molly and Finn
• Excited to support and serve on the Animal Advocates Board of Directors!

Allison ForehandAssistant Co-Chair for Pick of the Litter Thrift Shoppe

• A native of Barnwell, South Carolina
• Real Estate agent with Meybohm Realty
• Married with a senior dog, Sophie

Kimberly "Kim" TarzianDirector of Human Resources & Assistant Chairperson for our Friends for Life Foster & Adoption Center

• Kim recently moved to Barnwell from Grand Canyon, Arizona where she owned and operated Hoof & Feather Ranch, raising Nigerian Dwarf goats.
• A Human Resources professional
• A proud mother of 2 adult children
• Pet mom to 4 fur babies
• Animal Advocate Board of Directors October 2024 - present

Carolyne Williams

IN LOVING MEMORY of Carolyne Sailors Williams March 13, 1947- July 9. 2022

Mrs. Williams has served on many local boards, as well as boards across the State of South Carolina, but her love and true passion was to help children and animals. She joined the Animal Advocate organization in 2005. Carolyne served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer for several years. She was also on our grant-writing team and was a champion for homeless, abandoned, abused, and neglected animals. Carolyne's dedication to our organization has enabled the Animal Advocates to acquire funding to help thousands of animals be rescued and be adopted into loving forever homes. Carolyne with her beloved dog, Patches.