BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bruce Whitsitt

President

Bruce Whitsitt has dedicated the majority of his life to nonprofit work, bringing over three decades of experience in community service, social work, and outreach. He spent 30 years at the Poverello House, where he led marketing efforts, developed a drug rehabilitation program, served as a social worker, and coordinated hundreds of volunteers—all driven by his passion to uplift underserved populations.

Bruce was first introduced to Valley Animal Center in 2008 when his son began volunteering with the organization. Inspired by the mission, Bruce became even more connected in 2019 when he adopted a pet from VAC. By 2021, he officially joined the team as a Dog Park Associate, becoming a beloved face at the center’s dog park until his retirement in July 2024.

Even in retirement, Bruce continues to serve—now as a dedicated VAC board member. He brings with him not only his wealth of nonprofit leadership experience but also his deep understanding of the center’s day-to-day operations and fundraising strategies. His ongoing passion for animals and community advocacy lives on through the Riley Reward, named in honor of his son, which recognizes acts of kindness and compassion at the center.

Bruce remains a vital part of the VAC family, committed to helping every animal find the loving home they deserve.

Brian Gallo

Treasurer

Brian J. Gallo is an experienced project manager and process improvement consultant with a background in electric transmission and distribution line construction, commercial and industrial building development. He is a seasoned instructor for large organizations as well as higher education courses. As a senior consultant at Utility Alliance Partners, Inc. Brian provides his clients with visibility to their data and confidence in decisions.

Jennette Nelson-Williams

CFO

Jennette Nelson-Williams is the market president at Suncrest Bank in Fresno. She is responsible for managing the Madera County Commercial and SBA departments and provides guidance and underwriting counsel in the interpretation of financial data, assessment of risk, and structure of commercial loans.

Jennette works closely with her business clients, providing them advice and counsel while ensuring their financial needs are met and risk is minimized.

Amanda Herrera

Secretary

Amanda has worked with children who are victims of abuse and experience behavioral issues for more than 20 years and has volunteered her time assisting other organizations, such as Reading Heart, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California, and Valley Animal Center.

Amanda also serves as the president of RavenMortem Hearse Club and received her bachelor's degree in Criminology with a certificate in Victim Services from California State University, Fresno. Currently, she is working on obtaining her master’s degree in social work at Walden University.

In her free time, Amanda loves spending time with her family, which includes her daughter and four rescued cats. She’s an avid Halloween lover, can often be seen driving throughout the Central Valley in her personal Hearse, and enjoys event themes and decorating.