KNOXVILLE - Young-Williams Animal Center has hired experienced fundraiser Stephanie Eastman Vozar as its new development director.

YWCA's new CEO, Alizza Punzalan-Randle - Image courtesy of YWCA

Vozar, who previously served as a major gift officer for the American Red Cross in the Florida and Michigan regions, started her new position June 4 at Young-Williams Animal Center.

“We welcome Stephanie to our team of compassionate and dedicated animal welfare advocates,” says Janet Testerman, CEO for Young-Williams Animal Center. “Her experience includes the management of major campaigns, strategic fundraising and prospecting new donors. As a nonprofit with the vision to ‘find a home for every pet,’ fundraising is a major component of our important work.”

In addition to her recent post in Naples, Florida, for the American Red Cross, Vozar has 20 years of development, marketing and fundraising experience in nonprofit and business fields. She has worked at United Way of Genesee County and Cumulus Media in Flint, Michigan; and Palace Sports & Entertainment in Auburn Hills, Michigan, where she handled corporate sales for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons.

Vozar earned a Bachelor of Arts in marketing with a minor in music from the University of Michigan and graduated with honors.

She resides in Knoxville with her husband, Troy, and their 13-year-old rescue dog, a Finnish Spitz named Bella. In her spare time, Vozar likes to sing karaoke and play live music with her band. The couple enjoy cooking together, attending concerts and traveling on culinary adventures.

“Being able to make a difference in the community is why I work in development,” Vozar said. “Young-Williams Animal Center and the leadership, staff and volunteers are so committed to the well-being of animals. I look forward to joining their efforts, getting to know everyone in the Knoxville area and raising funds to meet the needs of our community’s homeless pets.”

Young-Williams Animal Center’s main facility is located off Sutherland Avenue at 3201 Division Street. Young-Williams Animal Village satellite adoption location and public spay/neuter program is located at 6400 Kingston Pike.

Both locations are open seven days a week from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The shelter closes from 1-2 p.m. for an hour of quiet time for the animals. For more information about Young-Williams Animal Center, call 865-215-6599 or visit young-williams.org.