MIAMI, FL – October 30, 2019
South Florida SPCA (SFSPCA), the last line of defense for abused and abandoned horses in Miami-Dade County, recently announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors.
The three new board members include – David Bialski DVM, Hospital Administrator at VCA Knowles Animal Hospitals, as Chairman; Emily Marquez-Dulin, Executive Director of Brooke USA, as Secretary, and Lt. Melissa Peacock, Lieutenant-in-Charge of Miami-Dade Police Department’s Northside District Field Training Program, as a member-at-large. Longstanding Board member Julie Shelton has been named Vice President while Roy Pressman remains as Treasurer
The Board of Directors of the SFSPCA also announced that recent Board member Christine Septer has accepted the position of Executive Director with the responsibility of managing the organization’s day-to-day activities, including barn operations, intake and adoptions, and animal husbandry. Moreover, Christine is responsible for leading the SFSPCA’s fundraising programs, marketing and public relations projects, and will play a huge role in developing the organization’s strategic growth plan and future rebranding long-term initiative.
“On behalf of SFSPCA and as a long-time member of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome David, Emily and Melissa to the Board,” stated Roy Pressman. “Their impressive track record in business and their passion for equines are contagious, bringing on a new era for the organization. Under David’s direction, we are sure to meet the future with enthusiasm and success.”
The SFSPCA is the only thing standing between horses and other animals, and starvation, death, and even slaughter. The nonprofit organization works with Miami-Dade County, and responds 24/7 to local law enforcement to investigate cruelty and abandonment cases, and to seize and care for those victims at its Homestead facility. Since 2008, Miami-Dade Animal Services Department (ASD) has provided partial funding required to the SFSPCA for the care and rescue of abandoned and stray horses and other large farm animals. Marking its 27th year in 2019, SFSPCA is the only organization qualified to rescue, rehabilitate, retrain and rehome horses in Miami-Dade.
About David Bialski, DVM. – President
David was born and raised in Brazil and since his childhood had always being fascinated with horses. In 1997, he received his veterinary degree from the University of Marilia – UNIMAR. He has extensive equine experience and has had many international internships focusing on medicine, myofascial release, and holistic medicine for sport horses. Subsequent to graduation, he worked in private practice before joining the McPhail Laboratory. David completed his master’s degree at the McPhail Equine Performance Center and an MBA from Michigan State University. David works as a hospital administrator for Knowles Animal Clinics.
David is also an accomplished powerlifter athlete holding two world records in deadlift. He is a fierce and outspoken animal advocate. David is the proud parent of Salome, a SFSPCA rescue horse, and four adorable dogs – Salomon, Samuel, Selena and Sophia.
About Julie Shelton – Vice President
Born in New York City, Julie moved to Miami where she became a personal exercise trainer, helping people find the motivation and drive needed to make health and fitness a lifetime commitment. Julie enjoys spending time outdoors where her love for wildlife and nature is fulfilled.
A lifelong animal lover who has volunteered at the SFSPCA for close to a decade, Julie’s drive and energy has made a significantly positive impact on the organization and its rescued horses and animals. “There is no greater reward!” says Julie.
About Roy Pressman – Treasurer
President and Owner of Pressman Engineering & Technology, Inc. (P.E.T. INC.), Roy runs a full-service company which oversees the engineering of radio stations, recording studios and radio networks all over the United States. Today, he is one of the most respected engineers in the radio business, having held top engineering positions at Heftel, Community Service Broadcasters, Gilmore Broadcasting, Paxson Communications, and Radio Unica. Roy has also served as a consultant to the University of Miami and Florida International University for over 20 years.
Roy has been a lover of animals for his entire life. He became interested in dog training and showed his dogs in the obedience ring. He served as Training Director for the South Dade Kennel Club. Roy has been involved in horse rescue and the SFSPCA for over 18 years. He enjoys spending much time with his family of rescues: two horses, two dogs and one cat.
About Emily Marquez-Dulin – Secretary
An accomplished leader and corporate administrator with over 20 years of experience in management, strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, advertising and public relations,
Emily is the Executive Director of Brooke USA, the US sister organization to Brooke, the largest international organization focused on the humane treatment of working equines in some of the poorest countries across the globe.
Emily is dedicated to working with animals, and has made it her career purpose to serve those creatures who cannot speak for themselves. For almost 10 years, she served as the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Greater Miami and has consulted for Paws4You Rescue. She lives in Doral with her husband Doug, two sons –Matthew, a human, and Bode, a canine – and her granddaughter kitty Moxie. Emily is born in England and raised in Venezuela.
About Lt. Melissa Peacock – Board Member
Hired by the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) in 1993 where she served until 1997, and then went on to become a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service. Returning to Florida, Melissa was re-hired by MDPD and spent nearly 10 years with the Agricultural Patrol Unit as a detective and a Sergeant before moving to the training side of the department. Melissa has five horses, three of which are rescues, and she is a very active dog rescuer.
About Christine “Chris” Septer – Executive Director
Chris is an animal loving manager and administrator, and considers it a privilege to serve as a member of the team that will strengthen the mission of the SFSPCA. She has extensive experience as an executive director having worked for several nonprofits and professional associations, including the American Subcontractors Association of South Florida, the South Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association, and The Miami Veterinary Foundation. Chris is actually one of the few original state certified roofing contractors in Florida and was instrumental in writing the High Velocity Hurricane Zone Roofing Code that still exists today.
Chris has owned and trained horses and dogs her entire life and continues to be the head trainer at FreeSpirit Farms and Training Center. Chris’s family includes two SFSPCA horses – Appaloosa Quantum and Mini-Palomino Jake; three rescue kitties – Snowshoe Jinx, Bengal Obie and Flame Point Sherbie, and four dogs – Border Collies Twist and Max, Australian Shepherd Tigger, and farm field find rat terrier Little Dog.
