Jan Shellhammer

Board Member

Jan started volunteering in the 1990s as an early morning dog-kennel cleaner at the Dumb Friends League’s very large Denver shelter (a memorable, if odorous, experience). She later joined the League’s board of directors and then served for 12 years on staff. As senior writer and editor, she was responsible for quarterly publications, annual reports, fundraising appeals, and more.

Jan also has served on the board of Colorado Voters for Animals, a 501(c)4 organization that lobbies lawmakers to vote for humane legislation, and she has volunteered as a grant writer for other nonprofits. She is retired from the U.S. Social Security Administration, where she worked in international policy and congressional liaison and served as regional press officer.

Never without at least one dog and cat in her home, Jan is fortunate to have loved all of them well into their golden years. Her handsome 11-year-old Maine Coon mix cat, Remy, and 10-year-old, mixed-breed, best-dog-ever, Willow, are her current BFFs.