The state of Alabama and national animal welfare leaders have proclaimed today, April 16th, to be Lynne Fridley Day! The day is named after our very own Co-Director of Education, Alabama resident and indisputable champion of shelter pets for over 40 years, who will retire this year. Her hometown of Montevallo, AL along with Alabama’s elected officials and animal welfare colleagues, have acknowledged her phenomenal work.

Prior to Lynne’s 16 years at Maddie’s Fund, she was shelter manager at the Shelby County Humane Society in Columbiana and Executive Director at Chilton County Humane Society in Clanton.

“Your hard work and excellent discipline have not gone unnoticed and I know Maddie’s Fund will continue to reach an even higher level of excellence because of your contributions,” said Doug Jones, United States Senator from Alabama, in a letter to Lynne.

Kay Ivey, the Governor of Alabama issued a Commendation in honor of Lynne, for playing an instrumental role in establishing Spay Alabama, a statewide program with a goal to end the euthanasia of healthy and treatable dogs and cats.

Randall L. Woodfin, Mayor of the City of Birmingham issued a proclamation to honor Lynne’s work. In his proclamation, Woodfin encouraged “the citizens of Birmingham to rise to the occasion and salute the diligence and dedication of this upstanding citizen.”

“As a former shelter manager in Alabama, Lynne’s experience helped build Maddie’s Fund into the trusted, lifesaving leader it is today,” Amy Zeifang, Maddie’s Fund Board Chair. “She has been an invaluable voice for animals, and her upbeat and infectious laugh will be missed on a day-to-day basis.”

“Lynne’s not concerned about the glass being half full or half empty,” said Mary Ippoliti-Smith, member of Maddie’s Fund Executive Leadership Team. “She’s just thrilled that there’s a glass and something’s in it – that’s what makes Lynne such a dynamic force. She has an attraction that energizes people and brings them together in ways they couldn’t imagine. And for that, we are so grateful to have had her as part of the Maddie’s Team.”