Animal Friends of the Valleys hire new directors

BY Betty Williams

Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) has hired two new directors, Executive Director Neil Trent and Director of Donor Development Beth Soltysiak.

Neil has 30 years experience in animal welfare and earned numerous awards and accolades. His career began in London in the law enforcement division of the British Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

Neil has traveled to numerous countries in the developing work, implementing and promoting animal welfare programs, such as anti-animal cruelty legislation in Taiwan and collaborating with the Jane Goodall Institute on anti-bush meat programs in Africa.

He served as Regional Director at the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and as the

Executive Director at Humane Society International, the international arm of the Humane Society of the U.S. He’s run animal shelters in California, Colorado and Virginia.

Most recently, Neil was the recipient of the prestigious Human Society International Outstanding Animal Protection Award.

Beth has more than 25 years in the sales and marketing field. She started her career as advertising sales manager at the Chicago Tribune. After moving to Temecula, Beth worked with the first Economic Development Corporation. She also worked with the Temecula Chamber of Commerce, The Californian, Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest County and various non-profit organizations.

Beth specializes in raising money and organizing large charity events. She has executed capital campaigns, large annual events and smaller benefits.

Through community education and involvement, AFV in its goal to end pet overpopulation and for finding a loving home for every adoptable pet in AFV’s shelter.

Animal Friends of the Valleys provides animal services to the cities of Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula and Southwest Riverside.