OUR
STAFF
Meet the Team
Who we are
President
Ann Keady
Ann Keady began her journey with Nike Animal Rescue Foundation over 20 years ago when her then 8-year-old daughter expressed a desire to "help the kittens." What started as a family activity quickly became a passion for Ann, who was drawn in by the animals and the camaraderie of her fellow volunteers.
Today, Ann serves as President of the Nike Animal Rescue Foundation, a role she has held for approximately eight years. The foundation is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to finding forever homes for homeless dogs and cats, supporting senior animals, promoting spay and neuter programs, aiding community animals in need, and providing education about animal welfare.
Vice President
Jennifer Rakow
In 2019 at the start of COVID Jen was looking for a way to give back to the community because she wanted to donate her time to helping support, rescue and foster animals. With so many animal rescues in need there were just too many to choose from.
Ann introduced Jen to NARF and it's fellow board members. Narf is a foundation that understands how to support the animals and families in the community. With three dogs of her own at home, she knew this was the right animal rescue at the right time to contribute and help further the Narf mission.
Jen was elected as the Vice President of this tremendous non profit and looks forward to continuing the good work this organization has been doing for the past 35 years.
Board Member
Jocelyn Rodriguez
Jocelyn’s connection to animals goes beyond care and compassion—she believes in advocating for their needs and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and animals. With a background in holistic wellness, Jocelyn brings a fresh perspective to animal advocacy, blending her knowledge of energy work with her commitment to creating meaningful, positive change.
Jocelyn’s unique experience and heartfelt dedication make her a valuable asset to NARF where she is committed to championing the organization’s vision and making a lasting impact throughout the community for animals in need.
Treasurer
Howard Solovei
Howard began volunteering for NARF over 15 years ago when his wife Belinda and daughter Talia also started volunteering each Saturday at NARF’s cat fairs. Belinda chairs the organizations fundraising activities, while Talia still volunteers at cat fairs when not away at college, as well as helps with NARF’s social media. Howard took over as treasurer about 4 years ago.
Howard is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Jewish Silicon Valley in Los Gatos and has previously led financial operations for private and public companies in fintech and medical devices.
Howard and is family are home to two NARF cats plus a third cat they took in when one of Howard’s friends could no longer care for her.
Secretary
Dr. Barbara Lee
Dr. Barbara Lee has been a veterinarian in the San Jose community for 40 years. In l985, she was approached by Linda Pope (a founding NARF member and current board member) to see if she was willing to fix a broken leg on one of their rescue dogs, and she replied “of course!”. Since that moment, Dr. Lee has served on the board as its medical advisor and has helped to care for over hundreds of rescue dogs and cats.
Dr. Lee and the Evergreen Veterinary Clinic staff consider it a privilege to support NARF and to help our community care for our animals in need.
Board Member
Kim Paige
Kim grew up in the bay area & has been rescuing animals most of her life. She grew up volunteering with her mother & sister at Wildlife Rescue along with collecting local strays until adulthood.
It’s no surprise that she ended up joining NARF in the spring of 2024.
“Speaking for those who have no voice” is her primary motivating factor. She wants to see pets placed in homes where both the pet & the owner will thrive in health & happiness.
Board Member
Linda Pope
Linda is one of the founding members of NARF. She saw an article in the news about an injured dog being found in a ditch with her litter of puppies.
Linda’s daughter went to the first organization meeting and came home to say “Mom, we’re a foster home!" Forty years later, they're still fostering. Linda served as secretary of the board for many years before becoming president.
Linda and her family moved to the State of Washington in 2017 and started Nike North and is still an active board member.
The Popes have two little chihuahuas. Their daughter, Terri, has five very spoiled chickens who have no problem hanging out with chihuahuas!
Board Member
Kathy O'Bryan
Kathy started rescuing animals in her preteen's. She use to hide cats and dogs in her room. Kathy always had a connection with animals and wanted to help care for them. Kathy's neighbor was a volunteer for NARF named Debbie Walker.
One day Kathy was visiting Debbie and she had all these tiny little orphan kittens that she was bottle feeding. Kathy offered to help and Debbie taught her everything she needed to know about orphan kittens. Debbie shared all about who Narf was and their mission and how she volunteers as a foster. She jumped right in and volunteered herself. It takes a village and the wisdom of many.
I have been a volunteer for Narf for over 25 years. As time went on, I became the Cat coordinator for Narf. I adopted my first cats from Narf in 1997. Two 8 month old brother's Oscar and Angel.
I am currently fostering five cats. Dora, Jack, Joy-Joy, Hamlet, and Luna.
Board Member
Belinda Solovei
Belinda started volunteering at NARF in 2011 when her then 7 year old daughter Talia expressed an interest in volunteering with an organization that helps animals. Having adopted 2 kitties from NARF, they were our go to.
Belinda has been on the board since 2021, most recently in the capacity of coordinating NARF fundraiser events. She’s passionate and cares about all beings and the environment. She’s been a vegetarian since age 16 and is a proud vegan since 2023.