VERO BEACH, FLA – Shelly Ferger, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dogs For Life, announces the addition of Cynthia Ryan to the non-profit agency in the role of Executive Director.
Ryan joins Ferger in handling the day-to-day operations, fund development and overall program support. Ferger also is transitioning into a full-time position as Director of Training Programs.
Dogs For Life, started in 2001 by Ferger and based in Vero Beach, is devoted to improving the quality of life for veterans and other individuals with disabilities through training hearing and service dogs, and owning an off-leash dog park.
Ryan comes to Dogs For Life from the Veterans Council of Indian River County, where she served as Development Director.
Before working for non-profit agencies, Ryan spent 20 years as a designer, project manager and collaborator for local and national interior design firms.
She is a 1998 graduate of Sebastian River High School, Ryan went on to earn an Associate of Arts, an Associate of Science degree in Interior Design and a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education. She put those degrees to work for 20 years as a designer, project manager and collaborator for local and national design firms. Ryan is currently working on a master’s degree in Public Policy and Non-profit Administration at the University of Miami.
Ryan, and husband, Rob Ryan, and their daughters live in Vero Beach.
Ryan’s first big project as Executive Director of Dogs For Life is planning the inaugural Patriots For Puppies fundraiser on Feb. 26, 2022, at the Heritage Center in Historic Downtown Vero Beach. This 1940’s USO-themed dance and show will feature dancing, 12 Piece Big Band, performance by the “Almost” Andrews Sisters, dinner and raffles, echoing back to World War II when the Heritage Center was used by local service members as the Officers Club. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Ryan at 772-567-8969 or by email at cynthia.ryan@dogsforlifevb.org. Details also are available online at www.dogsforlifevb.org.
For additional information on DFL Programs, contact Dogs For Life at 772-567-8969.
