President
Kirk Geiger
Kirk rescued his first first dog at the age of ten and is a lifelong animal lover and advocate.
Since 2009 he and his wife Noelle have rescued hundreds of dogs from the streets, working with other local rescue organizations to find them all loving homes. The Pet Rescue Center in Coachella CA was usually the first stop to scan for a microchip. This is how he became friends with his rescue mentor Christine Madruga the founder of The Pet Rescue Center. Kirk would run the Center from time to time while learning from her 20 years of saving 10,000 dogs.
When Christine retired in 2018, Kirk vowed to continue the work of saving animals in need and founded The Animal Rescue Center of California in September of 2020.
Secretary
Erin Hyland
Erin Hyland was born & raised in the Coachella Valley where her love for animals comes honestly through her parents. She also serves as the Vice-President of the esteemed Leadership Coachella Valley program and is the Chair of the Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission. For work, she runs a marketing & social media firm for local non-profits. When Erin isn’t volunteering in her community or fostering animals she loves being a public servant and does so in honor of her super-involved late father Dennis Patrick Hyland, who spent his free time bettering his community through volunteering and raising Guide Dogs.
If you see Erin, she probably has a foster pup with her, acclimating them to new situations, and people, and training them for their forever home! She loves yoga, all things fitness, and taking her 2 rescue pups camping & on the local hiking trails. Erin loves to be a foster mentor and help others find the joy in the free & ultra rewarding experience!
Treasurer
Dan Graff
Dan graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. For over 30 years he has worked in the accounting profession, primarily in construction accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1997.
Over the years, Dan, and his wife Laura, have rescued several dogs and cats, many who became their own pets.
“The joy of the unconditional love provided by a being is awe inspiring and I hope to give back some of the joy I have received to the pets that are in need of a safe space.”
Advisory Board
Director Of Communications
Noelle Geiger
Noelle is the Co-Founder of The Animal Rescue Center Of California and is also on staff as the ARC’s Communications Director. She has been rescuing street dogs with her husband Kirk since 2008. What she loves most about rescue is helping street dogs transform into physically healthy and happy adoptable pets.
Noelle comes from a technical background in web design and virtual streaming, which has been instrumental in helping us tell each rescue’s story.
Advisory Board Member
Paula Simonds
With over 20 years experience in the nonprofit field, I value, both personally and professionally, the time, effort and understanding required to support those involved. From those you assist to those you work alongside, it takes a dedicated group of individuals to implement and provide trusted, critical resources to achieve necessary outcomes. Nonprofit work is more than just a job, it is a passion and commitment to make a difference for those you strive to help. It takes a village, from team members to volunteers to the community to make an impact for those who need a hand up, not a hand out.
Director of Marketing
Austin Walker
For the past 15 years, I’ve honed my marketing expertise within the automotive industry. Notably, I specialized in forging connections between brands and philanthropic causes. This experience, coupled with my love for dogs, fuels my desire to connect businesses with The Animal Rescue Center of California to further support our furry friends in need.
Beyond marketing, my skillset encompasses event management, team building, project management, exceptional customer service, and a strong financial background. These diverse skills will prove valuable in supporting the board’s efforts.
Growing up, volunteering at animal shelters ignited a lifelong passion for animal rescue. AndI deeply admire The Animal Rescue Center of California.