Meet The Board | RomePAWS

2022-2023 Board of Directors

Catherine Varidel

Member of CPaws since inception in 2007. First dogs were Elric and Jenna, then Gryphon from 2011 through the end of 2017 and Max 2011 through 2014 (Chinese Crested), and Sparrow from 2018-2024. All but Max were Rottweilers. Gryphon and Sparrow served as Read With Me dogs at Glenwood Primary School from 2011 until the pandemic in 2020. In addition they have always been extremely active in public relations events (Health and Volunteer Expos, Trunk or Treat, College DeStress events, Charity walks and events such as NAMI and Autism Awareness). Gryphon and Sparrow each participated in the St. Peter's Children's Christmas Pageant numerous years.

Cathy has always served as a board member or VP, Event Coordinator, and Read With Me Chairman

Nancy Hunter

Nancy graduated from UGA with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught 30 years-mostly in the Pepperell Schools. Her favorite was second grade.

After teaching, Nancy has enjoyed volunteering in the community. She has served on the boards of Good Neighbor Ministries, Hospitality House, Claws for Paws, and Heart of the Community. She’s active in her church – St. Peter’s Episcopal- and enjoys volunteering at the Community Soup Kitchen. Nancy has been a volunteer with Camp Sunshine for over 35 years. Camp Sunshine is a camp for children with cancer. Besides summer camp, there are year round programs for the children and their families. It is dear to her heart.

She and her husband David are the proud parents of Lucy- a rescue Labradoodle. They like to say that Lucy rescued them. The Hunters love to travel and take Lucy whenever possible. Nancy’s hobbies are needlepoint, reading and golf.

Dan Bevels

Dan Bevels is an award-winning public relations professional and an emerging health care leader. A 30-year veteran in the fields of broadcast television, training, marketing and public relations, Dan is Public Relations Manager for Floyd Medical Center, a multi-state health care system with an economic impact of more than $770 million. He has won multiple awards for content production and public relations campaigns.

Dan is currently Board Chairperson for both the Polk County Chamber of Commerce and the Rockmart Farmers Market. He also serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of Rome and Floyd County and the Cherokee County, Alabama Chamber of Commerce.

Dan holds an undergraduate degree in Mass Communications and Political Science from State University of West Georgia and a Master of Business Administration from Berry College’s Campbell School of Business. Dan and his wife live in their hometown of Rome, GA. They have two daughters, both of whom are university students in Tennessee.

Carolyn Falcitelli

Carolyn Falcitelli, a dedicated community servant and nonprofit leader, has devoted her career to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Since 1995, she has made every effort to be an asset to her community, particularly in the realm of non-profit organizations. Caroyn has served as the Education Director for AmeriCorps, a community service program initiated by

President Bush and formally implemented by President Clinton. Carolyn also served as

Regional Vice President for the Southeast Division of the American Cancer Society. During that time, she was responsible for fundraising for three states as well as national Relay for Life training. Her extensive experience and certifications, including a CAVS (Certified Administrator of Volunteer Services) and a CDVS (Certified Director of Volunteer Services), underscore her

expertise in the field. Currently, Carolyn holds the position of Director of Volunteer Services at Atrium Health Floyd,where she oversees the system’s volunteer programs and two gift shops. Under her leadership,the volunteer services department at Atrium Health Floyd has garnered numerous state awards,

including the prestigious Touchstone Award, which recognizes exceptional performance in

patient safety, clinical outcomes, clinical efficiency, and service excellence. Beyond her professional role, Carolyn is actively involved in her community. She serves on the

Rome Pride board as the Community Engagement Chairperson. She also chairs the Georgia Hospital Association’s GSVRP (Georgia Society of Volunteer and Retail Professionals). Carolyn resides in Rome, Georgia, with her husband, Dan, who has had a robust career in federal, state, and local law enforcement. Together, they have raised two daughters: Emily, a state investigator, and Lauren, a college student pursuing a career in elder advocacy. In her spare time, Carolyn finds joy in rescuing and caring for animals, demonstrating her compassionate nature and commitment to making a difference.

Jan Greene

Jan Greene worked as an Operations Analyst with the State of Georgia for 30 years. She retired from the state in 2016. Jan has been a member ofCompassionate Paws since 2008. She was a Pet Partner Team with two of her rescued dogs (Jojo and Kemme) from 2009 to 2017. She has served on the Compassionate Paws board since 2008 holding several positions and serving in different capacities. Her hobbies include walking with her dogs, reading, and growing orchids.

Linda Jennings

Linda holds a B.S. in Chemistry from North Carolina State University. Before retiring, she managed emergency cooling water chemistry programs for TVA nuclear plants in Tennessee. Linda is currently the Board Chairperson for the NWGA American Red Cross, which encompasses 15 counties, and was named the Outstanding Board Member last year. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Harbor House and the Between the Rivers Association. Prior to moving to Rome, Linda was on the Board of the Chattooga County Library, was a founding member of the Chattooga County Habitat for Humanity chapter, served on the Trion Town Council, and graduated from Leadership Chattooga. Linda lives downtown on the river with her husband Russ. Her son Lucas, now 27 and living in Arlington, VA, designed the original Compassionate Paws Website in 2008 while in high school as a community service project and continued its upkeep throughout college. Her daughter Remy, 25, is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Florida.

Misty Rigas

Misty holds a B.B.A. degree in International Business from the University of Georgia. She has worked with the following international markets: Africa, Puerto Rico, South America, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, China, Spain, Italy, France, and Mexico. Misty developed and implemented the Community Health Advisor Training Program focused on cancer and healthy living and was a speaker at the first Georgia Cancer Summit held in Atlanta, Georgia. Before becoming a stay at home Mom she worked in Healthcare as Project Director of Nursing. While in this role she became one of the first Black Belts in Lean Six Sigma at Floyd Medical Center. Misty was a member of the Camellia Garden Club of Rome having served as First Vice President, President, and Parliamentarian. She has volunteered with Cancer Navigators, Darlington School, Angels of Misfit Dogs, Rome-Floyd County Community Kitchen, served on the board for the March of Dimes, and is a graduate of Rome Floyd Chamber’s Leadership Rome. Misty currently resides in in Florida and Rome with her husband Sonny Rigas. They have three children.

Lenora Santoro

Lenora is a native of Waterbury, Connecticut. She attended Notre Dame Academy, Southern Connecticut State College, and received her master's degree from Northeastern University. Lenora is married to Jim Santaro. They have one child, Will Santoro, and a grandson, Camden. Lenora has been very active in the Rome community. Some of her activities include:

Saint Mary's Church - President of the Parish Council
Junior Service League-Sustainer of the Year
Leadership Rome graduate
Heart of the Community recipient
Chieftains Museum Board Member
William Davies Homeless Shelter past president.