Volunteer Coordinator Named

Jackie Harjula has been named as the new volunteer coordinator for Pope Memorial Humane Society.

Executive Director Tracy Sala announced the appointment on April 16th and said that Jackie’s experiences as a volunteer will be helpful in her new role where she will recruit and train new volunteers, maintain the volunteer schedule, expand cross-training opportunities, and provide orientation for community members.

“I’m delighted to welcome Jackie to PMHS as a staff member,” said Tracy. “Her experience, enthusiasm, and years of volunteer service will be a great asset to our volunteer program and to our organization.”

Jackie, a resident of Thomaston who will assume her new post on May 3, is a volunteer who has served as a cat tech in the condos for several years and recently started working as a front desk assistant.

“I’m looking forward to spending time meeting current volunteers and working to recruit new members of our team,” said Jackie.

Tracy added her thanks to the interim volunteer coordinator. “A heartfelt thank you to volunteer Ginny David, who graciously and seamlessly stepped into the role while we conducted our search for a new coordinator.”

Jackie Harjula is president of the Finnish Heritage House in South Thomaston, past president of the Rockland Kiwanis Club, and a board member of the national Finlandia Foundation where she serves on the grants and communications committees. Jackie is also a member of Steelin’ Thunder, the local steel drum band, and sings with Harborside Harmony, a female barbershop harmony group. She worked as a business manager for the state of Connecticut before retiring.