Lorie Hennessey was born and raised in Southern California and later attended Northern Arizona University, where she earned her degree in public relations. Her career began at the Phoenix Zoo, launching what would become a long and meaningful journey in the nonprofit sector. Lorie spent much of her career engaging and mobilizing the entertainment industry in support of the missions of both the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America/Make-A-Wish International and the USO. She also worked directly with wish families, leading the Make-A-Wish program for the Northeastern and Northern Nevada region. In 2019, she served as the director of the Nevada County Animal Shelter under Sammie’s Friends who operated the full operation, which was also her first big introduction to Nevada County. That same year, Lorie completed the Nevada County Citizens Academy, an experience that sparked her interest in local government and ultimately led her back in 2023 to support the county’s animal shelter contract and Homeland Security–related grants. She now serves as the Administrative Services Officer, overseeing the Animal Shelter Program, the Community Spay and Neuter Program, and supporting discussions around a prospective new animal shelter. Outside of work, Lorie enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, exploring the outdoors with her dogs (including occasionally carrying one in a backpack), and spending time with her husband, two sons, and close friends throughout Nevada County.