Governing Body

Bari Mears

President and Founder

After 26 years in the broadcast industry, Bari followed her passion and went to the dogs (and all the animals). Envisioning a united pet rescue community where animal organizations could work together harmoniously with a spirit of cooperation, she created  PACC91. She knew this vision  would give a louder and more credible voice to the animals who could not speak for themselves. Starting with a few groups PACC911 slowly grew to be a major coalition in the valley and a role model for other cities to emulate.

With 140 plus partnering groups, PACC911’s now well-known adoptathons have placed thousands of animals into new loving homes. The Critical Care Program has saved countless lives, saving has the  hard cases of cruelty and abandonment and brought these animals back to life and love. Mears has authored seven books with all proceeds going to PACC911 for the animals

Named as Hero of the Year by the Arizona Pet Project (formerly Friends of Maricopa County Animal Care and Control) in 2006, and chosen by Arizona Foothills Magazine’s “Women Who Move the Valley in 2012, Mears lives with her husband Jerry, their horses and 3 very old dogs. And,  if you have seen Trends Magazine, Summer 24 issue,  Bari is named and featured as one of the ten Trendsetters for 2024. This is an honor for women who give back to the community…in this case for changing face of rescue, for our animals.

Tina Lopez

Vice President

A dedicated advocate for animal welfare, Tina has been volunteering with and working for local animal welfare organizations since 2003. She currently serves as Vice President on our PACC911 Governing Board. Skilled at building large-scale fundraising plans for several premier Valley nonprofits, she has a thriving career in nonprofit fundraising and proudly carries her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation.

Tina is versed in full-spectrum fundraising development, including event management, grant writing, donor and board relations, and planned giving. Her experience spans notable roles with organizations such as the Arizona Humane Society and the Arizona Animal Welfare League. She also served as the Executive Director of the Arizona Pet Project (formerly Friends of Animal Care & Control). Beyond her work in animal welfare, she has demonstrated her commitment to the community by working in the human services/child welfare nonprofit sector since 2013 in various Leadership roles.

Tina’s passion for those without a voice extends beyond her professional life. Her home is filled with senior and special needs chihuahuas and cats, as well as caring for her community cat colony, exemplifying her dedication to their well-being. Her vision for the future is to help build a community that shows compassion and care for those who are vulnerable and unable to stand up for themselves, and she hopes that PACC911 will lead the way in that initiative.

Robin Smith

Director

Robin became involved with animal rescue way back in 2006 when she found a stray dog on her lunch hour.  After taking him to the local animal control shelter she cried for days, then went back to bring him home so she could find him his forever family. Searching for a proper home opened her eyes to the world of rescue and all the sad, displaced animals needing help. He was adopted by a nice couple, which spurred Robin to get involved helping the dog breed closest to her heart, the Brittany Spaniel.

She became a volunteer state coordinator for a national rescue organization and attended our PACC911 adoptathons to find families for her homeless pets. Robin and husband Mark created Brittany Rescue AZ in 2012. ;Robin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy and finds this far more rewarding than when she worked in the corporate world of finance.

Michon Javelosa

Director

Michon is a lifelong animal advocate with a heart for those who can’t always speak for themselves—whether they be animals or children. Her passion for animal welfare shines through her extensive experience and deep involvement in rescue work, from Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and fostering to mentoring, educating, and organizing grassroots community efforts.

With over 20 years of running her own sales and marketing agency, Michon brings a business-savvy approach to her role while staying deeply connected to the world of animal rescue and advocacy. Her commitment to helping vulnerable individuals extends to her active role in supporting and caring for children in need within Arizona’s foster care system.

Michon has built strong partnerships with a wide range of businesses, organizations, and communities across the Phoenix Valley. These connections include veterinary clinics, rescue groups, and foster networks, all aimed at creating a unified effort for the greater good. Her dedication and collaborative spirit are key in driving meaningful change and improving the lives of both animals and people in her community.

Traci Cornell

Treasurer

Traci has been rescuing and fostering animals for many years, having cared for hundreds of animals across a wide variety of species. Her rescue efforts extend beyond dogs to include alpacas, llamas, deer, calves, emus, and even a snake. Currently, she cares for three miniature horses, two miniature burros, two zebus, four goats, a camel, a zebra, and three dogs— all rescued animals.

In addition to her animal rescue work, Traci has been actively involved in community service. She served on the board of the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) for six years, chaired their first event at the new Dobson campus, and was recognized as AHS Volunteer of the Year. Traci has also served as Chairman of the Arizona Investigative Committee for Veterinary Medicine, Chairman of Liberty Wildlife’s fundraiser, and as a member of the Heart Ball committee. She chaired Crisis Nursery’s auction and spent 21 years on the board of Scottsdale Honors Cotillion, serving as president three times and chairing the Grand Ball on three occasions.

Additionally, Traci is a published author of five children’s books inspired by her animals. Her lifelong passion for animals is reflected in all aspects of her life.

Erin McClean Becker

Secretary

A life-long lover of all animals, Erin has served as a Humane Policy Volunteer Leader for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) since 2014. In addition to legislation advocacy, tabling, ballot initiatives and outreach, her volunteer activities include trips to Puerto Rico for HSUS’ Spay-a-thon, assistance with pack and companion animal veterinary care, rural area veterinary clinics and puppy mill/pet store protests.

A retired physical therapist, Erin has fostered dogs and cats since 2000. She gets deep satisfaction rehabilitating animals and dreams of finding a way to end animal suffering. Erin lives with her rescued Staffordshire Terrier (“Pit bull,”) Echo and her two human children.