Our People

Meet the drivers, the doers, and the animal lovers that make Big Dog Ranch Rescue run every single day. From founders, to executive officers, to board of directors and our beloved Big Dog Ranch Rescue mascots each of these people play a key role in making our mission possible!

The leadership Team

Founder pic BDRRLaurieCOWBOYNICE (2) (7).JPG — Lauree Simmons

*President and Founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue*
Lauree Simmons’ passion for saving dogs led her to create the largest cage- free, no kill shelter in the United States. Big Dog Ranch Rescue, founded in 2008 in Palm Beach County, Fl., has evolved into a powerful global voice with Lauree leading the way on issues including ending dog euthanasia in kill shelters in the Southeast U.S., stopping the China dog meat trade, and, as a key participant in the White House signing of the first animal anti-cruelty bill in U.S. history, preventing all forms of animal abuse.
Lauree first became inspired while volunteering at a Weimaraner rescue. She would later assume full control and convert it to serve dogs of all breeds. One afternoon she visited a kill shelter where fourteen dogs were about to be euthanized.
That day her car left the facility filled with those dogs and her vision, as well as the mission of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, was born. Her unique concept of creating a temporary home that nurtured dogs both physically and mentally has become a prototype of what every rescue should be.

As the incredible 33 acre campus takes shape, it is Lauree Simmons architectural designs that rise from the ground. Drawing on her skills as a national award-winning Custom Home Builder and Interior Designer, each detail of the rescue is carefully planned. As the President of Simmons and Saray Interiors since 1996, later named Simmons Interiors Group, Lauree received over 200 interior design awards, including the National Best in Show. As the Vice President and General Contractor of Simmons Building Corporation since 1986, Lauree has won 160 local, regional and national building awards. Lauree’s designs grace the mansions and even the private islands of the elite. Now those same talents serve to make the temporary stays of precious dogs up for adoption a positive and comfortable experience.

Lauree’s passion to end senseless euthanasia and animal abuse and to find a loving home for every dog knows no bounds. She accepts no compensation for her leadership at the Ranch donates most of her personal income to operations and has enlisted her family-owned food purveyor business, Cheney Brothers Inc., to aid in the mission.

Board of directors

Rob Thomson and his dog "Rex" — Rob is the owner of the successful luxury real estate company, Waterfront Properties and Club Communities, and co-owner of Waterfront Yacht Brokerage. Rob became a rescue parent in 2015 when he adopted his Great Dane, Rex, from BDRR. With a strong passion for animal rescue and local animal preservation projects, Rob is a valuable asset to our BDRR Board of Directors. Rob may make his living in real estate, but when it comes to finding homes for our rescue dogs, he is always ready to answer the call!

Jill Barclay Chaifetz is a CPA and worked for years in public accounting, later managing global currencies for a large international commodity firm. A dog lover her entire life, she is committed to supporting Big Dog Ranch as it brings an entrepreneurial approach to rescue and redefines, by example, what rescue can and should be.

Dorothy Bradshaw has been active in the community for more than 30 years and has served on many boards in Palm Beach County. Dorothy and her husband, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, are dog lovers and currently have two rescues from BDRR. She recently retired from the South Florida Water Management District as Director of Administrative Services and has started a new career as a Realtor with Illustrated Properties. She is actively involved with Big Dog Ranch fundraising events.

An advocate for the animals, children, and the arts, Angela Birdman strives to build up the world around her. She gives of her time, energy, and resources in various ways throughout the year to many organizations in Miami-Dade including The Brunch for the Animals. Beginning in 2019 she began working as a rescue partner for Big Dog Ranch Rescue and founded Walk in Style for the Animals, held annually in Bal Harbour Shops.

Danny Glassman, tax attorney for Gunster, serves on the Big Dog Ranch Rescue Board of Directors. He is actively involved with events for Big Dog Ranch Rescue and values giving dogs the love they deserve. He regularly takes our dogs out for special trips to show our animals love and kindness.

Dawn Hoffman is a homemaker heavily involved with social and political activism. She is married to Alfred Hoffman, former Ambassador to Portugal and real estate mogul. Together they have two children Sophie and Ava. Dawn and her husband were drawn to the ranch after discovering the robust and rewarding Veterans Program. They have since funded the Veteran Dog Training Center and remain heavily involved at fundraising events.

Dr. Infernuso is the Founder and Medical Director of Animal Surgical Center. Born and raised in Naples, Italy, Dr. Infernuso is fluent in 3 languages, English, Spanish and Italian. Board Certified in small animal surgery, Dr. Infernuso enjoys all aspects of surgery, focusing on endoscopy, arthroscopy, and all non-invasive procedures. In addition to his very busy practice schedule, Dr. Infernuso donates over one hundred hours of surgery time to animal rescues including one day each month at Big Dog Ranch Rescue. Dr. Infernuso's love and passion to save animals are evident in his every action.

Brittany has been making a difference to our mission in a variety of ways for many years. Whether it’s helping in Adoptions, assisting in Medical with medication management or at large fundraisers and events, fostering dogs or giving tours of the ranch, Brittany is always there for the doggies. She is a licensed pharmacist and travels to Haiti 3 times per year to run the pharmacy for a medical team. Her personal rescues from BDRR, Cali, Telulah and Little One are testaments to Brittany’s love and commitment to all dogs.

Rachelle McBride has served as the General Counsel of Cheney Bros., Inc. since 2006. She has been integral in managing the legal details of the company’s growth to seven Cheney distribution facilities and over a half a dozen affiliates. Prior, Ms. McBride was a Partner at the Boca Raton, Florida based law firm of Sachs, Sax & Klein where she co-managed the Commercial Litigation department. She is passionate about animal rescues and has sponsored and served on committees on for many Big Dog Ranch Rescue events. She also serves her community through her local church.

JoAnna Myers and her husband, Stephen, have been blessed with endless love from their three Goldendoodles, ROVER, JAGGER, and ASTON. (and YES, they are named after a few of their dealership brands.) Since embracing Rover for the first time 5 ½ years ago, JoAnna was committed to helping fur babies find their fur-ever home.
When she isn't passionately representing real estate clients for Douglas Elliman, JoAnna and Stephen love walking their dogs on the beach, hiking the pups in Aspen, or letting them chase birds at their ranch.

Paul has been an estate planning attorney in Baton Rouge, Louisiana since 1991. As an author and educator, Paul is a resource for thousands on the ins and outs of estate planning. As part of a search for one of his clients, Paul and his wife Amy traveled to Big Dog Ranch Rescue in early 2022 and became a friend and advocate for the mission to save dogs and educate people about the proper care of dogs.

Marti has been passionate about rescuing animals all her life; from serving on Humane Society Boards, to adopting 7 dogs, 4 cats, and counting…(Most recently, Pearl, a Schnauzer Mix from BDRR). Having relocated to Palm Beach County last year, Marti immediately began volunteering at BDRR. Marti, a former Television News Anchor, TV Talent Coach and Consultant is currently retired. She is focused on Volunteering and Philanthropy. As a Distance Cyclist Marti, is ready to go the distance for the doggies.

Mike is an Attorney and in May of 2022 was elected District Attorney for the 5th Judicial Circuit in Alabama. He and his wife Traci live in Shorter Alabama, which is home to Big Dog Ranch Rescue's new Alabama facility. When Mike took possession of the property in 2020, he envisioned a regional dog rescue for the Southeast, but that was just a dream. That dream became a reality when BDRR's President and founder Lauree Simmons heard about the property. When the two met and Mike learned about BDRR's world class operation in South Florida Mike said, "I'm all in" and he has been ever since!

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Susan’s desire for adventure led her to South America at the young age of 18. There she studied bi-lingual education and was involved with a prestigious private school until returning to the U.S. in 1998. Once back in the States she decided to switch gears and began her career in advertising. Susan started her own advertising agency in 2000 called LiquidSquare and soon built an impressive client list. She later sold her agency and moved to Europe, yet after some years decided to accept a position at a large online marketing firm with offices worldwide.

Upon her retirement in 2012, she chose to dedicate much of her time to her true passion-animals. Since then, Susan’s life has been filled with passion projects, many involving the health/wellness, advocacy and the well-being of animals. In 2021 Susan moved back to Jupiter, Florida, and now spends her days, alongside her husband Victor and two sons, fostering and re-homing dogs, supporting rescue organizations-both here and in Brazil-and riding her dressage horses.

As the owner of the successful Earl Stewart Toyota dealership, Earl is famous for his Red Phone, which demonstrates his leadership in customer satisfaction, and of course his “no dealer fleas” advertising campaign featuring Big Dog Ranch Rescue. Earl is a dog advocate, an avid fisherman, as well as a published author, “Confessions of a Recovering Car Dealer.” Earl is heavily committed to the expansion of the ranch and his famous “Earl Stewart Sponsored Dog of the Week” has found many loving dogs homes!

Lara, and her husband Eric, have been donors and supporters of Big Dog Ranch Rescue since 2018. Lara worked as a chef, a trainer, and a TV producer before becoming campaign advisor and surrogate for President Donald J. Trump. Lara is a tremendous animal advocate who has spoken out against puppy mills and was instrumental in the legislation that shut down Grey Hound racing. Lara says, “Animal rescue is a cause so close to her heart and that she will continue to use her voice to spread awareness and encourage people to adopt from shelters.” Lara will help us by working on our legislation and national awareness and education campaign. For the last seven years, Lara has been the honorary chair of the annual Wine, Women & Shoes – the largest fundraiser of the year for Big Dog Ranch Rescue and has donated numerous live auction items at all of our events – raising over $100,000.

Peggy’s professional background includes being a model, a travel talk show host and newspaper editor. Peggy currently owns The Travel Business Inc, a travel agency, and The Travel Business LLC, a real estate holding company. Peggy is a Town Council Member for the Town of Juno Beach and has chaired galas for the American Heart Association and Big Dog Ranch Rescue.

Marci graduated with a BA degree from UF. And has always loved animals. She started a 501 C3 in 2016 Lake Paws which focused on outreach and education in the lower-income neighborhoods in Lake County Florida. Working alongside the County Commissioners in Lake County Florida Marci helped to pass a no-tether law and to help the county shelter become no-kill.

After moving back to Georgia in 2018, Marci became active with a group called Off the Chain going county by county to pass a no-tether law and is currently working with County Commissioners to help pass the “No outdoor puppy sales” in Hall County.

Marci has been a donor since 2020 and raised the funds to sponsor a quarantine building in Alabama.
Marci served on the Northeast Georgia Humane Society Board for 3 years and started their Outreach Program. Marci is currently a member of the Diabetes Advisory Board for the state of Florida and the Vice Chairman of the Ovarian Cancer Institute in Georgia. “Saving dogs and educating dog owners on proper care for their pets is my passion.”