Board of Directors
Erin Benskin, Chair
Erin is a Cheyenne native. She is a CPA with 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. Erin grew up with rescue dogs and has always had a passion for animals' well-being. She started volunteering in the community at a young age and is excited to be able to volunteer as a board member at BDAR. Her financial expertise as well as her overall knowledge of the non-profit sector will contribute to the continued success of the organization. In her free time, Erin enjoys spending time with her two dogs, cooking for friends and traveling.
Lee Dickinson, Vice-Chair
Lee Dickinson is an attorney and principal of Dickinson Law, P.C. in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he practices trademark, franchising and retail/restaurant law. Before moving to Wyoming in 2015, Lee taught at Vanderbilt University Law School, where he was the faculty adviser to the Vanderbilt Animal Law Society. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Volunteer Equine Advocates and was a Field Coordinator for Horse Haven of Tennessee. In his free time, Lee has two dogs and enjoys hiking and horseback riding.
ROB KILIAN
Rob has enjoyed working in banking for the past 30 years; 14 years with Community First Bank/Bank of the West and 15 years with First Interstate Bank and most recently now at Banner Capital as the Cheyenne Market President for the past 8 months. When he’s not hard at work, Rob can be found spending quality time with his family camping, fishing, and boating during the summer months and hibernating during the long winter. Rob is an active community member and is involved with Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne, the South East Wyoming Builders Association, Meals on Wheels, and is the chair of the Cheyenne Frontier Days Chuckwagon pancake Breakfast.
Serenity MOffett
Serenity has served on the board since 2018 and has enjoyed every moment of it. Being a board member has given her more insight into the operations of a non profit and advocating for animal welfare. This is the start of her second term and is excited to see the growth that will be happening with Black Dog.
Serenity grew up in Wyoming and has lived in Cheyenne since 2003. Graduating from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Journalism and Textiles & Merchandising, she works at Carpet One Commercial Flooring overseeing the Retail Operations. Serenity is married to Kevin and has 2 elementary aged children. This last year we adopted Annie - a 6 toed wonder - from BDAR. Fingers crossed they will add a dog to their family again soon!
Layna Officer, Secretary
Born and raised in Wyoming, Layna has always had a passion for the outdoors, animals, and the environment. Her goal in life is to help make an impact to people’s and animal’s lives to help everyone in their pursuit of happiness. UW alumni with a bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and received my Masters of Science in Forensic Science from Southern Utah University.
Layna works at Blue Federal Credit Union as the Director of Member Experience. She currently serves as a Credit Union for Kids Advocate and is focused on creating a national collaboration forum for all advocates to meet, network, and gain fundraising ideas benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Ernie (left) and Khaleesi (right) are her two BDAR dogs that helped her see how truly great this organization is!
Pat Rudd, treasurer
Originally from Green River, Pat Rudd attended college at the University of Wyoming, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in both Architectural and Petroleum Engineering. Pat’s main passion is Real Estate. He helps people Buy and Sell real estate here in Cheyenne. Pat is also a licensed Structural Engineer in Wyoming. Pat enjoys giving back to the community; he is currently a Vice Chair for the Downtown Development Authority Design Committee, a Vice Chair for the Wyoming Young Contractors Association, and an active board member in Kiwanis. When Pat isn't building his real estate business, he loves spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoys soccer, basketball, travelling, reading, cooking & baking (Pat makes a mean Strawberry-Rhurbarb Cobbler!), camping, water activities, summer barbecues and bingeing on Netflix! (His favorite shows are Game of Thrones and The Office).
Jenessa Washburn
Jenessa moved to Cheyenne in 2014 and began volunteering with local rescues to become part of the community. She worked for a commercial airline and Wyoming Highway Patrol before landing at Cheyenne Dog Food Company as an intended short term position. Temporary became permanent as she realized her passion for helping people do the best for their pets. After the loss of her mentor, Leonard Bowman, Jenessa purchased Cheyenne Dog Food Company in February 2020 to continue his legacy and continue to do more to help the community of pets and their human companions. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and lounging in the sun with her 6 dogs.
