Renée Bartels
President
Renee Bartels, a Nevada County resident since 1998, retired after co-founding and operating a successful transportation company with her husband, which they founded in 1981. Now focused on community service, Renee actively supports Camp David and is deeply committed to the Rüdiger Foundation’s mission of providing K9 support to local law enforcement and the community. Her dedication reflects a passion for building partnerships and enhancing safety for the local community.
Daniel Chatigny
Vice President
Daniel Chatigny, Vice President of the Rudiger Foundation, has been a board member since 2022. A longtime resident of the Sierra Foothills, Daniel worked for Nevada County for more than 13 years and currently works at Placer County. Daniel’s career and community interests are rooted in public service and supporting programs and activities that support the well-being of the community.
Ashley Fucci
Treasurer
Ashley Fucci, Secretary of the Rüdiger Foundation since 2022, is a Nevada County native with a strong background in law and over 8 years of experience working with law enforcement. She holds a Juris Doctorate and is certified in multiple fields. Ashley is active in several professional organizations, works for Nevada County, and is committed to community service through volunteering and supporting local nonprofits.
Joey Jordan
Director
Joey Jordan is a retired nonpartisan political consultant and professional fundraiser. In 2015, she was a founder of Western Nevada County K9 Association and was the founding president when WNCK9A formally incorporated as Rüdiger Foundation in 2017. Joey is committed to helping strengthen relationships between first responders and the communities they proudly serve.
Celine Negrete
Secretary
Celine Negrete has been a board member of the Rüdiger Foundation since 2024. She is the General Manager of the Onyx Theatre and actively involved in local civic life through service on school boards, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Nevada City Public Arts Commission. Having raised her family here, Celine values giving back to a community she deeply appreciates.
Jacki Rose
Director
Jackie’s love of animals began when she was very young, and since that time, she has found herself drawn to people and agencies who also have a deep passion for animals.
Jackie began her professional career as a therapist and administrator of the largest substance abuse treatment agency in South Florida. During this same time, Jackie earned her law degree and served as a part-time associate for a law firm in Ft. Lauderdale, and established a private consulting firm specializing in non-profit board development, organizational capacity building, and professional development/leadership training.
Despite her successful careers, Jackie had always wanted to work with animals, and in 2007, entered the animal welfare industry where she has held several executive positions in both non-profit and municipal animal welfare agencies across the United States. She now resides in Penn Valley, CA, with her husband and three dogs.
Kathleen Willis
Director
Kathleen has lived in Nevada County since 2012. Her professional career as a Psychiatric Social Worker introduced her to public service. Since retiring, Kathleen has enjoyed the opportunity to volunteer and has served the Boards of a variety of organizations including a Garden Club, Medical Reserve Corps, a Planning Board, Wildlife Rescue, and now Rüdiger Foundation.
Committee Members
Brenda Visas
Donor Stewardship
Brenda Visas relocated from the Bay Area 8 years ago. Her career began in Interior Design, transitioned to Construction Project Management and ended as a Facilities Director for a community college. Brenda is active in several professional organizations, and is committed to community service through volunteering and supporting local nonprofits. As Maya Angelou said “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” At Rudiger Foundation, we want our donors to feel they are appreciated, because they are!
Shauneen Gracey
Paw and Order Committee Chair
Shauneen Gracey, a lifelong Nevada County native with expertise in banking, finance, and public service, served as Treasurer on the Rüdiger Foundation executive board from 2019–2025. She now chairs the Paw and Order Committee for the foundation’s key annual fundraiser, the Paw and Order Dinner and Auction, set for September 19, 2026. The event honors police K9 teams and raises vital funds for the Rudiger Foundation.
Professionally, she has worked 13 years in the Nevada County Treasurer- Tax Collector’s office and currently holds the title of Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector.
Committed to community service, Shauneen volunteers extensively for local nonprofits, blending fiscal responsibility with dedication to public safety and her hometown.
Linda Emanual
Paw and Order Committee
Linda Emanuel has been involved with dogs for more than 65 years, raising and training breeds including German Shepherds, Border Terriers, Spanish Water Dogs, and currently a Standard Poodle. She is a charter member of Border Terriers of the Redwoods and current president of the Gold Country Kennel Club.
Linda is also active in her community, having owned a floor covering business, serving as a Notary Public, working with Nevada County’s election office, and as past president of the Penn Valley Rotary Club. She has served on the board of the Rüdiger Foundation for six years and is dedicated to advancing its mission through community outreach and fundraising.
Photos by Lisa Jarvis Photography