Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care hires new executive director

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC) Board of Directors has named Cathrine Mendez as the non-profit's new executive director.

Mendez joins LTWC with a background in wild animal-focused organizations, combined with a deep passion for creating working relationships with local organizations and promoting community-based educational programs. She will help to further advance the mission of the organization which celebrated its 45th anniversary last year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cathrine as our new executive director, she will bring experience, enthusiasm, and great communication skills to our organization. We feel very lucky to have found her and look forward to a successful 2024 season with her at the helm,” said the Executive Director Search Committee.

Mendez assumed the role on January 2, 2024. She will manage all day-to-day operations for LTWC, one of the largest animal rescue, rehabilitation, and release centers in California with a first-of-its-kind wild animal critical care hospital.

Mendez will oversee the 46th season, which includes Wildlife Wednesdays, Kids Klub Saturdays, and Lake Tahoe’s award-winning Wild and Free Event. She will also lead fundraising programs, as well as create educational and community engagement initiatives.

Mendez is the former executive director of Chintimini Wildlife Center in Corvallis, Oregon, the American Bear Association in Minnesota, and the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary, also in Minnesota.

Located in South Lake Tahoe, LTWC was founded in 1978 and seeks to protect and keep wildlife wild and healthy. Through its mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release orphaned and injured animals. LTWC has successfully released more than 30,000 animals back into the wild with the support of its Wildlife Heroes. They are one of only four black bear rehabilitation centers in California.

LTWC is a recognized charitable non-profit Tax/Federal ID (94-2799765) with 501(c)(3). We partner with learning institutions to use the most up-to-date technology and animal care practices in the rehabilitation of the animals and birds in our care. You, too, can become a Wildlife Hero by visiting LTWC.org and following them on Facebook or Instagram.

Learn more about Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care and how to get involved at https://ltwc.org/.