Board Spotlight
Our brand-new Board President is a familiar face and name to many in the Harley’s Hope community. Cynthia Bullock served as Harley’s Hope’s Executive Director from the organization’s launch and, alongside her husband, David, founded the charity in July 2010. This month, as Harley’s Hope celebrates its Sweet 16, we recognize Cynthia’s continued leadership and dedication.

What inspired you to start the organization?
My family had taken our former rescue dog, Harley Jane, through treatment for hemangiosarcoma. Her diagnosis was originally missed, so by the time we learned what was happening, we were told she had perhaps a week to live.

The shock of that diagnosis prompted us to research every available option. We arranged transportation to the VRCC Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital in Englewood for treatment and paid for everything with credit cards. Although we lost Harley three months later, we knew how fortunate we were to have the resources to try to help her. Many families in the same situation would have been forced to choose euthanasia because it was less expensive, or surrender their pets in the hope that a shelter or rescue could provide the care they needed.

The same day we brought Harley’s ashes home was the day I began putting Harley’s Hope together. Sixteen years later, more than 13,300 animals have received assistance, and over $1.3 million in services and supplies has been provided. Considering we started with only $1,000 in the bank, I’d say that’s a pretty good outcome. But we’re far from finished.

What perspective or expertise do you bring to the Board?
I bring 37 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, primarily in animal welfare, along with a Graduate Certificate in Humane and Environmental Studies and a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management. I also spent 10 years teaching in the Master’s program at Regis University.

After leading Harley’s Hope operations for 15½ years and serving on other nonprofit boards, I feel comfortable in both operational and governance roles. My goal is simply to help ensure we are always doing the best we can for the people and pets we serve.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have dual citizenship with Ireland, where my maternal grandparents were born and raised. I’ve visited Ireland three times and hope to return next year—which would be my first time as an Irish citizen. It’s a beautiful country, and I enjoy both the culture and the opportunity to trace my family roots.

What excites you most about our future?
The possibility that one day shelters and rescues won’t be filled with wonderful animals who don’t understand why they’ve lost their homes and their families.
Sharing your life with a companion animal is a privilege, not a birthright. Harley’s Hope strives to support pet parents who understand that distinction and are doing everything in their power to meet their responsibilities.

I hope to see a future where safety-net services like those offered by Harley’s Hope become the norm. As a society, we need to focus not only on rehoming pets but also on helping families keep them in their homes whenever possible. While it won’t always be feasible, greater investment in safety-net programs can significantly reduce pet homelessness and save more lives.

What’s your favorite way to recharge outside of work?
Reading a good book—preferably historical fiction. It’s one of the few times, outside of sleeping, when I can sit still and calm my mind. I also enjoy traveling, cuddling with my cats, and plant-based cooking and baking. After stepping down as Executive Director in December 2025, I took three months off before joining the Board in March. During that time, I learned how to use my pasta-making machine and mastered the art of homemade pizza.