EXECUTIVE TEAM - BIOGRAPHIES.
Executive Team
Gabrielle Amster, Executive Director
Gabrielle’s passion and commitment to the PSAS mission, combined with her knowledge of animal welfare and advocacy, marketing, and fundraising will fuel her goals of building sustainability and growth, expanding lifesaving programs and introducing innovative approaches to lead the way to a no kill Coachella Valley.
Gabrielle lives in Cathedral City with three rescued dogs.
Briana Mackey, Development Director
Briana is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton, and her diverse career has given her the opportunity to live all over the world. She has worked throughout the United States as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Africa, China, and the UAE. As a nonprofit and development professional, she has raised funds and profiles for such organizations as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, Keep Memory Alive, Light of the World Childhood Cancer Foundation, Make-A-Wish, Casa de Luz, American Cancer Society, and many others.
A California desert native, Briana was delighted to have the chance to return to the town of Yucca Valley in 2019 after her daughter, Hope, moved to Los Angeles to study toy design. Briana enjoys living close to her family and spending time outdoors with her partner, Tim, and their two rescue dogs Lily (black lab) and Burton (chihuahua mix). She is very excited about getting to know the many people who have made Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter such a wonderful organization, and putting her skills to work on behalf of the homeless animals and pet owners of the Coachella Valley.
Sylvia Nagy, DVM, Veterinary Medical Director