Anne Gittinger became involved with Canine Companions because she strongly believed in the mission—a marriage of excellent dog breeding and commitment to helping people with disabilities—and saw an opportunity to further the work of the organization. She has served on the national board since 1994, as vice president 1995 through 2007, president 2007 through September 2014, and now as immediate past president.
Anne and her late husband Wayne built Gittinger Hall and Gittinger Park at the Northwest Training Center. She is an active alumna of the University of Washington as a member of the Tyee board of advisors, as well as holding prior tenure as the president of the executive board from 2005 through 2007. Via her work in corporate contributions through retail giant Nordstrom Inc., Anne is well known as a tireless supporter of many causes and non-profits. She was honored with the Gates Volunteer Service Award from the University of Washington.
Anne’s goal for the future of Canine Companions is simple and clear, “to increase our ability to breed, train and provide dogs for those in need.”
