Keeper of the Animal Kingdom

As executive director of the Humane Animal Welfare Society in Waukesha, Lynn Olenik demonstrates her love of animals at work every day. As the owner of four Siberian Huskies and a "savvy" cat named Marbles, she brings that love home, too. But her work also requires that she be an exceptional people person, especially during the shelter's recent expansion project. As a child, Olenik thought it would be neat to be a fishing guide or maybe own a resort. That latter dream has followed her into adulthood. At the moment, she is so passionate about dogs that she's even found a way to recycle that soft, silky dog fur. Read on to Meet Your Neighbor, Lynn Olenik.

Personal history: I grew up on the North side of Milwaukee, moving to Brookfield at the age of 16. I've been married to Joe for 28 years and have an adult son, Jay. For the most part, it's like having two perpetual 13-year old twins, but they make me laugh. Actually, I think my son acts older then my husband! My formal education is in human resources. I spent 15 years in management with McDonald's Corporation where I became a master at chaos management in a very fast-paced environment. That was a great training ground which helps in this position! It also taught me about team building and employee development. After McDonald's I trained dogs, worked in vet clinics, two other humane societies and ended up here in 2004.

Qualities that make you good at what you do: I have a deep love of animals AND people, you need both here. With the help of people, we will positively impact the most animals. Adaptability and flexibility are definitely skills I put to use every day as nothing about animals is routine or predictable. The ability to put vision into action by working with others is something I have learned to do well.

Greatest accomplishment: The group of people I have here have many strengths, personalities, passions, and humor. Leading this team of staff and volunteers through the expansion project with the help of the community is a great accomplishment. I cannot take credit for this alone, but being entrusted to lead this organization leaves me feeling fulfilled. On the personal side, my search and rescue test with my German shepherd, Mason, was probably the toughest test I ever took. Certainly I put more preparation into this then any college exam.

Occupation you considered as a child: A Fishing guide or resort owner. I wouldn't want to be a fishing guide thing anymore, but own a resort? You never know.

First job: I spent my summers as a camp counselor, first volunteering in the kitchen, then as a counselor and water front director. Best job ever!

Best advice you ever got: Use your strengths and natural talents; develop them to their fullest. Know your weaknesses, yes, but far too much time is wasted on "fixing" on what doesn't come naturally. Put that effort instead into developing the gifts and talents you were blessed with and making them core strengths.

Wisest person you know: To narrow this down to one individual would be hard. Our Board of Directors offers a multitude of wisdom. Stu Wangard has taught me to listen, think things through and plan, and also to surround myself with talented people. Susan Sorrentino taught me to look at things from all directions and not to be afraid to change your opinion. Fred Hilton has taught me the value of relationship in management. It is the foundation of trust. He won't ever let me walk off a cliff, warns me of the edge, and lets me choose my own path. He is an outstanding sounding board. If I had to choose the wisest of all the folks I know though, it would be my friend Ellen. She is kind, balanced, and has taught me to trust my instincts. She is a confidant and a source of polar opinions. That's a bit of advice I could leave people with, get to know others who are not naturally like yourself, seek them out because their ideas, being different from yours, will help you grow. I wish I would have known this before I turned 50 and perhaps I would be wiser, too!

Chore you hate the most: Cooking dinner

Most harrowing experience: We got blown off Lake Superior in high waves in our kayaks. I was never more scared. After we hunkered down on the shore for 18 hours, we found out that the large ferries didn't run that day because of the waves.

Wildest thing you've ever done: We travel to Isle Royale National Park regularly. Last summer we did a fair bit of coast line. One day we paddled 18 miles. Not bad in your 50th year! We paddled, portaged and wilderness camped, but 18 miles in one day was a record for me.

Tastiest food you can cook: Chili!

Hobbies/interests: Dogs are my passion, I have a dog team of (4) Siberian Huskies who live to pull! I love being outdoors, hiking with the dogs or kayaking. I do quite a bit of reading, too.

Pet(s): Whiskee (9), Siskiwit (3), Mac (5), and Coyote (18 months) are all Siberian Huskies. Whiskee came from a neighbor who couldn't keep him but all the others came from here at HAWS. Marbles is our cat who has managed to live 15 years among the huskies. She's very savvy.

Favorite movie star: I don't watch many movies or even TV.

Favorite musical performer: Little Feat

Favorite book: "Winter Dance" by Gary Paulsen

One person you'd like to invite to dinner (past or present): Teddy Roosevelt, but I would like to eat with him at his ranch! He was dedicated to preserving wild places for the future. I've enjoyed many of our National Parks and this is one thing he helped to develop.

Something people would be surprised to learn about you: I spin wool. I don't know how to knit or crochet, but I have a spinning wheel and spin wool. It started with an abundance of dog hair, and well, I hated to waste it, so I learned to spin! It's relaxing and I'm still learning, but I enjoy it.

Describe your perfect day: A brisk fall day starting with coffee in the morning along with a good book and a dog on the couch. Then a walk on a local trail with dogs and a friend, ending with a dinner that someone else cooked! Fortunately, my husband Joe likes to cook!