K9s.org, the nation’s leading nonprofit deploying trained K9s to law enforcement, schools, and the healthcare community, has appointed Dana P. Baker as Vice President of Development and Strategic Partnerships. A proven leader in philanthropic growth and strategic collaborations, Baker will drive fundraising, donor engagement, and national partnerships to expand the organization’s life-saving impact.

Founded in 2010 by Kristi Hoss Schiller, K9s.org (formerly K9s4COPs) has placed over 300 trained K9s in 29 states—leading to $8 billion in contraband seized, 500,000 illegal weapons removed, 150,000+ certified training hours delivered, and millions of students protected. Through its initiatives—K9s4COPs, K9s4KIDs, and K9s4CARE—the organization fills critical safety gaps where local resources fall short and threats are on the rise. Yet the need continues to grow. More than 700 departments across the country remain on the waitlist for trained K9s to detect narcotics, locate missing persons, intercept explosives, and protect healthcare communities and schools.

“Dana’s appointment is a game changer for K9s.org,” said J.P. Davis, CEO of K9s.org. “She is a builder, a strategist, and a connector. Dana knows how to mobilize resources and inspire action—and she will help lead the exponential growth of this organization as we scale from a proven grassroots model to a national force. We are building a team designed to win big for public safety, and Dana’s leadership is central to that vision.”

Baker brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience, leading transformational fundraising initiatives and forging partnerships that drive both mission and momentum. She has guided growth strategies for nonprofit organizations—mobilizing corporate sponsors, major donors, and community investors to deliver sustained impact. Most recently, Baker served as Executive Director of the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra & Conservatory of Music, where she led record growth in revenue and audience engagement, expanded education programs to reach thousands more students from diverse backgrounds, and forged strategic partnerships that elevated the organization’s regional and cultural impact. Additionally, Baker is President-elect of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Alumni Association, spearheading the upcoming 2026 Spring Gala honoring former NFL quarterback and Ragin Cajun alum Jake Delhomme—an event expected to set new benchmarks in both fundraising and alumni engagement.

“K9s.org has built an undeniable track record of saving lives,” said Baker. “But this mission is also deeply personal—because the people we’re protecting are our friends, our families, our neighbors—and most importantly, the children whose safety defines the future of our communities. In a world where too often we’re left with only thoughts and prayers, K9s.org delivers action, deterrence, and defense – real solutions. My role is to ensure we have the resources, partnerships, and national reach to answer the hundreds of calls for help on our waitlist—and to build a future where safety isn’t optional, it’s guaranteed.”

“Dana’s arrival signals the next stage of growth,” said Kristi Hoss Schiller, Founder of K9s.org. “She brings both the urgency and the clarity needed to expand this mission at scale. With Dana, we’re not just adding a leader—we’re adding horsepower to protect the communities that need us most.”

This isn’t just growth—it’s acceleration.

About K9s.org:

Founded by Kristi Hoss Schiller, K9s.org is the nation’s premier nonprofit providing trained police and service dogs to law enforcement agencies, schools, and hospitals. With over 300 K9s deployed, $8B+ in seizures, and a growing national footprint, K9s.org is building the next generation of public safety—one dog, one handler, one mission at a time. Learn more or support the mission at www.K9s.org.

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