Farm of the Free Animal Sanctuary
Creating a space where everyone feels safe to be exactly who they are
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About Us
Our Team
Our Team
FOTF is held together by wonderful founders, employees, and board members.
Founders
Carmen and Greg Pope decided to go vegan in 2013 after watching several documentaries. They didn't want to stop there so they sold their house, started a non-profit, and bought 10 acres in Good Hope to start this sanctuary.
President / Co-Founder
Greg Pope
Greg has a degree in Applied Science, Criminal Justice from the Community College of the Air Force. He served six years in the Air Force then became an executive recruiter.
Greg has a passion for saving animals and providing them with a loving forever home.
Co-Founder
Carmen Pope
Carmen was a vet assistant and pet sitter for 15+ years. She became a vegetarian in high school after writing a research paper on animal rights.
Carmen is excited to be part of FOTF to help raise awareness for animals and, equally, to help people grow. She wants to empower people to make decisions that help themselves, others, and the planet.
Employees
We are immensely grateful for our amazing employees who dedicate their lives to serve the animals at the sanctuary.
Operations Manager
Erin Tompkins
Erin studied Animal Science at Auburn University. She began her career as a zookeeper at Zoo Atlanta. During her time there, she went vegan. After working with Full Circle Farm Sanctuary, Erin joined our team.
Erin is passionate about positive enrichment and ensuring our residents are as happy as possible. When not taking care of animals, Erin creates art and stories
Executive Director
Ryan Bulzan
As the Executive Director, Ryan oversees FOTF's strategic vision and operations. He has a soft spot for farm animals and became vegan in 2013 after visiting a sanctuary.
Ryan is also an experienced animal rights activist, community organizer, and trainer for an international animal rights organization. Ryan's passions include home cooking, hiking, camping, and aviation.
Animal Caregiver
Kaitlyn Hegwood
Kaitlyn was born and raised in Social Circle, GA. She grew up with mainly cats and dogs, but as she got older, she became infatuated with animals of all shapes and sizes.
Kaitlyn has worked within the pet industry for the last 5 years and plans to study to be in the veterinary field. She’s thrilled to be a part of the Farm of the Free to further her love and knowledge of animals.
Board of Directors
Our board members bring amazing ideas, skills, and creativity to our sanctuary. We are so lucky to have them!
Board Secretary
Jessica Scott
Jessica has always been a true friend to animals. She has been a veterinary assistant since 2003, a pet sitter since 2008, & has also volunteered with many small animal rescue organizations & farm sanctuaries.
It's very important to Jessica to keep helping those without a voice. She's very excited, proud, & happy to be a part of this movement that means so much to her!
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Board Member
Jodie Jacobs
Jodie is an ordained Animal Chaplain, Let Animals Lead® Animal Reiki Practitioner, Animal Communication Collective Ambassador, executive assistant, event planner, and animal rescue volunteer. Her animal passion has led her to volunteer for several rescues, including Puppy Kitty NYC, Best Friends, and Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center.
She is honored and thrilled to join the FOTF team and be part of their inspiring work to help animals!
Board Treasurer
Victor Valentin
Victor has 10+ years of professional accounting experience. He and his partner have rescued several dogs, reptiles, water fowl, birds, aquarium fish, and insects.
Victor has been vegan since 2007! He is very passionate about creating a kinder, more compassionate world for animals.
Board Member
Meghan Smith
Meghan has been a vegetarian since birth and a vegan since the age of 12. Meghan believes advocating for others is at the heart of who she is. Meghan has experience in community building, engagement, and organization, as well as event planning and fundraising.
As an artist, designer, and proud dog mom of two, she is honored to join Farm of the Free’s board and to support their mission to create a safe space for all.