Our Team
The People Behind Every Rescue
Ruff Rough is powered by a small team of journalists, operators, designers, and volunteer pilots united by one mission — honor the dogs and the people who save them.
Leadership
Kaye Cruz
Founder & Executive Director
Veteran national-news journalist with 25+ years covering natural disasters. Founded Ruff Rough after Hurricane Katrina to honor the dogs and people who survive together.
Board of Directors
Jennifer Navarrete
Board Secretary
Social media strategist, podcaster, and Web3 business consultant bringing decades of operations expertise to the board.
David Lopez
Board Treasurer
Principal of David Lopez & Associates — oversees financial stewardship, compliance, and 501(c)(3) reporting.
Board Member
Director — Disaster Operations
Coordinates field response with regional emergency-management partners. Bio coming soon.
Board Member
Director — Community Outreach
Leads partnerships with local shelters, rescues, and veterinary networks. Bio coming soon.
Staff & Contributors
John Frazee
Marketing & Digital
Founder of Love.Marketing — 24 years of digital marketing, SEO, and content strategy supporting the Ruff Rough brand.
Ernesto
Principal Graphic Designer
Community muralist, studio artist, and educator — designer of the Ruff Rough logo and visual identity.
Volunteer Roles
Drone Pilot Volunteer
Drones4Dogs Field Team
FAA Part 107 certified pilots deploying thermal-imaging drones to locate lost dogs across SE Texas.
Field Rescue Volunteer
Disaster Response Team
Trained responders mobilizing during hurricanes, floods, and wildfires to assist displaced animals.
Outreach Volunteer
Community Events
Represents Ruff Rough at awards ceremonies, fundraisers, and adoption events throughout South Texas.
Storyteller Volunteer
Media & Hero Submissions
Helps document hero stories, interview families, and produce content for press and social channels.
Join the Team
We're always recruiting drone pilots, field responders, storytellers, and outreach volunteers across South Texas and beyond.