UCD Crew Alumni:
Lawrence Howell, ‘88
Heather (Tiernan) Howell, ‘89
Two UCD Crew Alumni are using their UCD leadership skills while leading teams of “essential” employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
1989 
2020
A 1988 graduate of UC Davis with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, and 1988 UCD Crew President, Lawrence is the Executive Director/CAO of Rite of Passage (ROP). ROP is a juvenile justice and treatment service provider with 1800 employees, and 51 youth facilities in 16 states. Services range from residential treatment for conduct disorders to drop-in centers for sexually exploited youth. Lawrence is tasked with implementing systems and controls during this pandemic to keep the employees and at-risk teenagers in ROP’s care safe from COVID-19.
A 1989 graduate of UC Davis with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, and 1989 UCD Crew President, Heather is the Veterinary Services Manager of The Animal Foundation (TAF). Located in Las Vegas, TAF is the largest single-site, open-admission animal shelter in the country. TAF performs over 18,000 surgeries per year and saved over 20,000 animals last year. During the pandemic, TAF works within the community to be a resource for the people and animals in need.
“Shelter at home and other Pandemic related business shutdowns don’t change the fact that at-risk youth and animals need help. Both of our jobs are to keep our organizations operating and improving the lives of dependent and vulnerable populations.” – Lawrence
Married in 1996, “Team Howell” has continued the community leadership philosophy learned on UCD Crew and back in class at UC Davis.
UCD Rowing Stories are brief stories of UCD Crew Alumni. We are currently featuring Team Members and Alumni working during the current COVID-19 pandemic. If you have a suggestion of someone we should profile, or a story idea, please contact Mark Palmerston ‘99-’02 at mpalmerston@gmail.com.