Board of Directors
Travis Sims
Travis Sims is the Chairman of the Redemption Ranch board and a passionate advocate for the organization’s mission. First and foremost, Travis is a devoted husband, father to three young men, and proud grandfather to two grandsons. He has worked as a Project Manager at Textron Aviation for over 25 years, where his leadership skills and commitment to excellence shine.
In his free time, Travis enjoys being outdoors, staying active, and practicing martial arts, where he holds black belts in both Jeet Kune Do and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His dog, Rylee, is a beloved member of the family.
Travis’s dedication to Redemption Ranch is driven by his love for dogs and his desire to give back to his community. His leadership and personal commitment help guide the organization as it rescues and trains shelter dogs, turning them into police K-9s that serve and protect.
Nicolas Wennen
Nicolas Wennen serves on the board of Redemption Ranch K-9 Rescue, where his commitment to service and community shines through. His journey with Redemption Ranch began during his time in the United States Marine Corps, where he served alongside the founder, Rob Prichard. This professional bond evolved into a lifelong friendship, and today, Nic and Rob continue to serve their community together as police officers.
Redemption Ranch's mission to give shelter dogs a second chance by training them to become invaluable police K-9s is deeply personal to Nicolas. As someone who has rescued several dogs himself, he understands the transformative power of love and purpose for these animals.
As a Christian, family man, and devoted dog lover, Nicolas brings his strong values and dedication to both his law enforcement career and his role at Redemption Ranch. His faith and family are the foundation of his life, and he feels blessed to contribute to a cause that impacts both the dogs and the communities they serve.
Nick Pollaro
Nick Pollaro, a member-at-large on the Redemption Ranch board, brings a lifelong dedication to martial arts and community service. He began his journey in martial arts at the age of six, a path that has shaped him both personally and professionally. Nick is a certified instructor in Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Martial Arts, and he holds a Third Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a discipline where he has found both a calling and a home.
A retired police officer, Nick now serves as the Defensive Tactics Instructor at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, ensuring that law enforcement officers are equipped with the skills they need. He also runs Pollaro’s Martial Arts, a respected school where several board members train. His passion for Dobermans is evident in the crest of his martial arts academy, and he has rescued and loved two Dobermans over the years.
Nick's deep commitment to discipline, protection, and the rescue of both people and animals makes him a valuable asset to Redemption Ranch.
Steve Marusich
Steve Marusich is the Secretary of the Redemption Ranch board, bringing with him a wealth of experience from various walks of life. A graduate of Auburn University, Steve has been a pastor in Texas, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Indiana. His diverse career also includes stints as a PE teacher, car salesman, waiter, and even a pool cleaner.
Steve is an avid reader and lover of movies, comics, and sports. Whether he’s watching Auburn football or international soccer, he enjoys engaging in his many passions. His current obsession is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which speaks to his dedication to personal growth and discipline.
Steve and his wife are proud parents of three grown children, and they share their home with three rescue mutts. His heart for helping others extends not just to people, but also to the animals he loves dearly.
