John Goodell, Manager of Utilities,
Architecture and Building
Best Friends Animal Society
Kanab, UT 84741-5001
phone: (435) 644-2001
fax: (435) 644-2078
website:  www.bestfriends.org

John Goodell, Manager of Utilities, Architecture and Building

Before coming to Best Friends, John was a surgical nurse, a deputy sheriff, a coroner, and a public administrator.  He also was involved for 38 years in search and rescue.  Upon retirement, John and his wife moved from El Centro, California to Kanab, where they already owned a house.  He soon found himself working at the sanctuary as a means of bringing in additional income.

John currently manages two departments.  As manager of the Utility Department, he is responsible for all wells, springs, pump houses and water lines throughout the sanctuary.  This job includes dealing with water rights and associated issues.  As manager of the Architecture and Building Department, John oversees all new construction, which involves coordinating the various contractors, providers, sanctuary departments and individuals.  He is responsible for creating consistency in construction and quality while meeting the needs of the sanctuary, which includes creating preliminary building plans based upon Best Friends' needs and working with architects to develop designs for future buildings.

John and his wife are the proud parents of a black and tan coonhound named Eli (aka Mr. Hound) and two cats, Otiz and Liz.