Renee Penfield

Renee brings a strong combination of executive leadership and personal passion to 18 Hands Community. With over 30 years of experience as a human resources leader at global organizations like Leprino and PepsiCo, Renee excels in organizational strategy, talent development, and employer branding. Her business acumen and strategic vision arrive at the perfect time as we grow GoodWork Dog Cookie Co. and expand meaningful employment opportunities for our bakers.

Renee’s commitment to our mission is rooted in her experience as the mother of Kristina, a young adult with Down syndrome. Having navigated the journey into young adulthood alongside her daughter, Renee is a fierce advocate for creating environments where individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) can thrive. She is dedicated to ensuring that every individual has access to a community that celebrates their contributions and fosters true independence.

Renee and her husband, George, are the proud parents of Kristina and her sister, Ally, a student at the University of Oregon. Their dog, Sam, has also been a happy tester of the GoodWork Dog Cookies! In their free time, Renee and her family can be found embracing the Colorado lifestyle—skiing, traveling, and enjoying the mountains. With Renee "leading the pack," we are confident that the future of our mission has never looked brighter.