After 20 years in animal welfare, Midcoast Humane Executive Director Jess Townsend has learned that sustainable change takes patience, perspective, and a willingness to address the human challenges behind the animals entering shelters.
After nearly 30 years in animal welfare, Brittany Tennant has learned that setbacks are rarely the end of the road. From founding Black Dog Animal Rescue to leading Wyoming’s largest shelter, she shares why resilience, adaptability, and people-first leadership matter.
Carrie Ridgway shares how the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center evolved from a traditional shelter into a community resource center, and why compassionate leadership means staying open-minded, giving people grace, and finding ways to say yes.
Finnegan Dowling shares how Mutual Rescue is helping shelters strengthen their communities through innovative programs, free educational resources, and a belief that collaboration—not competition—is the key to saving more lives.
Ashley Armstrong shares how We Care Animal Rescue transformed from a cat sanctuary into a thriving adoption and community resource center, proving that the future of animal welfare is rooted in prevention, innovation, and supporting families before they face the difficult decision to surrender a pet.
Jon Gary reflects on a 27-year career in animal welfare, sharing how leadership, resilience, and investing in people have helped transform one of the nation’s largest municipal shelter systems.
Dara Worthington shares how thoughtful leadership, community support, and a commitment to seeing the potential in every animal have helped Friends of Strays grow into one of Florida’s most impactful shelter organizations.
