San Francisco SPCA Names New President: Jan McHugh-Smith to Head Leading Animal Welfare Organization

Ms. McHugh-Smith is only the eighth president in the 139 years of The SF/SPCA's distinguished history. She is also the first woman to hold the position.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) February 9, 2007 -- Jan McHugh-Smith was named as the new President of the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF/SPCA) by the Society's Board of Directors.

Ms. McHugh-Smith is only the eighth president in the 139 years of The SF/SPCA's distinguished history. She is also the first woman (http://www.sfspca.org) to hold the position.

"I'm delighted that Ms. McHugh-Smith has accepted the position of president of this great organization," Chairman of the Board Rick Dirickson said. "The Board was unanimous in its choice. Ms. McHugh-Smith is an outstanding member of the animal welfare community and an experienced executive. Her appointment is great news for The SF/SPCA and the City of San Francisco."

Jan McHugh-Smith is a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare with 23 years of experience in the field. She comes to The SF/SPCA from Boulder, Colorado, where she has been the CEO of the Humane Society of Boulder Valley for the past twelve years. Her vision has driven the Humane Society's lifesaving achievements and has made it a model for adoptions, behavior training and sheltering programs. Under McHugh-Smith's leadership the Humane Society greatly reduced the euthanasia of companion animals in the community and increased the live release rate to 86%, with 100% placement of healthy animals.

McHugh-Smith is a prominent member of the animal welfare community. She chairs the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies, has served on the board of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators (SAWA), and is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA). McHugh-Smith was also a contributor to the drafting of the landmark Asilomar Accords which set uniform standards for reporting shelter statistics. She holds two bachelor degrees in Biology and Music

McHugh-Smith assumes the position of President of The SF/SPCA as the Society prepares to begin construction on its new medical center, The Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center (http://sfspca.org), a modern, well-equipped facility that will enable the Society to continue its vital services and increase its capacity to serve in the future. McHugh-Smith brings a wealth of experience in the management of a capital campaign to this vital SF/SPCA project.

"I am excited to join the talented team at SFSPCA and work with our SF Animal Care and Control Partner. We will work to widen our influence for the welfare of animals in our community and beyond, working collaboratively to save animals' lives through our progressive programs," McHugh-Smith said.

The San Francisco SPCA is a nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving homeless dogs and cats, to providing lifesaving care and treatment to dogs and cats in need, to helping pets stay in loving homes, and to cultivating respect and awareness for the rights and needs of animals and the importance of the human-animal bond. Founded in 1868, The SF/SPCA is a national leader in saving lives and raising the status of companion animals. For more information, visit www.sfspca.org.

To arrange an interview with Jan McHugh-Smith, please contact Kristen Green at 415-567-2999 or Christine Rosenblat.

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