Washington Humane Society Appoints New President and CEO
Moving Animal Welfare Forward in the Nation's Capital

Washington, DC – Concluding a 3-month nationwide search, the Washington Humane Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa LaFontaine, the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Washington Humane Society. Ms. LaFontaine will officially assume her role later this summer, but will be introduced to Washington Humane Society supporters at the 20th annual Bark Ball this Saturday.

Ms. LaFontaine has been the CEO of the Monadnock Humane Society in southwestern New Hampshire for the past 7 -years and President of the New England Federation of Humane Societies Board of Directors since 2005.

In her previous role as Chief Executive for Monadnock Humane Society, an open admission, full service Adoption and Learning Center, Ms LaFontaine led the transformation of the organization from a traditional animal shelter into a leading regional agency providing comprehensive services to animals and people. As a result MHS became one of the premier animal welfare organizations in the Northeast, and is recognized nationally for its progressive programs.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Washington Humane Society (WHS) at this important moment in the life of the organization,” said Ms. LaFontaine. “With its commitment to the Good Home Guarantee, WHS is poised to do something that is unique and powerful in the world of animal protection. As an urban humane organization with its doors open to thousands of animals in need, it's no simple task to ensure that each adoptable animal will find a loving home. I’m coming to WHS from a community and a region where we’ve spent the better part of a decade fulfilling that promise—and ending the euthanasia of adoptable animals. I have every faith that the same vision can be achieved here, and more importantly, that it’s the right thing to do for the people and animals in the District. Together with our staff and Board of Directors, I’m committed to bringing all of my experience and energy to the task—but we’ll need the support of the entire community to fulfill our vision for animals.”

Board Chairman, Jay Timmons, said “The Washington Humane Society has landed a ‘true superstar’ to serve as President and CEO. We are thrilled that Lisa has agreed to lead our organization. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position and has expressed an enthusiastic desire to make the Washington Humane Society a model for the entire country. Lisa’s vision, energy and professionalism will be tremendous assets for our entire community – and especially for the animals that we care for.”
The Washington Humane Society, the only congressionally-chartered animal welfare agency in the United States, has been the area’s leading voice for animals since 1870. As the only open-access shelter in the Nation’s Capital, the Washington Humane Society provides comfort and care to over 20,000 animals each year through its broad range of programs and services including sheltering, adoption, spay and neuter, CatNiPP, humane law enforcement, lost and found, and humane education.

Photo: Lisa LaFontaine pictured with her 3 beloved dogs, Gwen, Lance and Nick.

For more information, please contact: Tara deNicolas Phone: (202) 723-5730 (ext. 226) E-mail: Tara.deNicolas@washhumane.org

Please visit the Washington Humane Society web site for information: www.washhumane.org

The Washington Humane Society is the oldest animal protection agency in Washington, D.C. Since 1870, WHS open door policy has served homeless, lost, and abused animals in the District of Columbia; providing protection from cruelty, shelter from the elements, and a second chance at a loving home. No call for help goes unanswered, and no animal is ever turned away.

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