Kitsap Humane Society Selects Lee Harper as Executive Director

Kitsap Humane Society (KHS) is pleased to announce the placement of Lee Harper as Executive Director.
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Under the direction of the KHS Board of Directors, with the assistance of Valtas Group, and with input from shelter leadership, Harper’s hiring concludes a major and concerted months-long effort to find the best match to lead the nationally and regionally recognized progressive animal welfare organization.

Harper joins the shelter with more than a decade of experience leading the Phinney Neighborhood Association in Seattle as Executive Director.

KHS Board President Tina Chenevert shared,
“We were so impressed with Lee’s excellent depth and breadth of experience in executive leadership, strategic planning, financial oversight, fundraising and capital campaign experience, as well as her passion for community engagement, and her emphasis on collaborating with staff and volunteers. We are confident in her leadership and excited about what this next step means for KHS as well as our continued mission to transform animal welfare in Kitsap County.”

KHS Board Member Dr. Scott Menard said,
“Throughout the entire interview process, we were all struck by Lee’s warm and friendly personality, her compassion for humans and animals alike, her proven results and track record, as well as her enthusiasm for KHS’s mission and vision.”

In anticipation of her first day, Harper shared,
“From the start, I was instantly drawn to the culture and lifesaving mission of KHS. I’m a huge believer in the connection between pets and people, and I’m looking forward to joining this special group of staff, board, volunteers, and community members!”

A huge animal lover, Lee and her partner, David, have two dogs named Columbo and Sticks, who will all be moving to Kitsap County in the coming weeks. In her spare time, Lee is a dog trainer, and with her dog Columbo, they are a therapy dog team for Project Canine.

About Kitsap Humane Society

​Kitsap Humane Society is a nonprofit, charitable organization that depends upon the kindness and generosity of its community to find homes for homeless pets.

​KHS spay/neuter thousands of animals each year to prevent animal overpopulation and reduce the number of future homeless pets. Sheltering animals since 1908, Kitsap Humane Society envisions a time when all adoptable pets have loving homes.

​Mission:
Kitsap Humane Society is an independent nonprofit committed to providing positive life changing solutions to people and animals in need. We do so by:

• Accepting, sheltering, and rehabilitating companion animals in need.
• Providing humane rescue, protection, prevention, adoption and education services.
• Implementing progressive life-saving and life-affirming programs.
• Collaborating and partnering with our region and supporters to build a model humane community.

Vision:
Our vision is that every adoptable companion animal has a home.

About Valtas Group

Valtas Group works as Interim Executive Directors, supporting organizations in times of transition and helps organizations navigate uncertainty during leadership change.  
 
Valtas Group also leads the search process in partnership with the board and staff leadership, as consultants for recruiting and search to support organizations identify the ideal Executive Director or leader.
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Valtas Group partners with board members and senior nonprofit leaders on a variety of strategic consulting assignments. Valtas Group has a variety of comprehensive resources to guide your transition needs.  Contact us to learn about executive interim and placement services.