PORT ST. LUCIE — Sarah Wees has spent more than 25 years helping animals and the organizations that care for them. Now, she is bringing that experience to the Humane Society of St. Lucie County as its new executive director.
Wees, a certified nonprofit professional, stepped into the role Aug. 3.
“The Board of Directors and I are thrilled to welcome Sarah Wees as the new executive director of our Humane Society,” said Mayor Shannon Martin, board chair. “We look forward to working alongside Sarah as we continue building a strong future for the organization and, most importantly, providing compassionate care for the animals who depend on us.”
Wees began her work in animal welfare as a volunteer and has since served in executive and operational leadership roles at multiple shelters and sanctuaries. Her experience includes increasing save rates and revenue, developing community programs and strengthening organizational cultures.
She is a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) and a Fear Free Shelters graduate and holds active memberships in several national animal welfare organizations.
When asked what drew her to the Humane Society of St. Lucie County, Wees pointed to its programs, community involvement and staff.
“I was initially intrigued by the number of programs and the amount of community involvement that is evident just from viewing the website. When I visited the shelter, I also saw how well the staff work together and how passionate they are about HSSLC’s mission.”
Wees said she hopes to build on that foundation.
“I am excited about the opportunity to expand HSSLC’s programs and serve more pets and the people who love them,” she said.
For Wees, the relationship between the shelter and the community it serves is at the core of that effort.
“We are THEIR shelter,” she said. “We are here to support their needs, whether it’s finding a new furry family member or receiving assistance through our Paws-itive Pet Pantry or being reunited with a lost pet. We care for dozens of cats and dogs every day, but we also care about the people on the other end of the leash.”
The Humane Society of St. Lucie County is a nonprofit organization that provides care and shelter for homeless animals and community education about responsible pet ownership. It is an official no-kill shelter with the goal of finding safe and loving homes for the animals in its care.
For information, visit hsslc.org, email contact@hsslc.org or call 772-238-5631.