Naples, FL – November 21, 2017 – The Board of Directors of Humane Society Naples is pleased to announce that Sarah Baeckler Davis has been named its new Executive Director, replacing long-term veteran Michael Simonik. Baeckler Davis beat out 600 candidates in the exhaustive national search, and comes to this position with 20 years of fundraising and nonprofit leadership experience in the animal protection community. Most recently Baeckler Davis served as President & CEO of Project Chimps, forming a partnership that led to the retirement of 220 former research chimpanzees.
On top of her role as Executive Director for Humane Society Naples, Baeckler Davis is also a primatologist and non-practicing attorney. Baeckler Davis has a graduate degree in primatology from Central Washington University and a juris doctor from Lewis and Clark Law School. “I’m beyond thrilled to be here in Naples and to put my experience to work for dogs and cats. All three of my dogs are rescues, so this work means the world to me both personally and professionally.”
The transition from Simonik to Baeckler Davis has been smooth and effective. Kevin J. Deardorff, chair of HSN’s Board of Directors, noted that “Sarah will guide us through the next phase of our growth as a leader in animal welfare and awareness. Her legal and nonprofit business background brings a new perspective to this position, which is vital as HSN continues to blossom.”
Baeckler Davis added “Humane Society Naples will rescue its 100,000th dog or cat in the next few months, and we hear Santa will be delivering some furry friends to a handful of lucky adopters this holiday season. Please join us in leading the way to ‘happily ever after’ for animals in our community.”
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