Seattle Humane’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce Jessie Swisher Spiers as the organization’s new Executive Director.
Many of you already know Jessie, who has been with Seattle Humane as our Chief Advancement Officer since January 2021. During her time with the organization, Jessie has fostered an engaged donor community, clearly communicating the impact Seattle Humane supporters have on the health and wellbeing of thousands of animals in our care each year. Under her leadership, Seattle Humane is actively participating in advocacy at the state and local level to bring about legislative change that helps animals, even if they never come to the shelter. Jessie was an integral part of the creation of Seattle Humane’s strategic plan and has led several high-profile activations for the shelter. What set Jessie apart from a highly competitive pool of candidates for the Executive Director position is her exceptional ability to cultivate a values-driven organizational culture and her unwavering commitment to our animal welfare mission.
Jessie grew up in a small town in West Virginia, where neighbors supported each other and there was a deep sense of community. She credits her upbringing with her professional career pathway, which includes over 20 years of nonprofit leadership in New York, London, Washington, D.C., and now Seattle. She is a lifelong animal lover, and she and her husband, Matt, are proud parents of two cats, Bean and Busby, and their dog and Seattle Humane alum, Leia.
“It’s an honor to be part of this exceptional team and larger animal welfare community, dedicated to serving the diverse needs of pets and the people who love them,” Jessie says. “I’m grateful for the trust and confidence of our Board who are dedicated advocates of our work. More to come as we forge ahead, taking care of pets, people and each other!”
We’re excited as Seattle Humane enters this new chapter, with a renewed commitment to serving the diverse needs of our community with compassion and dedication. Our commitment ensures that Seattle Humane will be a lasting presence, making a positive impact for generations to come.