KENNEBUNK — After a nationwide search, the Board of Directors of Animal Welfare Society is pleased to announce that Heidi Marston will serve as the organization’s next executive director.
Marston, a seasoned executive with experience leading organizations in the public and nonprofit sectors, will begin in January. Her unwavering commitment to the dignity and well-being of all animals, along with her experience in public service and community-building will provide steady leadership as AWS advances its mission to serve as a safety net for homeless pets and offer resources to keep pets and families together.
“With her passion for animal welfare and her extensive experience, we are thrilled to have Heidi take the helm at AWS,” says Ron Schneider, president of the board of directors. “She is a smart, dedicated, personable leader and a true collaborator, and we know AWS has a bright future ahead under Heidi’s leadership.”
Most recently, Marston served as the director of Pet Placement Initiatives for PetSmart Charities. In this role, she led a team charged with managing an $18 million-plus grant portfolio aimed at supporting the work of shelter and rescue partners across North America.
Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities, says, “Heidi is an exceptional leader and has had a tremendous impact on increasing animal adoptions. From building a high performing team, to updating our adoption funding portfolio for greater impact, to championing the joy of fostering – it is difficult to fully capture Heidi’s many contributions. I am thrilled that she has found the next step in her career journey; I know she will thrive at AWS.”
Prior to PetSmart Charities, Marston spent her career in local and federal government, including as chief executive officer of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the largest homeless response system in the country, director of community engagement & reintegration at VA’s Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and special assistant to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Working with and alongside people experiencing homelessness, veterans and countless animal shelters across the country has crystalized to me the importance of the human-animal bond,” Marston begins. “Regardless of socio-economic situations and background, pets become a part of our family – no one should have to choose between their animal companion and shelter or food. I am honored to be joining the AWS team to help carry forward the organization’s legacy while finding ways to serve animals in Maine, as well as the people who love them.”
A lifelong learner, Marston holds a master’s in public administration. She is a long-time foster pet parent, shelter volunteer and advocate in the animal well-being community. She currently serves on the boards of My Dog is My Home and Shelter Animals Count. She was born and raised in Minnesota and has called Washington, DC, Los Angeles and Phoenix home. Marston is eager to make the almost 3,000 mile journey to Maine, along with her partner and their two loving, extra-needs rescue dogs.
Schneider concludes, “All of us at AWS welcome her with open arms and know she will find a welcoming and enriching community here to call home.”
