Philadelphia, PA (May 26, 2009) – The Pennsylvania SPCA is pleased to announce the hiring of their new Chief Executive Officer - Susan Cosby. Former Executive Director of the Animal Welfare Association (AWA) of Voorhees, NJ, Ms. Cosby brings to the Pennsylvania SPCA a diverse and comprehensive skill set attributed to her career in both high volume animal control shelters and private, independent shelters, as well as her commitment to lifesaving tactics, community collaboration and consensus building.
“We are very excited about the appointment of Sue Cosby as our new CEO,” says Harrise Yaron, President of the Board of the Pennsylvania SPCA. “We had many qualified candidates apply; however, Ms. Cosby’s familiarity with animal welfare in Philadelphia, business savvy and dedication to lifesaving were the ultimate qualities we knew our new CEO must possess.”
As the Executive Director, Ms. Cosby helped lead the AWA into the state’s foremost spay and neuter clinic. She also greatly expanded service capacity including incoming transfers, adoptions, low-cost pet care, and foster care; increased both lifesaving and revenue performance; led the creation of a behavior program; and established a lifesaving partnership with two county shelters. Additionally, Ms. Cosby acquired more than $100,000 in grants and awards for AWA and also increased donor communications and funding. Prior to joining AWA, Ms. Cosby held the position of Chief Operating Officer for the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Association (PACCA). During this time, Ms. Cosby was responsible for all operational oversight of the urban animal control shelter which handled over 25-30,000 animals annually. She aided in the dramatic enhancement of the shelter’s environment including improving the lifesaving rate.
“Sue Cosby was an effective leader at PACCA from 2005 to 2007,” says Izzy Melhem, Director of Environmental Health Services for the City of Philadelphia. “As the Pennsylvania SPCA’s CEO, Ms. Cosby will once again oversee the continued expansion and improvement on save rates and the quality of life for Philadelphia’s animals. We look forward to a safe and happy future for the city’s animals.”
At the Pennsylvania SPCA, Ms. Cosby will be responsible for achieving mission-led strategic planning, financial oversight, operational management, and meeting fundraising goals; overseeing the Society’s veterinary hospital operation, its four branch shelters, and statewide cruelty work; as well as focusing on lifesaving and the ultimate goal of making Philadelphia a no kill city. She will also be responsible for the management and operations of ACCT, a program of the PSPCA which provides animal care and control services through a contract with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
“It gives me incredible hope for the future that an outspoken advocate for no-kill has been chosen to lead the Pennsylvania SPCA’s mission of prevention of animal cruelty and neglect. Although this will be a challenging experience, I am looking forward to making Philadelphia a city where every savable animal will find a home.”
