San Francisco, Nov 19 2009: The San Francisco SPCA Board of Directors today announced that Jan McHugh-Smith will resign as president, effective upon completion of her contract in March 2010. Jan has decided to return to Colorado to be closer to her family and accepted a leadership position with a regional humane society.
“I am eternally grateful for the remarkable time I have spent here in San Francisco and for the tireless efforts of our staff and volunteers who have saved the lives of so many animals,” said McHugh-Smith. “Ultimately, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity for my husband and me to be closer to our children and grandchildren while continuing my work on behalf of animals in my home state of Colorado.”
The first female president in the SF/SPCA’s history, Jan leaves the organization with a remarkable record of success. During her tenure, the SF/SPCA experienced a 20 percent increase in animal adoptions and opened the new Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center, which houses a veterinary hospital, spay/neuter clinic and shelter medicine program.
“Jan’s time as head of the SF/SPCA has been marked by outstanding achievement and we thank her for her contributions,” said San Francisco SPCA Board Chair Catherine B. Brown. “Our staff, volunteers and supporters throughout the Bay Area will continue to build on this record of success.”
Jan has accepted a position with the Humane Society Pikes Peak Region, the largest animal shelter in southern and western Colorado, serving 23,000 animals a year in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Prior to joining the SF/SPCA, Jan worked for more than 25 years in animal welfare organizations in Colorado.
The SF/SPCA board will engage a recruiting firm for a national search of potential replacement candidates. The board will work closely with Jan to ensure an orderly leadership transition.