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Animal Protective Foundation Names Sue Berry as New CEO

The Animal Protective Foundation (APF) has named veteran animal welfare executive Sue Berry, CAWA, as its new chief executive officer. Berry, who brings more than two decades of leadership experience in animal welfare, shelter operations, organizational strategy and philanthropy, began her new role on Monday, Sept. 14.

Berry most recently served as CEO of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she led a $14 million organization with 120 staff members and more than 400 volunteers serving Palm Beach County. During her four-year tenure, annual contributions and fundraising revenue grew from $6 million to $11 million, and the organization significantly expanded funding for its Safety Net program, which helps keep pets with the people who love them.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sue Berry to the Animal Protective Foundation,” said Otto Zamek, chair of the APF Board of Directors. “Sue brings an extraordinary combination of animal welfare expertise, organizational leadership and fundraising experience. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an ability to strengthen organizations, grow philanthropic support, and expand programs that keep pets and the people who love them together. As APF enters an important new chapter, the board is confident Sue is the right leader to build on our strong foundation and help us realize the tremendous opportunities ahead.”

As CEO, Berry will lead APF’s strategic direction and oversee its shelter and spay/neuter clinic operations, fundraising and donor relations, financial management and staff. She will also serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson and community advocate and work closely with the APF Board of Directors on long-term planning and organizational sustainability.

“What appeals to me most about the APF is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for both animals and the people who care for them,” Berry said. “I believe animal welfare extends beyond sheltering to include community partnerships, education, prevention and keeping people and their pets together whenever possible. The Capital Region has a strong, collaborative animal welfare community, and I look forward to bringing my experience and passion to the APF, building partnerships and helping create lasting, positive change.”

Before joining Peggy Adams, Berry spent seven years as director of operations for Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo, California, where she led operations across two campuses and helped increase annual adoptions from approximately 900 to more than 3,000. She also played a key role in the 2017 merger of North County Humane Society and Woods Humane Society, which established Woods Humane North County.

Berry began her animal welfare career as a volunteer with the New Hampshire SPCA before joining its staff in 2004. During 11 years as director of administration, she oversaw finance, administration, facilities, behavior and training, and humane education. She also served as an on-scene coordinator with the organization’s Disaster and Cruelty Response Team, working alongside field services and law enforcement partners.

Berry earned her Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) credential through the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement in 2020. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Management and Information Technologies from Daniel Webster College.

Berry succeeds former APF CEO Joe Lisella, who recently left the organization to lead the Bucks County SPCA in his home state of Pennsylvania.