News
April 12, 2017Mohawk Hudson Humane Society Leadership Changes
The Board of Directors of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society (MHHS) has announced that Brad Shear, CAWA, has resigned as President and CEO. Shear will continue in his current position until April 28 and will continue in a consulting role until May 24th to ensure a smooth transition. Todd Cramer, CAWA, currently the Vice President of Operations and Chief of Staff, will serve as Interim President. Cramer has worked in animal welfare at both local and national organizations for almost 20 years. “It has been a privilege to work with Brad Shear as a part of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society team and I am honored to be selected to succeed him as the Interim President. Going forward, we will continue to provide the high quality animal care and programs our community has come to expect from us,” said Cramer.
“We are grateful for Brad’s leadership of the MHHS for the past ten years,” said Board Chair Cynthia LaFave. “He has led the Society during a time of great transition and growth, has been a strong advocate for animal welfare and has built a strong team of staff and volunteers who have been responsible for one of the most successful decades in our 130 year history. We thank him for his service and contributions and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
Shear stated, “It has been such an honor to serve as the leader of this incredible organization and I look forward to seeing the success of the MHHS as it continues to be a force for positive change in our community.” He plans to embark on new challenges that further his personal goal of being a part of creating a healthier more resilient community.
During Shear’s tenure, the MHHS launched a capital campaign to fund design and construction of a new $7.2 million animal care center that will be transformative for the care and protection of animals in the greater Capital Region. Construction began in September and the facility, located next to the existing buildings in Menands, will be completed in the fall. It will replace structures that partly date to 1913. At 32,000 square feet, the new facility will be 12,000 square feet larger than the current building.
Providing shelter for lost, abused and unwanted animals since 1887, the MHHS is the oldest and largest animal protection organization in New York’s Capital Region, receiving an average of over 6,000 animals per year. It serves as the SPCA for Albany and Rensselaer Counties, investigating and prosecuting cases of animal cruelty.
The MHHS offers a diverse range of services such as finding homes for pets, providing shelter for lost animals, offering assistance to owners of lost animals and microchipping. Field services include rescue and care of injured or distressed animals, investigation of reports of animal abuse and neglect, and enforcement of NYS laws. The Society serves the human members of the community by caring for pets of people affected by domestic violence, stocking up pet food pantries, and offering humane education programs. The organization sponsors various community education and outreach programs throughout the year.
In addition to its 49 employees, MHHS is assisted by volunteers who help to support and maintain the health of animals residing at the shelter and participate in various fundraising and community activities. The Society is funded primarily by donations, receives no ongoing local, state or federal government funding, nor does it receive funding from any national humane groups.
