The Animal Protective Foundation is pleased to welcome Sue Berry, CAWA, as our new Chief Executive Officer.
Sue officially begins her role with APF today, September 14, bringing more than two decades of experience in animal welfare, shelter operations, organizational leadership and philanthropy.
Sue joins APF after most recently serving as CEO of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League in West Palm Beach, Florida. There, 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, while the organization significantly expanded funding for its Safety Net program, helping 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.”
A Career Dedicated to Animal Welfare
Before joining Peggy Adams, Sue spent seven years as director of operations for Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo, California. 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.
Sue’s career in animal welfare began as a volunteer with the New Hampshire SPCA. She joined the organization’s staff in 2004 and spent 11 years as director of administration, overseeing 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.
Sue earned her Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) credential through the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement in 2020 and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Management and Information Technologies from Daniel Webster College.
Looking Ahead at APF
As CEO, Sue will lead APF’s strategic direction and oversee our shelter and spay/neuter clinic operations, fundraising and donor relations, financial management and staff. She will also serve as an advocate for APF throughout the Capital Region and work closely with our Board of Directors to help guide the organization’s future.
For Sue, that future includes not only caring for animals who come through APF’s doors, but also finding ways to strengthen the connection between pets, people and the community.
“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,” Sue 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.”
As APF celebrates 95 years of serving animals and the people who care for them, we are excited to welcome Sue and begin this next chapter together.
Please join us in welcoming Sue to APF and the Capital Region!
