Leadership Change at Pets In Need

The Pets In Need Board has been working diligently to ensure a smooth transition for PIN, its staff, its volunteers, and the animals in our care. The Board has accepted Al Mollica’s formal resignation, and we are very pleased to announce that Valerie McCarthy, a noted animal welfare expert, and current Board member, will serve as PIN’s interim Executive Director effective immediately.

Valerie has served on the PIN Board for the past 1-1/2 years. She serves as the research editor for the Animal Law and Public Policy Group at Harvard Law School and has done graduate work at New York University in animal welfare. Before returning to the Bay Area several years ago, she worked on critical animal welfare issues nationally and internationally – from rescuing pit bulls in some of New York’s poorest neighborhoods to finding homes for cats in Stockholm. She has also earned ASPCA’s highest volunteer certification in behavioral training and, most important of all, is the parent to two rescue cat brothers.

Valerie will provide much-needed stability at this time and ensure PIN continues to provide the very best, most compassionate care for the animals in our charge. She has agreed to serve in this interim capacity for up to six months. She and the Board will soon commence a nationwide search for a permanent Executive Director.

We want to extend our thanks to Valerie for her service and, most importantly, our deep gratitude to you for your ongoing support. We remain confident in PIN’s future and look forward to your continued involvement.