PORT ANGELES — Luanne Hinkle has been named the next executive director of the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society.
With Hinkle’s hiring, the nonprofit’s board of directors ends its five-month search for a director to replace Mary Beth Wegener, who left the organization in July after leading it since June 2011.
Board President Linda Crow would not comment in July on the reason that Wegener no longer worked at the humane society.
Hinkle, who moved to Sequim in June, is a veteran of several nonprofit, director-level positions, Crow said in a press release.
Among her roles was director of marketing for Meals on Wheels in San Deigo County.
Hinkle is overseeing the daily operations, services and programs of the animal shelter.
“I am thrilled to help lead this agency whose caring and compassion has provided hope and forever-homes to the over 2,000 animals that come through their doors year over year,” Hinkle said.
In her new position, Hinkle hopes to continue to build out the Humane Society’s 9-acre home at 1737 Old Olympic Highway, Crow said in the release.
“I was very impressed to find that OPHS incurred absolutely no debt in the process of acquiring acreage, building the ‘Bark House’ and renovating the modular buildings for the society’s new location,” Hinkle said.
“It shows the commitment the community has to provide a safe haven for lost, homeless, abused or abandoned pets.
“Caring volunteers, donors and staff save lives of these often forgotten animals every day and place them in loving homes, where they deserve to be. And, new funding we hope to acquire in the future will help OPHS provide even more services.”
Crow said the board was glad it had taken its time to find the right fit for the position.
“With Luanne’s extensive experience in senior executive-level positions in both nonprofit and for profit arenas, along with her strategic planning and fundraising expertise, we knew we had finally found the right person to guide us to the next level,” Crow said.
Hinkle intends to meet with donors, community leaders and business owners alike, Crow said.
She could not be reached for further comment.
“I feel very fortunate to live in this beautiful area and intend to meet as many new friends of the Society as possible,” Hinkle said.
“Together, we will continue to build on and maintain the mission of OPHS, to love and care for the animals.”
To contact Hinkle, email lhinkle@ophumanesociety.org or call 360-457-8206.
