Meet Our New Transition Leader – Joe Olsen!

Monadnock Humane Society is excited to announce the appointment of its new Transition Leader – Joseph Olsen! Joe will join MHS on Monday, January 12th.
In the role of Transition Leader, a newly created, one-year position, Joe will develop a strategy for a sustainable business model which will help insure that MHS continues to fulfill its mission. Working collaboratively with the board, staff, volunteers and community as a whole, Joe will provide outstanding leadership, financial analysis, strategic planning and  will oversee effective fundraising for the organization.

Joe was chosen for this role after a national search and selection process that was completed by a search committee comprised of MHS board members, staff, and volunteers. Valerie Starbuck, an active longtime member of MHS and volunteer (who served on the search committee) stated that “The search process was very thorough and well-orchestrated.” She said that the committee met frequently over the course of the past two and a half months, and began with a solid understanding of what MHS needed. The committee developed a rigorous plan to narrow down the initial list of over 30 candidates. “We were very impressed by the quality of candidates we interviewed, and when we met with Joe, we knew we had found who we were looking for,” said Starbuck. “He’s an excellent listener and has a clear understanding of the importance of relationships.”

Kathy Reilly, DVM, Board Chair of MHS said that “we are so pleased to announce this appointment. Joe brings a proven track record of success in the animal sheltering world as well as experience in program building, fundraising, and leadership. He’s served many non-profit humane organizations in this capacity and we are delighted to welcome him to our community.”

Joe brings over 12 years of executive planning, administration, fundraising, communication and marketing experience in humane organizations and other venues. Prior to his appointment at MHS, he was a consultant Executive Director for the Horry County Humane Society in Conway, SC. He also served as President/CEO at the Larimer Humane Society in Larimer County, CO, was Executive Director of the Maui Humane Society in the state of Hawaii and served as Executive Director of the Chemung County Humane Society and SPCA of Chemung County, NY.

Joe holds a BS degree from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania and a Master of Divinity from Christ the King School of Theology in New York. He has a Certificate in Non-Profit Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University/HSUS University in Maryland and he holds a Certificate in Animal Shelter Design from Gates Hafen & Cochran Architects in Colorado.

Joe tells us that he is looking forward to building on the MHS mission. “I have a deep respect for what MHS does, and have always admired the accomplishments of this organization,” he said. “MHS plays a critical role in providing a better quality of life in the Monadnock Region, and I’m fully and passionately committed to making sure the MHS mission continues well into the future.”

Joe begins as the Transition Leader on Monday, January 12th. He is planning to live in the Keene area with his two Schnauzers, Betty and Arlis, and his cat, Joey.
Please join us in welcoming Joe to MHS, and to the Monadnock Community!