Monadnock Humane Society Executive Director Wins 2021 NHBR Business Excellence Award

Photo (courtesy of NHBR): Kathy accepts her award from Ernesto Burden, NHBR Publisher (left) and Joe Carelli, President NH/VT Citizens Bank.

Concord, NH — NH Business Review recognized 17 business leaders in the state of New Hampshire for their initiative, creativity and determination at the 19th annual Business Excellence Awards held on October 6, 2021.  Kathy Collinsworth, Monadnock Humane Society Executive Director, received an award in the non-profit category.  During her acceptance speech she emphasized that the award is shared with the staff, board and volunteers.  She said that “During some of the most challenging times in our history, this team found vital and innovative ways to meet the most pressing needs in our region.”

Collinsworth was nominated by Susan Peterson of Jaffrey and Val Starbuck of Spofford, and was chosen from 16 other nominees in this category. In creating her nomination, Starbuck (an MHS board member) writes that “With over 15 years of successful local nonprofit leadership experience and a passion for animals, Kathy came to MHS well-prepared and jumped in with both feet.”  

When Collinsworth arrived at MHS in 2016, Starbuck recalls that there was a struggle within the organization financially and a lack of solid leadership. “Kathy tackled the deficit problem through diligent cultivation of donors, researching grants, negotiating lower expenses and collaborative budgeting. Within 5 years, she turned around a long-standing organizational deficit to show a net profit. She has improved employee morale and has implemented energy efficient measures such as biomass heat and solar panels for electricity, making MHS a sustainable green organization.”

But, perhaps her most important accomplishments are the collaborative programs and services she helped introduce the community since she began.  One of them – The Animal Safety Net (ASN) – allows pet parents who are navigating difficult life circumstances such as domestic violence, rehab, homelessness, or temporary emergency relocation to house their beloved pets at MHS for no charge.   

In her acceptance speech, Collinsworth spoke of how animals influence our lives positively – teaching us to heed instincts, listen, support, adapt, face fears, play, and work as a team.  She said “Those who know me the best….my family and friends…. will confirm that I have been passionate about animals and nature since my first steps. I believe in my heart that this passion and my life long observation animals is what has influenced how I make choices…. how I quite simply…. navigate my life.”  Under her servant-leadership style, Collinsworth continues to make  a positive difference in the Monadnock region, the state, and even in the world, making positive changes that reach far beyond her time.  For more information about the NHBR Business Excellence Awards, visit their website.

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Monadnock Humane Society was founded in 1875 and was originally a shelter for women, children and animals in abusive home situations.  MHS is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that serves 44 towns and cities in the Monadnock region. MHS cares for an average of 1,400 animals each year with a staff of 30 and the help of over 240 volunteers. Its mission is to strengthen the animal-human bond by promoting and providing for the well-being of animals. It does not receive state or federal funding, and is not affiliated with any other agency or organization.