Humane Society board names Executive Director

St. Augustine Humane Society board member Bonnie Hayflick reported to Historic City News that the Board of Directors has named Celeste Hart as Executive Director.

For over nine years, Hart worked in the non-profit organization management industry; most recently as Director of Development for the Knoxville Opera from June 2007 – January 2011 and previously as Director of Corporate Sponsorships and Public Relations for the Orlando Opera from 2001 – 2007.

“I’m very excited to be taking on this new role to serve the community of St. Augustine and the Humane Society. As an animal lover, I look forward to leading the organization with programs and services that support many local animal care issues,” said Hart. “I strongly believe in the mission of the St. Augustine Humane Society including low cost spay and neuter programs to help prevent unwanted pets,” she said.

Dr. Eric Searcy, President of the Board of Directors, also announced the appointment of several new Board Members including Dr. Ron Dixon, St. Augustine Family Dentistry; Bonnie Hayflick, Bonnie Hayflick PR Counsel; James Pennington, Bitcom; Katherine Batenhorst, Brooks Rehab, and Leslie Sinclair, The Cleveland Clinic.

The following local volunteers and professionals are serving on the Board: Carolyn Smith, vice president; Karen Hogan, treasurer; Cathy Upchurch, secretary, and Julie Kurtz.

For more information, to donate and volunteer, contact Celeste Hart at (904) 829-2737.

The facility is open for business Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9:00 am until 2:00 pm and by appointment.

St. Augustine Humane Society is a non-profit organization which promotes responsible pet ownership and strengthens the human-animal bond through education and training. The organization works to reduce the relinquishment rate of pets to shelters through effective and affordable spay and neuter efforts and is a resource center for the citizens and animals in St. Johns County. Programs are made possible in part by generous funding from patrons, the Ted Weber Trust, and program activities.