Humane Society Silicon Valley Appoints Nancy Willis as President and Executive Director

GTTP

Nancy Willis promoted to President and Executive Director after serving as Interim leader.
Willis played a crucial role in managing the recovery following the 2024 Milpitas facility fire.
The appointment emphasizes leadership continuity during a critical phase of organizational growth.
Willis brings extensive experience from both the nonprofit animal welfare sector and professional sports management.

Impact - Why it Matters

This appointment signals a strategic move toward organizational stability and long-term recovery for HSSV. By formalizing Willis’s leadership, the board prioritizes institutional continuity, ensuring the nonprofit can effectively navigate its complex rebuilding phase while maintaining its essential animal welfare services for the broader Silicon Valley community.

Summary

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) has officially appointed Nancy Willis as President and Executive Director, solidifying the leadership that has guided the organization through recent periods of significant adversity. Having served as Interim President since March 2026, Willis brings a deep institutional knowledge and a proven track record of resilience. Her tenure at HSSV, which began in 2023, includes critical contributions to marketing, fundraising, and the complex recovery efforts following the 2024 fire at the Milpitas Animal Community Center.

Board Chair Peter Detkin praised Willis for her steady, collaborative leadership during the organization's most challenging historical period. Her background, which spans over two decades in professional sports and a decade in animal welfare, provides a unique blend of operational expertise and strategic vision. This appointment ensures continuity as HSSV enters a pivotal new phase of structural rebuilding and regional community growth.

As she steps into this permanent role, Willis is committed to strengthening the organization's operational capacity and expanding its life-saving impact. By fostering a culture of dedication and innovation, she aims to ensure that HSSV remains a cornerstone of support for pets and families across the Bay Area, securing a sustainable future for the nonprofit's vital community programs.

Humane Society Silicon Valley Appoints Nancy Willis as President and Executive Director

GTTP

Nancy Willis promoted to President and Executive Director after serving as Interim leader.
Willis played a crucial role in managing the recovery following the 2024 Milpitas facility fire.
The appointment emphasizes leadership continuity during a critical phase of organizational growth.
Willis brings extensive experience from both the nonprofit animal welfare sector and professional sports management.