Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) has announced the appointment of Nancy Willis as its President and Executive Director, effective immediately. Willis, who joined HSSV in 2023 and served as Interim President since March 2026, has been instrumental in guiding the organization through recent challenges, including the aftermath of a devastating fire at its Milpitas Animal Community Center in December 2024.
Willis's appointment comes at a pivotal time for HSSV as it transitions from immediate response to long-term rebuilding and growth. During her tenure, she has held various leadership roles, overseeing marketing, leading the planning and execution of the annual Fur Ball fundraising gala, and most recently coordinating the organization's recovery efforts after the fire. Her deep understanding of HSSV's operations and its community has positioned her to lead the organization into its next chapter.
Peter Detkin, Chair of the HSSV Board of Directors, praised Willis's leadership, stating, "Nancy has shown the judgment, resilience and collaborative leadership HSSV needs. She understands our organization, and the community we serve, and she has helped guide HSSV through one of the most challenging periods in its history. She is well positioned to lead the organization through its next phase of rebuilding and growth."
Willis's background includes a diverse career path. She began her animal welfare work in 2015 as Director of Development and Marketing at Maui Humane Society. Prior to that, she spent over 20 years in professional sports, including 15 years with Major League Baseball. Her experience in leadership, marketing, fundraising, and event planning has equipped her with the skills necessary to unite teams around a common mission.
In her own words, Willis expressed gratitude for the opportunity: "I am deeply honored to lead Humane Society Silicon Valley and grateful for the trust the Board has placed in me. Over the past three years, I have seen firsthand the passion and dedication of the people who make HSSV what it is. We have an opportunity to build on that strength, deepen our impact and shape a future that reflects the full potential of this organization."
As President, Willis will oversee HSSV's rebuilding efforts while strengthening its programs and operations. The organization, an independent, privately funded nonprofit serving pets and people throughout the Bay Area, offers adoptions, veterinary care, community programs, and regional rescue partnerships. Its mission is to save lives, keep families together, and create a better future for pets and their people.
This leadership transition is significant for the local community and the broader animal welfare sector. HSSV's recovery from the fire and its continued operations are vital to the thousands of animals and families that rely on its services. Willis's proven ability to navigate crises and her familiarity with the organization's strengths and needs will be crucial as HSSV rebuilds its physical infrastructure and expands its impact.
Under Willis's guidance, HSSV aims to emerge from this period stronger and more resilient, with a clear vision for the future. Her appointment signals stability and a forward-looking approach, ensuring that the organization can continue to serve the community effectively for years to come.
