New WHS CEO to be advocate for all animals

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This article was published 29/01/2021 (2014 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Advocating for all animals and keeping donations coming into the Winnipeg Humane Society are two of the top priorities for the 127-year-old shelter’s new chief executive officer.

Jessica Miller — who will start at the humane society on Feb. 15 — said she will not only be tackling the legacy left by the previous CEO, Javier Schwersensky, but doing so in pandemic conditions.

“I want to make sure all animals are treated in the most humane way. So, I am taking on this role with a vision and a want for community partnerships,” Miller said in a phone interview.

“As a part of the oldest shelter and animal rescue agency in the city, we also know we can’t do this alone. We need to continue to keep our revenue streams going, and to work with the smaller rescues and Animal Services, who are doing great jobs.”

Miller intends to make her mark in advocacy for all animals — farm animals along with companion animals.

“My goal is to continue to educate the public about what we’re already doing in terms of advocacy. For example, we will keep going into northern communities to provide spay and neuter services for dogs and cats. We know there isn’t a lot of veterinary services in the north. Here, we’ll work with the independent rescues who know the community leaders and advocates.”

She also is mindful of the shelter’s operating budget of $6.5 million a year.

“That’s a lot of money to be raised to keep us out of the red,” she said. “COVID means we aren’t able to host our in-person events that raise funds, such as the Bow Wow Ball or Paws in Motion.”

Miller isn’t new to the WHS, having served on the board of directors since 2018 and been a former employee.

She studied communications and public relations at the University in Winnipeg, and creative communications at Red River College. She began her career working in media relations as a publicist for Global Television, later joining the Winnipeg Humane Society as the event, marketing and sponsorship specialist. She served as vice-president of marketing and communications for the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation for the past six years.

Miller has loved animals since she was a child, moving earthworms off the sidewalk after a rain, back to safety in the grass. She’s always had companion animals, which now includes her northern rescue dog, Abigail. 

She’s already working remotely with the staff and volunteers, taking the pulse of what is happening provincially. For example, she will speak out against  trapping fur-bearing animals.

“Coyote traps turn out to be legal on properties inside and outside of Winnipeg. Our view is that these traps are inhumane and should be banned,” Miller said, referring to the recent death of a pet dog in a trap set on private property in the RM of Rosser. “Any small child or animal could have been caught in those traps.”

Miller plans to spend her first few months settling into the role, and interviewing staff and volunteers.

“I’d like to learn what they believe can improve the WHS, and what we can do in the future,” she said.

Miller’s years of experience in the non-profit sector and her commitment to animal welfare will serve her well in this leadership role, sad Dr. Jonas Watson, WHS board chair.

“The WHS, our board, and the city of Winnipeg will be very lucky to have her at the organization’s helm. Jessica will be the perfect CEO for a Winnipeg Humane Society of the 21st century,” Watson said in a press release.

For more information, see www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca