Leadership

	Gary Weitzman DVM, MPH, CAWA President and CEO Gary is top dog at this animal-loving organization. He is a seasoned animal welfare professional with more than 20 years of experience, and he is a licensed veterinarian, so he speaks dog and cat too! Animals: Betty is a lovable pit bull who lives for belly rubs, kisses and long naps filled with snoring. If he could have one superpower, what would it be? Ability to fly Read More About Gary
	Brian Daugherty Executive Vice President Brian oversees fundraising, marketing and communications. His team is tasked with raising the vital donations that enable San Diego Humane Society to fulfill its mission. With more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy and an unwavering passion for animal welfare, Brian’s guidance plays a critical role in our ability to “Inspire Compassion” in San Diego, and beyond. Animals: Sherman the Dorgi (Dachshund and Corgi mix), Henry the Harrier and beagles Trudy and Penny Lane. If he were an animal, what would he be? A gibbon. Read More About Brian
	Jessica Des Lauriers CAWA Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jessica is the go-to guru for all things animal-related and oversees campus operations in San Diego, El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and Ramona as well as the Behavior Center, Rescue, Project Wildlife and Shelter Medicine. Jessica’s leadership is crucial to ensuring that both companion animals and wildlife receive the continuity of care they need. Animals: Jessica has two dogs. Blitz is a German shepherd mix adopted from a local rescue, and Cedar is a black Labrador mix, an SDHS alum. If you were an animal, what would you be?: A fish, so I could be in the ocean all the time. Read More About Jessica
	Michael Lowry Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Balancing the books, having fun forecasting and making certain our finances are flawless all comes second nature to Michael. As a seasoned financial and accounting executive, he spends most days digging through reports, crunching numbers (not kibble) and curiously exploring with his calculator in hand, of course. Animals: Camden, a 6-year-old Alaskan Malamute. Michael and his family fostered for four years and have shared their home with more than 45 foster puppies and dogs before adopting Camden from SDHS. If he were an animal, what would he be? A chimpanzee. I love their curiosity and playfulness, plus they have opposable thumbs. Read More About Michael
	Jace Huggins Vice President and Chief of Humane Law Enforcement Jace Huggins oversees one of the largest teams of Humane Law Enforcement Officers in California, along with investigations and case management, emergency response, officer training and collaborations with local courts and law enforcement. Animals: Three shelter rescues: Tonka, a 4-year-old terrier mix; Jojo, a 14-year-old domestic medium-haired cat; and Luna, a 1-year-old bearded dragon. If he were an animal, what would he be? A Great White shark. I want to be able to swim all day, but without the stress of worrying I’ll become a meal every other second! Read More About Jace
	Zarah Hedge DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DABVP Vice President, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hedge brings an impressive resume of veterinary expertise and is one of fewer than 30 in the world who hold the distinction of being certified in shelter medicine by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. She has saved and improved the lives of thousands of animals when they needed care and compassion the most. Animals: Gizmo, an adorable long-hair chihuahua mix, and cats Nica, Nora, Lilian, Mr. Cuddles and Ricky Bobby. I’ll bet you didn't know: I took a 16-month DVIDA® Ballroom Dance teacher training course when I lived in Los Angeles, where I learned both leader and follower parts for 16 different dances. My favorite dances are Viennese waltz, American tango, Latin hustle and salsa. Read More About Zarah
	Tina Nguyen SPHR, SHRM-SCP Vice President, Employee Engagement Tina has human resources expertise in droves and positions HR as a strategic partner by creating programs, policies, practices and procedures that align with the organization's mission, vision and values. Animals: Hundreds from turtles, snakes, birds, hamsters, bunnies, bats, hawks, parrots, horses, pigs, a hippo, bears, foxes, lions, etc. ... and yes, dogs and cats, anytime here at San Diego Humane Society. If she could have one superpower, what would it be? I’d give everyone a pair of my rose-colored glasses to see people in the best versions of themselves, see the sunshine, rainbows and butterflies in the sky, and to give others the ability to love like there’s no tomorrow. Read More About Tina
	Stacey Zeitlin MAT Vice President, Community Impact Stacey is affectionately known as “the rock” of the Community Impact division, which includes the Community and Volunteer Engagement departments. Stacey's teams engage the community with volunteer opportunities, adult and youth classes and resources that support them keeping their pets. Her nickname comes from the unwavering support and expert guidance she provides to her team, as well as her reputation for never missing a deadline or detail! Animals: Stacey shares her home with the sassiest tuxedo cat around, Chira. I'll bet you didn't know: I absolutely love to travel and experience other cultures. My cats have all been named after places my husband and I have visited: Chira is named for the Pachira Lodge in Tortuguera, Costa Rica. Read More About Stacey
	Amanda Kowalski M.S., CPDT-KA, CAWA Vice President, Behavior Programs Amanda, our Behavior & Training expert, is dedicated to the animals and has a passion for research, education and collaboration. She is known for loving “crazy ideas” as she encourages her team to innovate, be creative and think big as they change the lives of thousands of animals who need behavior intervention — both in the shelter and in our community. Animals: Mozart, a 5-year-old Yorkie mix, was rescued from a hoarding case and now helps fearful puppies learn how to be confident dogs. I'll bet you didn't know: I love baking and one day would love to be a baker on "The Great British Bake Off"! Read More About Amanda
	Jon Enyart DVM Sr. Director of Project Wildlife Dr. Jon oversees all things wildlife for San Diego Humane Society. He is responsible for the operational and medical departments of the Project Wildlife program. This includes the Pilar & Chuck Bahde Wildlife Center in San Diego and the Ramona Wildlife Center, as well as any wildlife related issues across the organization. Dr. Jon works closely with the Project Wildlife team and SDHS leadership to ensure the most updated protocols and medicine are available to their patients. Animals: Dr. Jon and his family have 4 'pets': Milton the doodle, Cheech the wire-haired terrier mix and two chickens, Apple and Zelda. If he could have one superpower, what would it be? To be able to fly like a Red-tailed Hawk! Read More About Jon

Campus Directors

Andy Blue: Campus Director, Ramona
Tanessa Alvarado: Campus Director, Oceanside
Sarah Thompson: Campus Director, El Cajon
Carli VanBerkum: Campus Director, Escondido
Danielle Xavier: Senior Campus Director, San Diego

Board of Trustees

Tori Zwisler
Chair

Sharon Blanchet, JD
Secretary

Gail Eyler
Chair, Board Governance Committee

Michael Green, CPA
Chair, Finance Committee

Trustees

Steve Bernitz
Richard Bockoff
Dee Anne Canepa
Kenneth M. Cohen
Susan Davis
Kim Day
Tom Fleming
Hon. Irma E. Gonzalez (Ret.)
Sheryl Ishizaki
David Lynn
Dr. Judith Muñoz
Lynn Pechet-Bruser
Emily Rex
Randi Rosen
Jeremy Ross
Jodi Smith

About Us

Leadership

Gary Weitzman
DVM, MPH, CAWA

Brian Daugherty

Jessica Des Lauriers
CAWA

Michael Lowry

Jace Huggins

Zarah Hedge
DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DABVP

Tina Nguyen
SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Stacey Zeitlin
MAT

Amanda Kowalski
M.S., CPDT-KA, CAWA

Jon Enyart
DVM

Campus Directors

Board of Trustees

Trustees

In This Section

Find Us on Instagram

Connect with us

About Us

Leadership

Gary Weitzman DVM, MPH, CAWA

Brian Daugherty

Jessica Des Lauriers CAWA

Michael Lowry

Jace Huggins

Zarah Hedge DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DABVP

Tina Nguyen SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Stacey Zeitlin MAT

Amanda Kowalski M.S., CPDT-KA, CAWA

Jon Enyart DVM

Campus Directors

Board of Trustees

Trustees

In This Section

Humane Law Enforcement

Animal Service Jurisdictions

Featured Events

Find Us on Instagram

Special Hours: Saturday, Oct. 7

Gary Weitzman
DVM, MPH, CAWA

Jessica Des Lauriers
CAWA

Zarah Hedge
DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DABVP

Tina Nguyen
SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Stacey Zeitlin
MAT

Amanda Kowalski
M.S., CPDT-KA, CAWA

Jon Enyart
DVM