PetSmart Charities appoints new director of pet placement initiatives – DVM 360

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© 2022 MJH Life Sciences^™ and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Heidi Marston will offer her significant experience as a nonprofit executive to bolster systemic inequities and access to adoptable pets
Heidi Marston, a tenured executive with an extensive background directing teams in the public sector, has been deemed the director of pet placement initiatives at PetSmart Charities. In this position, Marston will further the national adoption strategy of the organization by collaborating with animal welfare organizations and promoting adoption events in the stores. Plus, at PetSmart Charities she will oversee plans to build stronger communities by helping pets find loving homes while focusing on equity and inclusion.
"Heidi brings both passion and expertise," expressed Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities, in an organizational release.¹ "Her knowledge of systemic inequities that create a lack of adoptable pets in some communities promises to improve the supply. Enhancing ways to promote and enhance the human-animal bond is key to fulfilling our mission to make life better for both ends of the leash."
Prior to PetSmart Charities Marston spearheaded the response to the homelessness crisis for the City and County of Los Angeles as CEO of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. She also had served in the federal government for more than 10 years, where her different positions included special assistant to the Secretary of the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and director of community engagement and reintegration at the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System.
"My professional journey has consistently illuminated the ways that systems have failed our most vulnerable neighbors," stated Marston, in the release. "Working with and alongside people experiencing homelessness crystalized the importance of the human-animal bond.”
“Regardless of our socio-economic situations and background, we know that our pets become a part of our family – no one should have to choose between their animal companion and shelter or food. Joining the Charities team is the perfect moment to translate all that I've learned and experienced in a new space," she concluded.¹
Reference
Heidi Marston named director of pet placement initiatives at PetSmart Charities. News release. PetSmart Charities. October 17, 2022. Accessed October 17, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/heidi-marston-named-director-of-pet-placement-initiatives-at-petsmart-charities-301650740.html
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