James Bias comes to the Connecticut Humane Society from Texas, where he most recently served as the president and chief executive officer of the SPCA of Texas. James’ leadership included overseeing two shelters, three animal hospitals and two mobile units, as well as collaborative spay/neuter and wellness initiatives for the public with multiple animal welfare partners. Prior to that, James served as executive director of the Humane Society SPCA of Bexar County in San Antonio, animal services manager for the city of Albuquerque, and executive director for the Humane Society of North Texas in Fort Worth. During his four decades in animal welfare, he has managed multi-site shelters and clinics, overseen construction of new facilities, successfully completed capital campaigns, supported legislative initiatives, and expanded programming related to sheltering, medicine, outreach and education. He is committed to not only providing a fresh start to homeless pets in Connecticut, but also to keeping pets with families who love them—a growing part of CHS’ mission.

James has two dogs, five cats and several backyard chickens. He enjoys woodworking and hiking in his spare time.

As CFO, Greg is responsible for overseeing all aspects of CHS’ finances and information technology. Greg earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Bentley College (now Bentley University) and has obtained his CPA. He comes to CHS after 14 years as Controller and CFO at a local private school. Greg is excited to be part of such a great team and to do his part to help CHS fulfill its mission.

In his spare time, Greg loves watching and playing sports as well as reading, going to movies and spending time with family and friends. Greg’s family includes his wife Julissa, twin daughters Gaby & Lily, and their pet hamster and fish.

As the Director of Operations, Theresa is responsible for directing and overseeing the daily operations in all three of the adoption centers and the Fox Memorial Clinic. This includes animal care, pet intake, adoptions, medical care, behavioral care and facilities maintenance. Theresa earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut in Animal Science. Theresa has always had a connection to animals. As she progressed in her career, her empathy for homeless pets grew as they don’t have as many advocates as owned pets. She also developed a great deal of compassion for people who were either severing a bond with a pet or starting a bond: “Both are important as they leave a lasting impact on the person and the pet.”

When Theresa is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and walking her dogs. Theresa shares her life with her three pets, a miniature poodle mix named Beatrice, a wire-haired Dachshund named Rascal and her cat, Princess Peanut Buttercup.

In her role as Director of Development, Barbara organizes and builds CHS’ capacity to raise funds, develops relationships with those who wish to help animals, and teaches us all the benefits of fundraising in order to maintain and grow CHS’ programs. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Eastern University and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy from Bay Path University. Barbara loves both cats and dogs and is “thrilled to be part of a team which connects for long-lasting and meaningful relationships.”

Barbara is an avid quilter and knitter, and a very amateur artist, and a baker. She enjoys all these activities in her spare time. Her family is completed by husband Chuck, daughter Sadie and their dog Penny.

As the Director of Human Resources, Jennifer is responsible for overseeing all aspects of employee relations, benefits, and payroll practices and procedures. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and Jewish Near Eastern Studies from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Jennifer loves “helping employees realize their potential and seeing them grow and evolve in our organization.”

Jennifer’s hobbies and interests include reading, cooking and learning about wine. She shares her life with her pups, Jett and Holly.

Kerry oversees annual giving, grants and planned giving programs, and leads the marketing and communications and education and outreach teams. Kerry’s desire to work with animals developed early on when someone she knew was struggling with too many pets and lost their home. Her experience has shown her firsthand that there are many pathways to the animal welfare field. Her role involves sharing the ways CHS works each and every day to save pets’ lives, giving the local community a chance to make pets part of their legacy, and inspiring learners of all ages to make a better world for animals. Kerry earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology at Union College, followed by a Masters in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts Veterinary School.

In her spare time, she is kept out of trouble by CHS alum pup Pearl, rescue kitty Coco, the most adorable little boy there ever was, and a very understanding husband. Besides family and pets, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, competing in road races, and all things pizza.

As the Assistant Director of Operations, Allyson is responsible for assisting with directing and overseeing the daily operations of all three adoption centers and the Fox Memorial Clinic. Allyson comes to CHS with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Foundations of Animal Behavior from Franklin & Marshall College and over 13 years of animal shelter experience. Allyson knew she wanted to work with animals since she was a child and has experience in many animal-related fields including wildlife conservation, birds of prey, and veterinary hospitals, but her passion is in animal rescue. It is not only her calling but gives her “the opportunity to have positive, profound and lasting effects on the lives of animals and people every day.”

Allyson shares her life with her husband, children and her beagle, Rocky (aka Rock, Rock-Man, Beagy, Bug, Buggy, Bugster, Buddy). In her leisure time, Allyson enjoys spending time with her family, jogging, embroidering anything and everything, and serving as an officer on the board for her sorority, Kappa Beta Gamma.

Brandon oversees all aspects of Waterford operations, including animal placement and surrender practices, and cleaning and maintenance functions. He resolves issues impacting the staff and clients. He also works to create and maintain relationships with local businesses, residents and other rescue groups and agencies. Brandon studied Exercise Science at Southern Connecticut State University. His love and appreciation of animals has grown since he has been with CHS. At first he enjoyed his career because pets are cute, nice and always there for you. Now he “takes pride in being their voice and working to make sure that they have the best chance at success in their new home.”

Brandon enjoys golf, going to the beach, kayaking, bicycling, snowboarding, playing and watching sports. (Go Yankees and Broncos!) His family includes his wife Jen, son Tyler, two dogs Bronx and Bernie, and a cat named Reggie.

Elizabeth has been with CHS for over 20 years. In Newington, she proactively manages the daily animal care and other essential functions of the location’s operation. Prior to joining the Connecticut Humane Society, Elizabeth attended the Technical School of Animal Husbandry in Poland and had many years of experience with farm animals and as a zoo keeper. She has been an animal lover all her life and now takes pride in “helping pets in need, providing them with proper care and treatment and placing them in their forever homes.” In addition to her daily work with CHS, Elizabeth provides foster care for underage puppies.

Elizabeth enjoys gardening, dancing, reading and spending time with family and friends. Her family is completed by boyfriend Stan, and children Jessica and Daniel.

Denise has a long history with CHS beginning as an administrative assistant, a position she held for 27 years before earning her promotion to Assistant District Manager. She took on the Foster Care Coordinator responsibilities for Waterford over 18 years ago and now is in charge of the entire district volunteer program. In addition, she oversees day to day shelter activities in collaboration with the District Manager and coordinates the medical care needs of the shelter pets. Denise studied liberal arts at UConn and computer technology at the former Thames Valley Regional Technical College. Denise has seen CHS go through many changes over the years and is always encouraged to see the impact that the organization has on community outreach and adoption. She is proud “to be a part of an organization that strives to help those who can’t help themselves and provides exceptional care for the pets that come to our shelters”.

Denise’s favorite hobby is cooking and is a football/baseball fan.Denise shares her life with husband Jim, son Peyton and their three cats, Miles, BooBoo and Tid Bit.

Evelia is responsible for co-managing all aspects of the Westport location. Her responsibilities include pet intake, pet adoption, and overseeing the behavior program. Evelia has a long background in animal training, from meerkats and otters at the Maritime Aquarium, to therapy dogs and shelter dogs in a range of locations. Although she came to CHS with very little cat experience five years ago, she dove right into the special needs of felines and the shelter cats really benefit from her expertise in enrichment and behavior modification. Evelia is active in the national behavior community; giving presentations, mentoring future professionals, and maintaining her certifications through her ongoing study of how animals work.

When not in the shelter or working with animals in other venues, Evelia enjoys spending time with her fiancé, her two lively children, and her 4 CHS alums: Bruce Wayne, the most dapper and mysterious dog; Ace, the carb obsessed cat; Gem, the most haughty feline, and Skipper, everyone’s favorite sidekick. Her weekends find her at the beach or curled up watching her very favorite movie, the Lion King.

In her role, Kathryn is responsible for developing and implementing a robust marketing and communications plan across multiple channels to increase brand awareness and drive fundraising efforts. Kathryn received her Bachelor’s Degree in English Rhetoric from Binghamton University in upstate NY, and recently completed her Masters of Business Administration with the University of Florida. Having worked with animals since she was 14 years old – from world-renowned dressage barns and conservation-friendly zoos to local vet offices – Kathryn has always been dedicated to creating a better relationship between people and animals.

When she’s not writing, designing, or speaking to the local news, Kathryn loves to get out in nature, near and far. She also loves to read, plays her viola in a Connecticut community orchestra, and enjoys sitting in the sun with her golden retriever, Otto.

The responsibilities of the Outreach Manager currently include managing the humane education program, the Scout patch program, the adult education series – PETtalk, and the community pet wellness clinics. Ashley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from UConn and found a love for volunteering in underserved communities while there. She came to CHS because she “wanted to combine her passion for teaching, helping the community, and pets.” She was also an avid FFA member during high school.

In her spare time, Ashley enjoys baking, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking and going on road trips. She shares her life with her four pets, a Doberman Pincher named Ruger, horse Tobe, cat Ella and bearded dragon, Cato.

Melissa is in charge of overseeing the volunteer program, including recruiting, training, recognition efforts and more. She also assists with the coordination of independent service projects. Melissa received a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Creative Writing from Colby College and has been certified in volunteer administration by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration. Melissa has been passionate about helping homeless animals since she was a child. At a young age, she held fundraisers and collections to benefit animal welfare groups.

Melissa enjoys kayaking, hiking, reading and gardening. Melissa’s family is completed by husband Greg, cats Everest and Chuck, and dog Remy…all CHS alums.