Nancy Willis Named President and Executive Director of Humane Society Silicon Valley

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) has announced the appointment of Nancy Willis as its President and Executive Director. Willis, who has served as Interim President since March 2026, steps into the permanent role after three years with the organization. Her appointment comes at a critical juncture as HSSV continues its recovery and rebuilding efforts following the December 2024 fire at its Milpitas Animal Community Center.

Willis joined HSSV in 2023 and quickly became an integral part of the leadership team. During her tenure, she has overseen marketing, led the planning and execution of The Fur Ball fundraising gala, and most recently helped guide the organization's response to the fire. Her leadership during the aftermath of the blaze, which caused significant damage to the facility, has been instrumental in stabilizing operations and setting the stage for reconstruction.

Peter Detkin, Chair of the HSSV Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Willis's ability to lead the organization forward. "Nancy has shown the judgment, resilience and collaborative leadership HSSV needs," Detkin said. "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 is diverse, spanning both the nonprofit and professional sports sectors. She began her animal welfare career in 2015 as Director of Development and Marketing at Maui Humane Society. Prior to that, she spent more than 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 a unique skill set that she now brings to HSSV.

In her new role, Willis will guide HSSV through the next phase of its rebuild while strengthening programs, operations, and the organization's long-term ability to serve pets and people throughout the Bay Area. HSSV is an independent, privately funded nonprofit that provides adoptions, veterinary care, community programs, and regional rescue partnerships. The organization's mission is to save lives, keep families together, and create a better future for pets and their people.

Willis expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "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."

The appointment of Willis signals stability and a forward-looking approach for HSSV. As the organization continues to rebuild, her leadership will be crucial in ensuring that HSSV not only recovers but thrives, continuing its vital work in the community. The rebuilding of the Milpitas Animal Community Center is a key priority, and Willis's experience in guiding the response to the fire positions her well to oversee the reconstruction and ensure that the facility meets the needs of the animals and the community for years to come.

HSSV's impact extends beyond its physical facilities. The organization plays a vital role in the Bay Area's animal welfare ecosystem, collaborating with regional rescue partners and offering resources that help families keep their pets. Under Willis's leadership, HSSV aims to expand these efforts and enhance its services, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of animal welfare in the region.

As HSSV embarks on this new chapter, the appointment of Nancy Willis brings a sense of continuity and a clear vision for the future. Her combined experience in nonprofit management and professional sports has prepared her to lead with both compassion and strategic acumen. The board's decision to elevate her from interim to permanent president reflects their confidence in her ability to navigate the challenges ahead and drive the organization forward.