SPCA Serving Erie County appoints new chief operating officer

ERIE COUNTY, N.Y. — The SPCA Serving Erie County is happy to have announced that they recently appointed a new chief operating officer for the organization starting in the new year. 

Jennifer Gurz Stonebraker was appointed by the SPCA's President, alongside the organization's board of directors.  She had previously held the role of chief development officer since 2016, and joined the SPCA in 2002 as an adoptions & admissions counselor. 

Stonebraker is said to have more than 20 years of experience in non-profit fundraising, donor cultivation, stewardship, and more that has made her a great fit for the role. 

President/CEO Cait Daly says in a Facebook post, “I’m so excited to begin the new year and a new era for the SPCA by announcing Jen’s shift to COO. Promoting from within shows the strong internal talent we have at the SPCA. Jen’s leadership is going to move this organization forward into the newest phase of the animal welfare industry, one in which our humane society is recognized and utilized as even more of a vital community resource.”

Jenifer officially assumed her position in the new role on January 1. 

“I am as passionate about the mission of the SPCA Serving Erie County as I was on my first day with the organization 21 years ago,” Gurz Stonebraker shares. “As a fundraiser, I have sung the praises of the work done by the SPCA because I wholeheartedly believe in the difference the SPCA has made in the lives of animals and the people who love them. I have watched the SPCA evolve over the years to meet the needs of our community and serve as a leader in the animal welfare world. I am excited and honored to bring my leadership and fundraising experience to the operations side of the organization in a way that will help the SPCA continue to thrive and grow.”