New president of Humane Society for Southwest Washington has ambitious goals

Andrea Bruno took the helm at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington in late September, filling the shoes of Stacey Graham, who retired after eight years of leading the nonprofit.

“I’m really excited to help it go to its next level,” Bruno said.

She said she was drawn to the mission of caring for animals and connecting them with people. As president of the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, Bruno will oversee the $6.4 million annual budget, shelter operations, adoption services and engagement with the public and donors.

Bruno’s salary was not disclosed. The organization has 96 employees between the shelter and ReTails Thrift Store, and more than 500 volunteers.

The longtime Camas resident previously worked at Meals on Wheels People, Concordia University Foundation and March of Dimes. Most recently, Bruno was the vice president of the American Diabetes Association’s west territory, which has field offices throughout a 14-state area. In that role, Bruno was on airplanes three out of every four weeks.

She’s said she’s excited to be part of the local community again and part of a well-respected organization leading it into the future.

Due to COVID-19 the capital campaign for the humane society’s remodel and expansion was put on hold. Bruno said figuring out how and when to relaunch the campaign is the next step. Now is a challenging time, she said, and the humane society will return to normal when appropriate.

The expansion would focus on adding a veterinary clinic for low-income household, public education and an animal training center. There are occasions where people adopt animals from the humane society and bring them back to the shelter because they’re not equipped to handle a pet with needs and behaviors. Bruno said the vast majority of shelter animals can be worked into a family with some training and support.