This announcement follows the resignation of Marie Belew Wheatley on 8 January 2010.

“The Board of Directors appreciates Marie’s contributions and leadership over the last six years,” said David Gies, board chairman. Mr Gies commented that an esteemed former board member, George Casey, will act as American Humane’s CEO until the board completes a national search for a new president and CEO.

Mr Gies noted that Mr Casey, a professional management consultant, will work with Ms Wheatley on effecting a smooth transition, and will assist the board with initiating the search for a replacement. In the interim, Mr Casey will work with American Humane’s senior management staff and the board of directors in sustaining ongoing priorities while evaluating the organisation’s structure. He said the leadership change underscores the board’s commitment to strengthening the significant investments the organisation has made in programme growth, with the goal of advancing the organisation to the next level of its evolution.

“Marie’s leadership for nearly six years brought about substantial improvement and growth,” Mr Gies noted, adding that among numerous other accomplishments, she helped lead the resurgence of American Humane’s reputation and presence in child welfare and animal emergency services, the growth of the American Humane® Certified farm animal programme, and the creation of the organisation’s Human-Animal Bond Division, the American Humane Endowed Chair at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, and the American Humane Child Protection Research Centre.