Humane Society Silicon Valley Names Nancy Willis President & Executive Director

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) announced the appointment of Nancy Willis as President & Executive Director, effective immediately. Willis, who has served as Interim President since March 2026, brings a blend of nonprofit leadership and corporate experience to the role, having been part of HSSV's leadership team since 2023.

During her tenure, Willis has navigated the organization through significant challenges, including a December 2024 fire that damaged its Milpitas Animal Community Center. Her leadership in the aftermath of the fire, coupled with her oversight of marketing and major fundraising events, positioned her as the natural choice for the permanent role. The appointment signals a commitment to continuity as HSSV embarks on its rebuilding and growth phase.

Peter Detkin, Chair of the HSSV Board of Directors, praised Willis's leadership, stating, "Nancy has shown the judgment, resilience and collaborative leadership HSSV needs. 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."

Willis's background includes over 20 years in professional sports, with 15 years at Major League Baseball, where she honed skills in leadership, marketing, and event planning. She transitioned to animal welfare in 2015 as Director of Development and Marketing at the Maui Humane Society, where she gained firsthand experience in nonprofit operations and fundraising.

"I am deeply honored to lead Humane Society Silicon Valley and grateful for the trust the Board has placed in me," Willis said. "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 comes at a pivotal time for HSSV, which is working to rebuild its facilities and expand its programs. Under Willis's guidance, the organization aims to strengthen its operations and long-term ability to serve pets and people across the Bay Area. HSSV, an independent, privately funded nonprofit, provides adoptions, veterinary care, community programs, and regional rescue partnerships, all focused on saving lives and keeping families together.

Willis's leadership will be instrumental in steering HSSV through its next chapter, ensuring the organization continues to meet the needs of the community while recovering from the setbacks of the past year. Her proven track record and deep understanding of both the organization and the community make her well-suited to lead HSSV into a future of growth and resilience.