Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) has announced the appointment of Nancy Willis as its new President and Executive Director, effective immediately. Willis, who has served as Interim President since March 2026, will lead the organization as it continues its recovery and rebuilding efforts following a devastating fire at its Milpitas Animal Community Center in December 2024.
Willis’s appointment comes after a period of significant challenge for HSSV. The fire caused extensive damage to the facility, disrupting operations and requiring a major rebuilding effort. During her interim tenure, she helped guide the organization’s response and reconstruction, drawing on her extensive experience in leadership and crisis management.
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. She is well positioned to lead the organization through its next phase of rebuilding and growth.”
Willis joined HSSV in 2023 and quickly became an integral part of the leadership team. Over the past three years, she has overseen marketing, led the planning and execution of The Fur Ball fundraising gala, and most recently played a key role in the recovery from the fire. Her deep familiarity with the organization and its mission made her the natural choice for the permanent role.
Before joining HSSV, Willis began her animal welfare career in 2015 as Director of Development and Marketing at the Maui Humane Society. Prior to transitioning to the nonprofit sector, she spent more than 20 years in professional sports, including 15 years with Major League Baseball. Her background includes extensive experience in leadership, marketing, fundraising, event planning, and team building.
“I am deeply honored to lead Humane Society Silicon Valley and grateful for the trust the Board has placed in me,” said Willis. “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.”
As President, Willis will guide HSSV through the next phase of its rebuild while strengthening its programs, operations, and long-term ability to serve pets and people throughout the Bay Area. The organization, which is independent and privately funded, provides adoptions, veterinary care, community programs, and regional rescue partnerships. Its mission is to save lives, keep families together, and create a better future for pets and their people.
Willis’s appointment signals stability and a forward-looking vision for HSSV as it emerges from a difficult chapter. Her leadership will be crucial in ensuring the organization not only recovers but thrives, continuing its vital work in the community.
