Sharon Harmon, president and CEO of Oregon Humane Society, is retiring after 36 years of leading the largest animal welfare organization in the Northwest.

Harmon has built the independent, nonprofit organization into a national leader in animal sheltering and welfare, significantly expanding its services, facilities and impact. She is nationally recognized for developing innovative programs and lifesaving strategies that are at the forefront of the animal welfare movement.

“On behalf of the OHS board, I’d like to thank Sharon for her contributions to our success in serving animals and people across the region,” said Diane Rosenbaum, board chair and former Oregon state senator. “She has been instrumental in helping Oregon pass some of the nation’s toughest animal protection laws, and we deeply appreciate the legacy of animal welfare she is leaving in our state and across the country.”

OHS relies on donor support to offer animal adoption, training, humane law enforcement, veterinary care, humane education and disaster response throughout the state of Oregon. Harmon’s accomplishments include overseeing a capital fund drive and construction of three projects: a new shelter in 2000, the Animal Medical Learning Center in 2007 and the New Road Ahead campus in 2022.

Harmon, who started as operations director in 1989 and has served as president and CEO since 1998, will transition to full retirement over the next two months. After retirement, she plans to work on conservation and wildlife advocacy, pursuing Master Naturalist certification and helping other non-profits realize their potential. Jessica Carl, Chief People & Culture Officer, and Dr. Stephen Kochis, Chief Medical Officer, will step in as co-interim leaders while the board launches a national search for the next CEO.

“It has been the honor of my life to lead Oregon Humane Society and work side-by-side with the most incredible staff of talented animal welfare professionals,” Harmon said. “I’m so proud of the work we have done together to fulfill the OHS mission to create a more humane society, where all animals are treated with compassion, kindness and respect. I’m looking forward to continuing this important work in my retirement.”

Under Harmon’s leadership in recent years, OHS has:

Opened a new four-acre complex in Portland with a $38 million capital campaign. The expansion includes a state-of-the-art community veterinary facility that provides veterinary care to animals in need, regardless of the owner’s ability to pay.
Merged with the Willamette Humane Society in Salem, broadening OHS’ reach in the region and providing more animals with access to care and a loving new home.
Opened the Animal Crimes Forensic Center, the only one of its kind on the West Coast and a critical resource for helping law enforcement build strong cases against those charged with animal abuse and neglect.
Opened the Behavior and Rescue Center, a dedicated recovery and rehabilitation space for animals with behavior challenges to learn to trust people, and house pets in crisis situations.
Assisted animals and their owners in natural disasters, including the wildfires in Southern California. The OHS Second Chance program is stepping up to transport animals from California shelters to Oregon, freeing up space for animals impacted by the fires. OHS has also helped animals in national disasters such as the Maui wildfires and Hurricane Katrina.

Since 1991, Harmon has influenced nearly every animal protection bill in Oregon, including:

Recognition of animals as individual victims of crimes with a designated animal crimes prosecutor embedded in the Department of Justice.
Stiff penalties for animal cruelty and a prohibition of ownership for animal abusers.
Linked animal cruelty, domestic violence and child abuse under law for enhanced sentencing in recognizing the behavior is the same and often the crimes happen in the same relationship.
Establishing Oregon Humane Society as the sole Humane Law Enforcement authority in the state with full police powers under Oregon State Police.

“Sharon has helped Oregon set a high standard for animal protection and welfare,” said Matt Bershadker, CEO of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). “She is a strategic and critical thinker who has made Oregon a model for the rest of the nation in rescuing, protecting and caring for animals. Thank you, Sharon!”

Source: Oregon Humane Society

Besa Gordon