Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) announced the appointment of Nancy Willis as 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 expansion efforts following the December 2024 fire at its Milpitas Animal Community Center.
Willis joined HSSV in 2023 and quickly became an integral part of the leadership team. During her tenure, she has overseen marketing, orchestrated the planning and execution of The Fur Ball fundraising gala, and most recently guided the organization's response and rebuilding initiatives after the fire. Her appointment brings continuity and steady leadership at a critical juncture, as HSSV moves into its next phase of growth.
Peter Detkin, Chair of the HSSV Board of Directors, praised Willis's qualifications, 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."
Prior to HSSV, Willis began her animal welfare career in 2015 as Director of Development and Marketing at Maui Humane Society. Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, she spent over 20 years in professional sports, including 15 years with Major League Baseball. Her diverse background includes extensive experience in leadership, marketing, fundraising, and event planning, as well as a proven ability to bring teams together around a shared purpose.
Expressing her gratitude, Willis said: "I am deeply honored to lead Humane Society Silicon Valley and grateful for the trust the Board has placed in me. 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. HSSV is an independent, privately funded nonprofit organization that provides adoptions, veterinary care, community programs, and regional rescue partnerships, all aimed at saving lives and keeping families together. This leadership transition is pivotal as HSSV seeks to recover from the fire and enhance its services to the community.
