
Anaya is incoming DACHS executive director!
April T. Anaya, a New Mexico native with a decade of experience in nonprofit management, is taking the helm of the Doña Ana County Humane Society as its new executive director in October.
Anaya, an NMSU graduate of the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, with a double minor in marketing and business administration, is best known for her work with the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico as its director of development; her work with the NMSU Library as director of development, and with the Boys & Girls Club as executive director. She also served as marketing and community outreach coordinator for Mesilla Valley Hospice.
“We are excited to welcome April to the Doña Ana County Humane Society,” said DACHS President Teryl Beck. “Her broad range of experience in nonprofits, marketing and fund-raising will help us grow as we continue our focus on keeping pets with their people, and out of the shelter.”
Current DACHS Executive Director Kathy Lawitz is leaving after 10 years in the position to move to Bakersfield, Calif. "The Board of Directors is extremely grateful to Kathy for her leadership for the last decade in helping move DACHS forward and her service to our community," said Beck.
“It’s a bittersweet departure, as this has truly been the most rewarding job of my life,” Lawitz said. “But the organization is in great hands with April, and I have no doubt that DACHS will do some amazing things under her guidance.”
DACHS administers three programs: the Animal Relief Fund, which offers veterinary aid to the pets of low-income households; the Ruff-to-Ready program, which offers free training for shelter dogs, and Pets for Seniors, which provides a $50 discount on the adoption fee of shelter pets to people age 60 and over.
For more information on the Doña Ana County Humane Society, please contact dachslc@gmail.com.