Monroe County’s no-kill animal shelter now has a new executive director.

The Helping Strays Board of Directors announced Trisha Hoagland as its new executive director via a Facebook post on July 12, saying she comes to the shelter “with a proven track record of success in the financial and human resource sectors.”

For the past 10 years, Hoagland served as human resources director at Human Support Services, developing and implementing HR strategies.

Prior to her tenure at HSS, she spent a decade as a bank branch manager, honing her skills in financial management and customer service.  

In addition to her professional achievements, Helping Strays said Hoagland is “deeply committed to community service.”

She is one of the co-founders and is current president of GLOW (Great Ladies of Waterloo), which is an organization dedicated to empowering women and fostering community growth.

Her leadership extends to the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, where she serves as first vice president, actively contributing to local business development and community initiatives.  

Hoagland has lived in Waterloo for 15 years, where she resides with her husband John, their two children Ava and Easton, and their two dogs Pippa and Ringo. 

“Her dedication to both her professional career and her community exemplifies the qualities of a dynamic and compassionate leader,” Helping Strays posted on Facebook. “That dedication, along with her fresh perspective and innovative ideas, will help us continue our success as a shelter and sustain us for another 20 years so that we can continue our mission to rescue, shelter, and rehabilitate homeless pets, find them loving homes, and promote responsible pet ownership.”

For more information on Helping Strays, visit the shelter at 4221 Hanover Road in Columbia, call 618-939-7389, or visit online at helpingstrays.org.