Press Release

LOUISIANA SPCA NAMES NEW CEO:
Ana Zorrilla Appointed to Lead Animal Welfare Non-Profit

NEW ORLEANS, LA (11/28/07) - The Board of Directors of the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LA/SPCA) announced today that Ana Zorrilla has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the 119-year-old non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of companion animals. Zorrilla, a New Orleans native and most recently Director of Development for the organization, has been serving as the organization’s Interim CEO since August 1, 2007.

“Ms. Zorrilla possesses the ideal qualities to lead our organization as we continue to move forward and advance our vision, programs and services, and commitment to excellence in animal welfare,” said Virginia Lovell, President of the LA/SPCA’s Board of Directors. “During her role as Interim CEO Ms. Zorrilla rose to the occasion, and she is deeply committed to the animals, the organization and staff, and the community.” said Lovell. “She has an inherent understanding of the complexities of our industry, and the sensitivity to remain focused on our non-profit mission. She also possesses strong business acumen to grow and expand our organization amidst the reality of our post-Katrina landscape,” Lovell added.

Zorrilla was selected as Interim CEO by former CEO Laura Maloney, who relocated overseas in August 2007 to join her husband Dan Maloney, who accepted a position with Zoos Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.

Zorrilla joined the LA/SPCA in February 2006 as Director of Development and was tasked with local and national fundraising, including launching of the LA/SPCA’s $17 million Capital Campaign. To date, $9.9 million has been successfully raised. Prior to joining the LA/SPCA, Zorrilla served as the Executive Director of the Summerbridge New Orleans program. Summerbridge New Orleans provided 5th, 6th and 7th graders from public schools and traditionally disadvantaged and low-income homes the opportunity to receive the best education available.

Zorrilla earned her undergraduate degree in English Literature and Secondary Education from Loyola University and her Masters in Educational Administration from the University of New Orleans. She currently serves on the Board of the Directors of New Orleans Outreach and The Hispanic Heritage Foundation. She’s previously served on the Board of Directors of the Greater New Orleans Camp Fire USA and the Summerbridge/Breakthrough National Program.

Headquartered in New Orleans, the LA/SPCA manages an operating budget of $3.8 million and employs almost 50 full-time employees. Hundreds of unpaid volunteers serve the organization in a variety of capacities. Post-Katrina, the LASPCA continues to rebuild and to serve thousands of animals a year through its shelter programs.

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The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an organization devoted to improving the lives of animals and eliminating the homelessness, neglect and abuse that signal animal suffering. Chartered in 1888, our history has been paved with an understanding that only through an improved human-animal ethic can we better the lives of companion animals and that of our community. Our programs and services are infused with the highest standards of care and compassion.

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