Guy Collison Named Executive Director of the Arizona Humane Society

March 11, 2009

Guy Collison

Guy Collison, who has spent nearly 20 years managing and directing non-profit social service organizations in Phoenix, has been named Executive Director of The Arizona Humane Society (AHS).

Collison will take over responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the state’s largest nonprofit animal welfare and protection agency on March 11, replacing Interim Executive Director Ann Harwood, who will return to her full-time position in the U.S. Attorney’s office. Harwood will remain with the agency through March 20 to assist with Collison’s transition.

"The focus of our national search for a new executive director was to identify a compassionate and proven nonprofit leader to ensure the long-term financial, strategic and tactical growth and viability of the Arizona Humane Society," said Maureen Beyers, chair of the AHS Board of Directors. "Guy Collison is that person, and finding the right person in our own community adds a critical dimension to his leadership skills in his knowledge and understanding of this marketplace."

Collison was executive director of United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona for 17 years. During his tenure, the organization’s revenue increased from $740,000 to $9.5 million, including the elimination of $250,000 in debt, and program services grew from 26,000 hours a year to nearly 360,000.

Prior to his position at UCP, Collison spent nearly three years as executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Phoenix, increasing revenues by 175 percent. Collison holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University.

"The Arizona Humane Society’s vital services and programs take on an even greater role during these difficult and challenging economic times," Collison said. "Our mission, and our goal, is to make certain that we continue to identify, react to and address the ongoing and growing needs of our community to ensure that the animals, who too often become unsuspecting victims, are cared for and placed in good, loving homes."

About Arizona Humane Society
Founded in 1957, the Arizona Humane Society is the state’s largest nonprofit animal welfare and protection agency. The mission of AHS is to improve the lives of animals, alleviate their suffering, and elevate their status in society. Learn more at www.azhumane.org.

Contacts
Ashleigh Goebel, Public Information Officer, Arizona Humane Society
(602) 997-7586, ext. 1020; cell: (602) 359-7997

Steve Carr, The Kur Carr Group, Inc., (602) 317-3040 (cell)