The Board of Directors of the New Hampshire SPCA is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsay Hamrick as the organization’s next President & Chief Executive Officer. Hamrick will succeed Lisa Dennison, who will retire in July after 32 years at the helm.
After an extensive and thoughtful nationwide search, the Board unanimously selected Hamrick to lead the organization into its next chapter of compassionate care, community connection, and lifesaving impact for animals across New Hampshire and beyond.
Hamrick joins the NHSPCA from Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States), where she held leadership roles dedicated to advancing animal welfare initiatives and strengthening organizational impact.
Hamrick has spent two decades advancing companion animal welfare at the local, state, and national levels. Most recently, she served as Director of Shelter Outreach at Humane World for Animals, leading the Shelter and Rescue Partner program, collaborating with hundreds of organizations through training, mentorship, and advocacy. Previously, she held operational leadership roles at multiple New Hampshire animal shelters, overseeing animal care, medical services, behavior and training, adoptions, pet owner support programs, humane education and volunteer engagement. She also served five years as New Hampshire State Director, advocating for humane policies, and was a member of the Governor’s Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals and New Hampshire Disaster Animal Response Team.
Hamrick serves on the board of the New England Federation of Humane Societies and advises Shelter Animals Count, the nation’s most trusted source of shelter and rescue data that informs effective, sustainable solutions. She is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator and Certified Professional Dog Trainer and holds a M.S. in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University and a B.S. in Animal Science and Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She has called New Hampshire ‘home’ for 20 years.
For more than three decades, Lisa Dennison has dedicated her career to transforming the NHSPCA and advancing animal welfare throughout the region. During her remarkable 32 years of service, she helped shape the organization into one of New Hampshire’s most respected non-profit institutions, guiding countless animals toward safety, healing, and loving homes.
“Leading the New Hampshire SPCA has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” said Dennison. “I am incredibly proud of all we have built together over the past 32 years, and I could not be more excited to welcome Lindsay to this community. Her compassion, experience, and commitment to animal welfare make her the right person to lead the organization into the future. I know the New Hampshire SPCA is in wonderful hands.”
“Lisa’s legacy is woven into every part of this organization,” said Brian Gibb, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her vision, warmth, and unwavering dedication have touched thousands of lives, both animal and human. We are deeply grateful for her extraordinary leadership and thrilled to welcome Lindsay, and her extensive experience and commitment to animal welfare, as the next steward of this incredible mission.”
“I am honored and excited to join the New Hampshire SPCA at such an important moment in its history,” said Hamrick. “The diversity and impact of the organization’s longstanding programs reflect the deep support of the community and the dedication, expertise, and compassion of the staff, volunteers and Board of Directors. Under Lisa Dennison’s leadership, the NHSPCA has become a nationally respected leader in animal sheltering, and I am humbled to build on that legacy in our mission to support pets and the people who love them.”
Hamrick will join the New Hampshire SPCA officially on July 1, 2026. She will be at Paws Walk on June 7 to begin meeting volunteers, staff and community members.
The Board also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the staff, volunteers, donors, and community members who supported the leadership transition process and continue to strengthen the organization’s mission.
