Happiest of New Years!
I can sum up the past year with one simple phrase: controlled chaos. Despite the disruption of construction throughout our clinic renovation and the general landscape of animal welfare, we have truly accomplished amazing feats this year together. 
Construction on our clinic began in January, and we made adjustments to operating spaces and methodologies along the way to continue to be a trusted resource for the animals in our community and in our shelter. The clinic team, led by Medical Director Dr. Ann Marie Woyma and Director of Clinic Operations Kindra Haymaker, banded together to find innovative solutions to treat animals in need under some of the toughest conditions. Desktops became exam tables, hallways were holding kennels, equipment found homes in cupboards, and makeshift workspaces were assembled from temporary tables. Clients endured shifting check-in directions, and patients made their way safely around construction areas to get the care they needed. Shelter staff adjusted schedules and expectations as needed to work better with the clinic – never missing a step for the care of our shelter residents. Throughout it all, we managed to maintain our sense of purpose for our community, and today’s clinic is a testament to our fortitude and resilience, and a true recognition of the needs of our devoted pet owners.
I couldn’t be more proud of the teams as they worked through the long days of construction only to see the very bright light that is our clinic today. With special thanks to PetSmart Charities and Taylor Construction, we exceeded our expectations for the utilization of space and are now positioned to do more with more.
In July, Jenn Fly joined our Executive Team as Director of Shelter Operations. Though we have a very strong management team in place, we had struggled to fill the director role. With a long background in animal welfare, Jenn immediately got to work providing keen oversight and new perspectives for our shelter. In this year of animal population challenges, decreases in adoption rates, and increases in owner relinquishments; her wisdom, calm demeanor, and practical approach have helped guide us to better decisions about our capacity for care and improved collaboration with community partners. It is our strategic vision to be a leading partner in animal welfare in our region, and we certainly are with our leadership in place.
As we consider the volume of work that faces us in 2025, we realize that our greatest resource is our people. Talented and dedicated staff at all levels create the foundation upon which we grow and deliver our mission with the greatest impact. As we prepared budgets for 2025, we considered competitive compensation, overall benefits, and continuing education as critical components of our very treasured investment – committed, fulfilled employees. At our most recent annual employee awards breakfast, I looked around the room and marveled at the tremendous staff we have in place. Whether one works in kennel or cattery, clinic or Neuter Scooter, development or marketing, finance or human resources – each one serves to deliver our strongest mission to the community.
Though the journey through the past year has been rocky at times, we are ending the year with the disruptions behind us and a clear vision of our path forward. With the support of our devoted community – donors, sponsors, volunteers, adopters, fosters, pet owners, vendors, and partners – we know that 2025 will bring expanded in-house clinic services; hopes for a new Neuter Scooter on the road; stability in our shelter, where the promise of second chances abound; new friends made at our many events, especially our Wags & Whiskers Gala on April 12th; and continued growth for staff and our leadership.
We graciously bid adieu to 2024, having reached the end with the help of a great sense of humor and a touch of joy. We look forward to the promises of new – less bumpy – adventures in 2025 as we jump right in…for the animals.
With many thanks and a bright outlook for 2025,
Derby Bracket
CEO, Virginia Beach SPCA
Last Updated: December 30, 2024 by vbspcaadmin
A Message from the CEO
Happiest of New Years!
I can sum up the past year with one simple phrase: controlled chaos. Despite the disruption of construction throughout our clinic renovation and the general landscape of animal welfare, we have truly accomplished amazing feats this year together.
Construction on our clinic began in January, and we made adjustments to operating spaces and methodologies along the way to continue to be a trusted resource for the animals in our community and in our shelter. The clinic team, led by Medical Director Dr. Ann Marie Woyma and Director of Clinic Operations Kindra Haymaker, banded together to find innovative solutions to treat animals in need under some of the toughest conditions. Desktops became exam tables, hallways were holding kennels, equipment found homes in cupboards, and makeshift workspaces were assembled from temporary tables. Clients endured shifting check-in directions, and patients made their way safely around construction areas to get the care they needed. Shelter staff adjusted schedules and expectations as needed to work better with the clinic – never missing a step for the care of our shelter residents. Throughout it all, we managed to maintain our sense of purpose for our community, and today’s clinic is a testament to our fortitude and resilience, and a true recognition of the needs of our devoted pet owners.
I couldn’t be more proud of the teams as they worked through the long days of construction only to see the very bright light that is our clinic today. With special thanks to PetSmart Charities and Taylor Construction, we exceeded our expectations for the utilization of space and are now positioned to do more with more.
In July, Jenn Fly joined our Executive Team as Director of Shelter Operations. Though we have a very strong management team in place, we had struggled to fill the director role. With a long background in animal welfare, Jenn immediately got to work providing keen oversight and new perspectives for our shelter. In this year of animal population challenges, decreases in adoption rates, and increases in owner relinquishments; her wisdom, calm demeanor, and practical approach have helped guide us to better decisions about our capacity for care and improved collaboration with community partners. It is our strategic vision to be a leading partner in animal welfare in our region, and we certainly are with our leadership in place.
As we consider the volume of work that faces us in 2025, we realize that our greatest resource is our people. Talented and dedicated staff at all levels create the foundation upon which we grow and deliver our mission with the greatest impact. As we prepared budgets for 2025, we considered competitive compensation, overall benefits, and continuing education as critical components of our very treasured investment – committed, fulfilled employees. At our most recent annual employee awards breakfast, I looked around the room and marveled at the tremendous staff we have in place. Whether one works in kennel or cattery, clinic or Neuter Scooter, development or marketing, finance or human resources – each one serves to deliver our strongest mission to the community.
Though the journey through the past year has been rocky at times, we are ending the year with the disruptions behind us and a clear vision of our path forward. With the support of our devoted community – donors, sponsors, volunteers, adopters, fosters, pet owners, vendors, and partners – we know that 2025 will bring expanded in-house clinic services; hopes for a new Neuter Scooter on the road; stability in our shelter, where the promise of second chances abound; new friends made at our many events, especially our Wags & Whiskers Gala on April 12th; and continued growth for staff and our leadership.
We graciously bid adieu to 2024, having reached the end with the help of a great sense of humor and a touch of joy. We look forward to the promises of new – less bumpy – adventures in 2025 as we jump right in…for the animals.
With many thanks and a bright outlook for 2025,
Derby Bracket
CEO, Virginia Beach SPCA
Category: VBSPCA News
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