Derby Brackett, CEO

“There’s a saying I seem to remember more than most over the years…’The only constant is change.’ Throughout the years, the VBSPCA has been recognized as a constant in our community despite the multitude of external changes. This past year was a tribute to that saying as the organization worked through an unexpected leadership transition. From the beginning of our organizational shift, Derby Brackett has been another constant.  Derby is a former VBSPCA Board member who initially volunteered to assume the reins of the organization as our Interim CEO. Through this past year, she has gone above and beyond, exceeded the Board’s expectations, and united the staff like never before. While our focus, of course, is the animals in our shelter, the clinic, and the community, without our BOD and staff’s support and efforts, the animals we serve day in and day out wouldn’t be able to receive the treatment, rehabilitation, and attention they deserve. Derby’s influence, guidance, and leadership is to thank for our recent success. It’s my distinct pleasure to announce Mrs. Derby Brackett as our new Chief Executive Officer. This change has brought a constant to our organization and we couldn’t be more excited about our future.  -Scott Taylor, VBSPCA Board Chair

After serving for one year as Interim CEO of the VBSPCA, Derby Brackett has stepped into the position permanently. Brackett is originally from Richmond, Virginia, but she’s been a Virginia Beach resident since 2017. As the Chief Executive Officer of the VBSPCA, she will bring vision and stability to the organization while continuing to further and serve the mission that has guided the VBSPCA for over 50 years. Her most recent professional experience includes 10 years in an executive role at Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia. Prior to that, Derby worked with Ukrop’s Supermarkets, a family owned, values based grocery leader in Richmond. Her experience is based in project management, communications and advocacy, and servant leadership, with a firm focus on strategic visioning, solutions grounded business, and community impact. She also serves as a member of the board of the LIFT Fitness Foundation and is an active member of 757 Angels.

While in her 12 month stint as Interim CEO, Derby established clear values for the organization, and her groundwork will be a guiding force in all that lies ahead for the animals and people of the VBSPCA. The Virginia Beach community can look forward to an animal shelter driven by empathy, compassion, dedication, collaboration, innovation, and joy, all pillars of an organization that seeks to serve.  

Derby enjoys all outdoor activities including running, biking, skiing, walking the dog, and, lately, has tried paddle boarding. But most of all, loves spending time with her husband, Doug, and extended family including her black lab, Rainey Storm.

“I feel that I have come full circle in my career- making the transition from human services to animal welfare provides me with great opportunity to provide leadership and create impact in an arena in which I have been most passionate since childhood. I can put my BS in Zoology as well as my long-time values-based leadership skills to work together! I am humbled and honored to serve the skilled staff, engaged Board of Directors, and most of all, the animals in our care.”  -Derby Brackett

To contact Derby Brackett, send an email to ceo@vbspca.com.