Credit: Montgomery County SPCA.
National leader joins MCSPCA to advance vision for animal welfare in Montgomery County
Montgomery County SPCA (MCSPCA) announced that Abigail (“Abby”) Smith will serve as Chief Executive Officer, effective June 2. The selection follows a nationwide search conducted in partnership with a leading firm specializing in nonprofits and animal welfare. Dozens of highly qualified applicants were thoroughly vetted by the new MCSPCA board of directors.
“This is an exciting time for the Montgomery County SPCA. We have already made major changes to improve and expand our services, and we’re laying groundwork for much more,” said Art Howe, president of the MCSPCA board of directors. “Abby’s addition as CEO is an important next step in our journey. She is deeply committed to our cause, and has the experience and expertise to help bring our shared vision to life.”
A proven leader with more than 20 years of experience in animal welfare, Smith most recently served as Executive Director of Animal Welfare Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Kennebunk, Maine. She was previously Chief Animal Services Officer of the City of Austin, Texas, and Executive Director of the Tompkins County SPCA in New York.
Across organizations — including in open-intake shelters like MCSPCA — Smith has maintained high lifesaving rates by focusing on community engagement, surrender prevention and affordable veterinary services.
“Montgomery County SPCA has served its communities for 115 years. With new leadership from our board of directors, and ongoing dedication from our staff, volunteers and supporters, we have a historic opportunity to make Montgomery County one of the best places in America for animal welfare,” said Abby Smith, incoming CEO. “I am grateful for the board’s confidence and eager to start working with the team to build programs and services to help the people and pets in our community thrive.”
Tracie Graham, who served as Interim Executive Director throughout the transition, will remain on staff as part of the leadership team. Other recent hires include shelter and kennel managers, veterinary technicians, animal trainers, a volunteer manager, a community humane educator, and a facilities and maintenance manager.
“Animal welfare is difficult but rewarding work. We know we need to have the right team in place to advance our mission,” said Samantha Holbrook, vice president of the board of directors. “Abby’s experience, enthusiasm and vision are perfectly suited to MCSPCA and the work that lies ahead. After a period of rebuilding, we are excited to evolve for the future and expand our services to reach more people and animals in need of support.”
In parallel with the executive search, MCSPCA has also begun a strategic planning process that includes a first-ever community needs assessment focused on animal welfare in Montgomery County. Since October of 2024, MCSPCA has invested more than $250,000 to improve existing facilities. Animal Arts, a leading architecture and design firm specializing in animal shelters and veterinary services, has been engaged to support further improvements and new construction. Additional details will be shared as planning moves forward in the coming months.
Founded in 1909, the Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal protection, humane education and caring for unwanted, lost and abused domestic animals. MCSPCA serves thousands of animals and pet owners each year, and takes in stray animals from local police departments and the public at no cost to the community. MCSPCA operates a shelter and adoption center in Conshohocken and a 60-acre farm in Perkiomenville, which includes an adoption center as well as a barn and pastures for horses and rescued livestock animals.
