About Us
Saving the lives of Maryland animals since 1869.
Over 150 years ago, the Maryland SPCA was founded on a simple notion: every animal deserves to be treated with compassion and care.
Our Values Drive our Work
The Maryland SPCA’s mission is to reduce pet homelessness by providing pet retention services, safety net housing, and community engagement that empowers citizens of Baltimore and beyond.
Community
We believe in the power of working together. We partner with others to problem-solve and invite and welcome different perspectives.
Integrity
Our actions are based on ethics, including honesty, fairness, and transparency.
Compassion
We use our hearts and minds in our decisions, practicing understanding and kindness with pets and people.
Innovation
We look for new ways to do things better.
Respect
We celebrate every person’s uniqueness and listen to their opinions.
MD SPCA Leadership
Jessica Lanzillotti: Executive Director
Nichole Miller: Director of Operations
Bash Di’ Stefano: Assistant Director of Operations
Katie Flory: Director of Community Care & Advocacy
Katie Haines: Assistant Director of Community Care and Advocacy
Jennifer Dunworth: Director of Development
Ethan Salem: Director of Marketing & Communications
Tiffany Lolmaugh: Director of Human Resources
Dr. Suzanne Nelson: Director of Veterinary Services
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ensures we can fulfill our mission. At the MD SPCA, we define DEI as:
- Diversity reflects ways individuals are unique, which includes not only race, ethnicity, and gender but also different abilities, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, background, and experience.
- Equity means creating and supporting policies that provide resources to accommodate individual needs and prevent the formation of barriers for employees and volunteers as well as those in the greater Baltimore community.
- Inclusion fosters an environment where all staff, volunteers, and clients are able to participate fully and be their authentic selves because their different perspective are welcomed, heard, and valued.
2024 Annual Report
2024 was a year of incredible highs at the Maryland SPCA. We finished
and opened our warehouse, which was built to help us house our Kibble Connection pet food pantry. We revamped our canine outdoor play space, making it safer and with more activities than before. We collaborated with 18 other Maryland shelters throughout August to find homes for over 3,000 shelter pets across the state. We also created one of the most in-depth strategic plans the organization has ever seen.
Our Board of Directors
Officers:
Cheryl Bernard-Smith, President – Former Director MD SPCA
Mike Cirangle, Vice President – Ellin & Tucker
Dan Mendelsohn, Vice President – Venable LLP
Lisa Dembeck, Treasurer – The Johns Hopkins University
Leah Maddox, Secretary – Behavior Health Systems, retired
Current Directors:
Ted Alban – The Johns Hopkins Health System
Stephanie Baker – WAEPA
Ruth Anne Boykin – RAB Design and Staging
Paul Day – DLA Piper
Anna Harbom – HomeVets LLC
Deborah Hazlett – Everyman Theatre
Tricia Hinkel – RGS Title LLC, retired
Paige Hoffen – Unrivaled Sports
Terri Jones – Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Eric Kmetz – Product Manager
Carrie Montague – Planned Parenthood of Maryland
Lisa Murray, M.D. – Towson University Health Center, retired
Lynn Oswald – University of Maryland School of Nursing, retired
Christine Pierpoint – Acadia Software
Lisa Radov – Owner, Gebco Insurance Associates, retired
Ambassador:
Eric DeCosta – The Baltimore Ravens
Emeritus:
Randy Brinton – RBC Wealth Management, retired
Howie Wolfe deceased
Do you want to work at the MD SPCA?
What do animals mean to you? At the Maryland SPCA, we have a deep, unwavering commitment to animal welfare. We can’t help pets without helping people! We are interested in hiring people who love working with people just as much as the pets. Take a look at our job postings to find the right fit for you.
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