Our values drive our work

The Maryland SPCA’s mission is to improve the lives of pets and people in our community. Over 80 full-time and part-time staff work side by side with hundreds of volunteers to deliver these services. Together, we’re ensuring the best possible care for animals and people in Baltimore and beyond. We multiply our impact by collaborating with individuals, other nonprofits, and local businesses.

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.

RESPECT

We celebrate every person’s uniqueness and listen to their opinions.

INNOVATION

We look for new ways to do things better.

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.

Meet our management team

Jennifer L. Dunworth

Development Director

Jennifer L. Dunworth

Development Director

After earning a bachelors of Psychology from the University of Scranton and masters of Social Work from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Jennifer practiced as a social worker before turning to fundraising. She spent 18 years with various nonprofits prior to joining the MD SPCA. With rescue pup Mollie, Jennifer enjoys the sunshine on the back deck, dabbling in fiber arts and returning to Arizona to sing with her choir.

Katie Flory

Community Care and Advocacy Director

Katie Flory

Community Care and Advocacy Director

Katie has worked for the Maryland SPCA for 14 years, training thousands of volunteers and members of the community in animal handling and safety. She is responsible for analysis and advocacy of legislation affecting animal welfare and provides educational presentations to local schools, universities, and community groups on animal safety and welfare. She is also Chair of the Baltimore City Mayor’s Anti-Animal Abuse Commission. Katie lives with her three dogs Hank Williams Jr., Gov. Tugg Boat Tank Speedman, and Buoy.

Dr. Ana Hodgson

Shelter Medicine Chief

Dr. Ana Hodgson

Shelter Medicine Chief

Dr. Hodgson is a native of Yonkers, NY. She has always appreciated her community and its cultural diversity. An urge to see our country took her west to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. She graduated from Utah State University with a BS in animal science. Dr. Hodgson subsequently earned her master’s degree in agricultural extension (with emphasis in adult education) while simultaneously completing veterinary school at Western University for the Health Sciences.

She has worked in mixed animal practice, small animal practice, and shelter medicine in Colorado, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Shelter medicine and soft tissue surgery have been her passions for several years. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her retired-army husband, two cats, and two dogs. They enjoy the arts, cultural events, traveling, gardening, attending Wounded Warrior events, and cheering for the New York Giants.

Jessica Lanzillotti

Executive Director

Jessica Lanzillotti

Executive Director

Jessica, a South Dakota native, is thrilled to be crunching numbers as the Maryland SPCA’s executive director. She graduated valedictorian of the Towson University Business School in 2002 and worked in public accounting before changing direction and focusing on the non-profit sector. Jessica was the Business and General Manager of Baltimore’s Everyman Theatre for 13 years prior to joining the Maryland SPCA.  Her current menagerie has dwindled to a mere three cats and two dogs but is ready to grow at any time…which is why the Maryland SPCA keeps her out of the kennels.

Nichole Miller

Director of Operations

Nichole Miller

Director of Operations

Nichole began working at the shelter 16 years ago as a part-time kennel technician. Her interest in animal behavior, disease management, and standards of care for shelter pets have informed the development of innovative programs for intake deferment, transport, foster, adoption, and helped decrease length of stay. She continues to strive to maximize the shelter’s lifesaving capacity, while working towards the mission of helping pets and people in the community.

Our board of directors

President: Sharon Kroupa

Vice President: Peter Askew

Vice President: Barb Simmons

Treasurer: Gregg Gorman

Secretary: Jennifer Viglucci

Past President: Joanne Pollak

Tina Beliveau
Cheryl Bernard-Smith
Anne Broadus
Barb Clapp
Lisa Dembeck
Terri Jones
Carin Lazarus
Rachid Medarhri
M. John Meyer

Carrie Montague
Natalie Long
Olachi Opara
Kera Ritter
Kevin Rochlitz
Estelle Ward, DVM
Eric DeCosta, Board Ambassador
Randy Brinton, Board member Emeritus
Howie Wolfe, Board member Emeritus

Our Volunteers

Volunteers give their time and talent to help Maryland’s pets and people.

Our inspiring supporters make a difference every day. They greet clients in our spay/neuter and adoption centers, enrich the lives of cats and dogs in our care, co-organize fundraising and off-site adoption events, and much more. Learn how you can become part of the team!

Volunteer Opportunities

Careers

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. You’ll join a team of people who believe in our mission and thrive on hard work caring for cats and dogs and finding them loving homes. Take a look at our job postings to find the right fit for you.

Careers

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Saving the lives of Maryland animals since 1869.

Explore all the ways to give to the Maryland SPCA.

Your support saves the lives of local cats and dogs.

Help pay for health care essentials and adoption services.

Help pets stay in loving homes where they belong.

Give food, toys, another items to support our mission.

Give cats and dogs the gift of your time.

Provide a temporary home for pets who need extra time.

Join us for training classes and community events.

Life-saving knowledge and resources for all your pets' needs.