San Diego Humane Society Executive and Leadership Team

Diane Gilabert, the Chief Financial Officer at San Diego Humane Society, directs all fiscal planning and resource allocation to support animal welfare initiatives. Managing the budgetary requirements for multiple campuses, the Chief Financial Officer ensures financial sustainability for programs providing medical care and community safety nets. Gilabert oversees the integration of donor funding with operational expenditures to maximize the impact of charitable resources. By maintaining rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer protects the long-term viability of the organization. Diane Gilabert also collaborates with the Board to align fiscal strategies with the mission of preventing cruelty and neglect. Through precise financial modeling, the Chief Financial Officer enables the expansion of services across the county. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of economic variables affecting non-profit operations. Ultimately, Gilabert secures the necessary capital to sustain the diverse programs offered by the organization.

Jessica Lauriers, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at San Diego Humane Society, manages daily operations across all regional campuses. Overseeing the logistics of animal intake, adoption services, and facility maintenance, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures efficient service delivery for pet families. Lauriers coordinates cross-departmental workflows to maintain high standards of animal care and community engagement. By optimizing operational processes, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer drives the effectiveness of the safety net programs. Jessica Lauriers also implements strategic initiatives to improve facility performance in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, and beyond. This leadership role involves constant interaction with department heads to streamline internal procedures. Through meticulous management of daily activities, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of strengthening the human-animal bond. Lauriers maintains operational excellence to ensure the organization meets the needs of the community.

Gary Weitzman, the President at San Diego Humane Society, architects the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Leading the executive team, the President defines the long-term goals for animal welfare, community education, and cruelty prevention. Weitzman represents the organization in public forums, advocating for policies that enhance the human-animal bond. By fostering partnerships with community stakeholders, the President expands the reach of the safety net programs. Gary Weitzman also guides the development of new initiatives to address the evolving needs of pet families throughout the region. This leadership role involves setting the tone for organizational culture and ensuring alignment with the core mission. Through consistent engagement with the Board and staff, the President drives innovation in animal care services. Weitzman maintains a focus on sustainable growth to ensure the organization continues to serve as a vital resource for the community for years to come.

Zarah Hedge, the Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Shelter Medicine at San Diego Humane Society, directs all clinical operations and veterinary protocols. Overseeing the medical teams, the Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Shelter Medicine ensures high-quality care for animals across all campuses. Hedge implements advanced medical standards to prevent disease and promote animal health within the shelter environment. By managing the veterinary staff, the Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Shelter Medicine supports the organization's commitment to providing comprehensive medical care. Zarah Hedge also collaborates with other executives to integrate clinical outcomes into the broader animal welfare strategy. This leadership role involves overseeing complex medical procedures and training programs to maintain excellence in shelter medicine. Through the application of evidence-based practices, the Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Shelter Medicine improves the well-being of animals awaiting adoption. Hedge ensures that clinical operations remain at the forefront of the industry.