FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SALEM, Ore. ─ April 23, 2020 ─ Willamette Humane Society (WHS) today announced the additions of Paul Marksbury, Operations Director, and Erin Weldon, Development and Community Engagement Director, to the shelter’s executive leadership team. With more than two decades of combined professional experience in the nonprofit sector, Marksbury and Weldon join in the shelter’s mission of establishing, maintaining, and enhancing the bond between companion animals and people of Marion and Polk counties.
Paul Marksbury, Operations Director
Marksbury joined the WHS team as Operations Director in early April 2020. In his new role, Marksbury will oversee and lead shelter operations, including animal welfare, medical and veterinary practices, and adoption and fostering programs. Marksbury brings with him more than 12 years of experience serving nonprofit organizations across the country, most recently as the Director of Operations for Lawrence Humane Society in Lawrence, Kanas. He is a graduate of Kansas State University and one of Salem’s newest residents, along with his family.
“I am excited to join Willamette Humane Society and its amazing team of staff and volunteers,” said Marksbury. “Animal sheltering is so much more than saving lives. These pets use their second chances to complete families and heal souls. This is life-changing work in so many ways, and it’s an honor to do it in this incredible community.”
Erin Weldon, Development & Community Engagement Director
After serving as an integral member of the shelter’s development department since 2017, Erin Weldon was named the shelter’s Development and Community Engagement Director in April 2020. In her elevated role, Weldon will drive strategy for the organization’s development, fundraising, and sustainability efforts, as well as guide community relations, events and outreach, and volunteer management.
Weldon commented, “I am beyond excited to move into this new position and lead our organization into a sustainable and impactful future. I’m continually inspired by the amazing community of adopters, volunteers, donors, and community members who support WHS. It’s been a privilege to get to know them over the last two years, and I look forward to deepening our connections moving forward.”
Over the past decade of her career, Weldon has championed nonprofit missions across a variety of industries, including animal welfare, human services, and education. She is an Oregon native and graduated from Lewis and Clark College with a double major in English and Mathematics.
“We are excited to welcome Paul and Erin to their new roles here at Willamette Humane Society,” said BJ Andersen, WHS Executive Director. “Each of them brings new passion, expertise, and strategy to their respective roles, further strengthening our shelter leadership team. I am honored to work beside them, and the rest of our shelter team, as we keep our organization moving forward in the mission to serve pets and people during this uncertain time and beyond.”
For more information about Willamette Humane Society, visit whs4pets.org.
Media Contact:
Callie Gisler, Communications Manager
Willamette Humane Society
callie.gisler@whs4pets.org
About Willamette Humane Society
Willamette Humane Society, located in Salem, Ore., was founded in 1965 by local civic leaders to serve communities in Marion and Polk counties. The organization is dedicated to establishing, maintaining and enhancing the bond between companion animals and people. Willamette Humane Society provides essential services and programs such as adoption and sheltering, behavior and training, youth programs and a low-cost spay and neuter clinic. The shelter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by more than 60 employees and 700 volunteers. For more information about Willamette Humane Society, visit whs4pets.org.