The Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) is excited to announce that Alisa Gray, current Vice President of Outreach, will become President & CEO in April 2023. After 17 years leading KHS, current President & CEO Lori Kane Redmon has chosen to take on a new role overseeing KHS’ growing Equine C.A.R.E. (connect, assist, rescue, educate) Program.
Redmon and the KHS Board of Directors unanimously chose Gray to become the new President & CEO to guide KHS into the future. For the next six months, Redmon and Gray will work closely together to ensure the strongest possible transition for Kentucky’s most established and trusted animal welfare agency.
“Alisa is a remarkable leader who has been responsible for a great portion of our success over the years,” said Redmon. “I feel proud and lucky that when I decided to hand the reins over to a new President & CEO and take a new position with our Equine Program, the most qualified possible successor was already on our team. I’m excited for Alisa to guide KHS’ ongoing evolution to grow and expand our programs to save the lives of animals and build compassionate communities.”
“The board is so pleased for Alisa to assume leadership of KHS. She is a respected mentor, talented fundraiser and role model throughout KHS and the animal welfare industry,” said Jena Stone, Board Chair of KHS. “Her deep knowledge of animal welfare and demonstrated passion for the community make her uniquely qualified to lead KHS successfully into the future.”
Gray brings 14 years of leadership, fundraising and experience in animal welfare to the position. Since joining the organization in 2014, she has increased KHS’ philanthropy by more than 240%. She has been instrumental in leading the evolution of KHS’ people-centered philosophy, which guides KHS’ approach to serving people and animals. Prior to joining KHS, Gray worked for Louisville Metro Animal Services and the Lexington Humane Society.
“I want to thank Lori for her distinguished leadership at KHS, and also the board and our staff for their confidence as I step into this new role,” said Gray. “I look forward to leading KHS as we continue to grow and innovate to improve the lives of Kentucky’s cats, dogs and horses – and their human families.”
After 17 years under Redmon’s guidance, KHS is positioned for a successful transition to a new CEO and continued growth. KHS is financially strong with $12 million in revenue in 2021, an increase of 200% since Redmon took the reins in 2005. KHS boasts effective organizational processes and programs, transparency, and a staff of over 100.
A regional and national leader in animal welfare, KHS is a champion for companion animals and the people who love them. KHS’ live release rate – or the number of pets who are adopted or returned to their owners after being lost – has increased from less than 50% in 2005 to an impressive 96% today. KHS has helped drastically reduce the number of animals surrendered to local shelters through its proactive programs. Its S.N.I.P Clinic has spayed or neutered more than 175,000 animals since it opened in 2007. It has launched and expanded programs like its Pet Help Line to support struggling pet owners; Safe Haven to offer temporary homes to families escaping domestic violence; and its LOVE 120 Initiative to positively impact all 120 Kentucky counties by 2029. Most recently, KHS launched the CARE-a-van mobile veterinary clinic to bring low-cost pet wellness to Kentucky communities that lack access to affordable care. KHS also assists Kentucky animal shelters and communities after natural disasters by providing resources, supplies and shelter transports.
Gray will continue Redmon’s legacy of growth and innovation to improve the lives of animals and support pet owners. Specifically, she will continue to increase funding and expand KHS’ services, programs and outreach to help even more of Kentucky’s needy pets and people.
Alisa Gray Bio
Alisa joined the Kentucky Humane Society in 2014, after working at Louisville Metro Animal Services and Lexington Humane Society. In her 14 years within animal welfare, she has held positions in development, public relations, management, client services, volunteer and education, animal care and shelter operations. Most recently, she has led the Development and PR Teams at KHS with an over 240% increase in philanthropy. Over the years, Alisa has steadily built her knowledge and qualifications in animal welfare leadership and building community relationships, including being a part of the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) conference committee, Leadership Louisville Class of 2021 and a Rotarian. She has bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Integrated Strategic Communications from the University of Kentucky. Alisa lives in Louisville with her husband, 3-year-old son and a current KHS foster pup.
About Kentucky Humane Society
The Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) is Kentucky’s largest animal adoption agency and spay/neuter provider. KHS also provides free counseling and support to local pet owners to help them keep pets at home and out of shelters, including behavior advice, veterinary care referrals, free pet food and supplies, and more. Through its Love 120 program, KHS works with rural shelters across Kentucky to reduce overcrowding and increase their lifesaving capacity.