Montgomery County animal shelter appoints new CEO following an extensive national search lasting several months.

The Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has appointed Abigail Smith as its new chief executive officer, just under eight months following the resignation of its previous leader amid a wave of scrutiny concerning alleged mismanagement and euthanasia practices. This transition comes at a crucial time for the organization, which has faced significant public and regulatory pressure after an investigative report by the Inquirer revealed numerous operational deficiencies and financial oversight issues at the state’s wealthiest animal shelter.

Starting in June, Smith, 55, will oversee the management of three facilities located in Conshohocken, Perkiomenville, and Abington. She steps into the role left vacant by Carmen Ronio, whose departure in October came after years of criticism related to the shelter’s financial management and care practices.

Smith brings a wealth of experience in animal welfare, having previously led the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk, Maine, which has a comparable budget of over million annually. Her earlier roles include heading an animal shelter in upstate New York and serving as the chief animal services officer for the city of Austin, Texas.

In her new position in Pennsylvania, Smith will manage a century-old institution that is notable for being Montgomery County’s only open-intake shelter, a policy that ensures no dogs or cats are refused entry. The SPCA also boasts a significant financial reserve, with reported assets exceeding million, a factor that has drawn public ire given the conditions noted at the shelter. Previous leadership has been criticized for allowing facility conditions to deteriorate while holding substantial financial resources, leading to the documentation of low lifesaving rates and poor living environments for the animals. Instances of inadequate staffing and unsatisfactory facility maintenance have been highlighted, raising alarm among animal welfare advocates.

The response to these issues has been swift, with donors withdrawing planned contributions and community protests demanding accountability and reform. In response to the mounting pressure, the Pennsylvania Attorney General initiated an audit of the organization’s financial practices, which is currently ongoing.

In the wake of the leadership transition since last fall, the shelter has implemented substantial changes, including replacing most of its board members and senior management while investing over 0,000 in infrastructure and program modernization. Despite these turmoil-laden times, the facility continued to facilitate animal adoptions with the assistance of the Philadelphia SPCA.

Art Howe, the newly inaugurated board president, indicated that Smith emerged from a comprehensive national search, highlighting her extensive background in animal welfare. He expressed confidence in the potential for revitalizing the organization under her leadership.

In her introductory remarks, Smith acknowledged the potential for transformative change within the SPCA. She emphasized the shared vision to establish Montgomery County as a premier region for animal welfare, signaling a commitment to the reforms currently in motion. Smith will replace Tracie Graham, who has served as interim director following Ronio’s exit, and will remain with the organization in an undisclosed leadership capacity.

As this new chapter unfolds for the Montgomery County SPCA, stakeholders are keenly observing how this transformative leadership will address ongoing concerns while fostering an environment conducive to both animal welfare and community trust.