AWS Executive Director to Step Down

Dear friends and supporters,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of Animal Welfare Society, I wanted to share with you that Abigail Smith has announced her resignation as AWS’ Executive Director, effective May 30, 2025. She will be stepping into a new role as Chief Executive Officer for Montgomery County SPCA in Pennsylvania. We will miss Abby tremendously here at AWS, and we wish her the very best in her new endeavors!

We are grateful for Abigail’s progressive and innovative leadership over the past 10 years. She has been instrumental in the growth of the organization, most notably through the creation and expansion of its Community Veterinary Clinic and development of state-of-the-art Adoption and Stay@ Home programs. These initiatives reflect AWS’ core commitment to strengthening the human-animal bond and improving the quality of life for both pets and their families throughout Southern Maine and have made AWS a regional leader in animal stewardship, especially with regard to keeping pet families together and thriving.

The Board has begun an active search for the best candidate this week. We look forward to finding a new Executive Director to carry on AWS’ mission and work.

In the meantime, Astrid Wielens, Director of Administration, has been selected as interim Executive Director. The Board has complete confidence in Astrid, and AWS’ entire leadership to carry on its mission and services during this transition. With a strong team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, AWS will continue to be a relevant and important resource for the pets and people of York County, now and into the future.

Thank you for your support of AWS!

Sincerely,

Ron Schneider
AWS Board President