House Rabbit Society (HRS), an international rabbit rescue and educational organization, is pleased to announce that it has named Anne Martin, PhD as its new Executive Director. Dr. Martin will replace Margo DeMello, PhD, the organization’s longtime Executive Director; Dr. DeMello will remain as the organization’s President.
Anne Martin is a longtime animal advocate with a background in urban planning, human geography, and environmental planning, who received her PhD in City and Regional Planning from the University of California at Berkeley in 2012.
She was hired by House Rabbit Society in February 2013 as Shelter Director, and in that leadership role has revitalized the organization’s fundraising, volunteer, and adoption programs. In her first year, she made huge improvements to the shelter’s facility, reduced operating expenses, expanded membership, improved staff morale, created valuable new business and rescue partnerships, and opened House Rabbit Society’s first spay-neuter clinic, providing low cost spay/neuter services to the general public. She also helped create and expand the organization’s monthly giving program, the Bunny Brigade Monthly Giving program, increasing income by $3,000 per month.
House Rabbit Society President Margo DeMello said, “The Board has been so thrilled with what Anne has accomplished through her short term at HRS. We can’t wait to see what she continues to do as Executive Director.” Dr. Martin adds, “Over the last 25 years, House Rabbit Society has been at the forefront of advocacy for rabbits, building an incredible international network of chapters and members devoted to rabbit rescue and education. It is an honor to join House Rabbit Society as Executive Director, and I look forward to developing new and innovative ways in which House Rabbit Society can make a difference for rabbits.”
Martin holds a BA from Bryn Mawr College, and an MCP and PhD from UC Berkeley. She is a board member of Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary. She lives in Rohnert Park, CA with her partner and four house rabbits.