Humane society announces new leadership team

KAILUA-KONA — The Hawaii Island Humane Society Saturday announced a three-person management team for the organization.

The announcement comes after Donna Whitaker stepped down from the executive director position in November. She headed the humane society for close to a decade.

In January, Lauren Nickerson will be the new community programs director, according to a statement from the organization. Regina DR Serrano will be the new shelter operations director, and Robert Belcher will become the finance director.

Nickerson will oversee the humane society’s education and community outreach programs. She is a graduate of Harvard University and a Fulbright Scholar with a master’s degree in education.

Serrano, a graduate of the veterinary technician program at Purdue University, spent the last decade managing employees on worksites across three islands. She also recently volunteered with assisting animal rescues during the recent eruption.

Belcher, a Hawaii certified public accountant inactive, graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with degrees in accounting and agricultural economics.

In addition to the management team, Atwood said, the humane society will also be adding in February a second full-time staff veterinarian, who will serve the island’s east side.

“This will allow for more efficient and comprehensive care of the animals placed in our care every day,” said Adam Atwood, president of the Hawaii Island Humane Society, in the release.

The Hawaii Island Humane Society “Spay and Neuter Waggin’” will also continue its work offering free sterilization services to remote areas around the island.