Staff & Board

Denise Deisler joined the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) in 2011, where she quickly forged key partnerships, increased revenue, and led initiatives that significantly advanced the community’s no-kill goal. Her efforts resulted in programs like a kitten nursery, a community resource center, and a focus on shelter transfers, saving over 1,000 animals in her first year. Under her leadership, Jacksonville achieved a 90+% live release rate for five of the last six years, making it one of the largest U.S. cities to do so. Denise also spearheaded the $15 million fundraising campaign to rebuild JHS’s shelter after the 2007 fire, overseeing the design and construction of a new 44,000 square-foot facility, which opened in November 2017.

Before joining JHS, Denise served as Executive Director of the Humane Society of Manatee County, where she helped end trap-and-kill for feral cats and led the county’s adoption of a no-kill plan. She also worked as Chief Operating Officer of the Richmond SPCA, contributing to efforts that transformed the city’s approach to animal homelessness. Denise is a sought-after trainer and consultant on no-kill programs, board development, and community engagement. She currently serves on several leadership committees, including Best Friends Animal Society’s No Kill 2025 Steering Committee. Denise was named a Maddie’s Fund Hero in 2018 and a Best Friends Animal Society National Advancement Award winner in 2019. She lives with her husband Bernie, granddaughter Emma, their dogs Yogi and Shelli, and their cat Purrl.