As we welcome 2025, the Jacksonville Humane Society and you—our valued supporters and friends—have much to celebrate. In 2024, we achieved remarkable success, saving the lives of over 8,000 dogs and cats while helping countless families stay together. Looking ahead, 2025 marks an exciting milestone and a significant transition that we are eager to share with you! 

After 13 incredible years, I am stepping aside as CEO of the Jacksonville Humane Society. Together, we accomplished so much in our community, including achieving No-Kill city wide, building a state-of-the-art facility after the previous shelter burned down, and establishing Jacksonville and JHS as a local, statewide, and nationally leader in animal welfare. I am incredibly proud of our community of supporters, and working alongside all of you to achieve these goals is among the greatest accomplishments of my life – thank you. While stepping down as CEO, I will stay on for an additional year as Executive Advisor and CEO Emerita to support the transition and other key initiatives. 

Please join me in welcoming Lawrence Nicolas to the CEO role. Lawrence has been a dedicated member of the JHS team since 2021, serving as COO/President, and has worked diligently alongside me to prepare for this leadership role. Lawrence brings more than 15 years of experience in animal welfare, working previously for Best Friends Animal Society, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, and Denver Dumb Friends League before joining JHS. Lawrence’s commitment to supporting people and the pets they love runs deep and his wealth of expertise makes him the obvious choice to succeed me as CEO. 

While we have made incredible progress here in Jacksonville, there is still work to be done. The Jacksonville Humane Society will continue to work tirelessly until every dog and cat in Duval County has a safe place to call home and no animals lose their lives needlessly. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter is in the JHS story, that all of you will write together. 

Generosity Breeds Joy!

Denise Deisler, CEO Emerita