WATERTOWN, NY – The Jefferson County SPCA announced today that its Board of Trustees has appointed Jordan Rodriguez as the organization’s new executive director. The position has been vacant since May 2020.
Ms. Rodriguez moved from her role as Director of Development at the SPCA, which she had held since August 3, 2020, into the Executive Director position on November 18, 2020.
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Board President Joanne Thornton said, “The Shelter needed a Change Leader with strategic vision, strong communication, development skills, nonprofit experience and drive. Ms. Rodriguez possess all those capabilities. The trustees are extremely excited and feel truly
fortunate to have her as the Executive Director. Having Ms. Rodriguez at the helm could not have come at a better time as the pandemic has severely impacted the shelter’s resources.”\
Rodriguez said, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that is as vital to our north country community as the Jefferson County SPCA is. The Shelter staff, volunteers and board have handled the pandemic related business changes with true grit and dedication to the mission, and they will continue to be our greatest strength as we move forward into 2021.We are determined to find a creative and strategic path that will guide us through the difficulties Animal Shelters across the country are facing. Our animal friends need us to rise above, and with continued support from our community, we will do
just that.”
Ms. Rodriguez holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Lawrence University. She was the Executive Director of the Jefferson County Historical Society prior to joining the SPCA from 2016 – 2019, where she secured $1.2 million in grant funding for the organization. Ms. Rodriguez has also worked for the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority/Boldt Castle as a Manager and Curator, and as a Legislative Aide for the New York State Assembly. Ms. Rodriguez has served on the board of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) for Jefferson County, and completed the Jefferson Leadership Institute program in 2018.
The SPCA will be advertising for a new Operations Manager along with other animal care positions.
The SPCA of Jefferson County is a non-profit animal shelter dedicated to finding permanent and loving homes for homeless pets, providing shelter, healthcare, and behavioral evaluation before adoption; reducing the number of homeless animals by spaying and neutering; promoting the return of lost animals to their homes by microchipping before adoption and community outreach with lost pet alerts; and promoting humane treatment and responsible pet ownership through community education and awareness.
For more information, please visit our website at www.jeffersoncountyspca.org.