NEWS RELEASE
London, ON — The Board of Directors of Humane Society London & Middlesex (HSLM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon LaHay as the organization’s new Executive Director. Shannon officially begins her tenure with HSLM this month and will assume full-time duties as of July 7, 2025.
Following a comprehensive and thoughtful executive search process, Shannon was unanimously selected by the Board for her exceptional leadership, vision, and passion for community service. She brings to HSLM a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, most recently serving as CEO of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. A Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Shannon has a strong track record of securing philanthropic support and cultivating meaningful donor relationships—skills that will be vital to HSLM’s continued growth and sustainability.
“Shannon is a seasoned and strategic leader whose values align beautifully with the mission and culture of HSLM,” said Michael DeLorenzi, Chair of the HSLM Board of Directors. “Her proven expertise in fundraising, operational excellence, and team development will help propel us into our next chapter as we grow into our new home and expand our impact across the community.”
In addition to her fundraising acumen, Shannon brings deep expertise in strategic and operational planning, coaching and mentorship, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. She is widely respected for her ability to build collaborative, values-driven teams and foster lasting relationships with staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
As the organization celebrates this new leadership milestone, HSLM also extends heartfelt gratitude to Wendy Arnott, who served as Interim Executive Director for the past 15 months. Wendy’s leadership was critical to the successful navigation of a major organizational transition, including a refreshed vision and mission as well as the on time, under budget opening of HSLM’s new facility.
“We are incredibly grateful to Wendy for her steady hand and competent leadership throughout this period of change,” said Michael DeLorenzi. “She supported closure of our past and held open the future with quality & stability and paved the way for Shannon’s arrival and our next stage of growth.”
With Shannon at the helm, HSLM is poised for a bright future focused on strategic clarity, deepened community relationships, and enhanced care for the animals and people the organization serves.