SAFE Haven for Cats is entering a new era! We’ve begun the search for a new Executive Director who will help continue our mission and elevate us to the next level as a leading animal welfare nonprofit in the Triangle.

The Board has enlisted Armstrong McGuire to conduct an executive search. Armstrong McGuire has worked with SAFE Haven on several projects over the past decade, so they have an outstanding depth of understanding of the organization and the Triangle region. We expect the executive search to continue through the remainder of this fiscal year and anticipate having new leadership in place by the end of 2024.

With a steadfast commitment to our mission to save cat lives, SAFE Haven seeks an executive director who shares our passion for animal welfare and community engagement. This role is not just about managing operations; it’s about igniting change, fostering connections, and inspiring others to join the cause and protect the cats in our community.

If you thrive on building, nurturing, and inspiring others, this could be your chance to make a profound impact. As the new Executive Director, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of SAFE Haven, steering it toward even greater heights of success and impact.

The road ahead is filled with possibilities, and SAFE Haven invites passionate individuals to join us on this transformative journey. If you’re ready to lead with compassion, drive, and vision, seize this opportunity to become a part of something truly special!

Patti Godin has gracefully served as interim executive director while continuing her role as operations director, and we are incredibly grateful for her dedication and leadership. She will continue as operations director once our new leader has been hired and her continued presence will help ensure a smooth transition in leadership.

The clock is ticking, but there’s still time to make your mark. Apply before June 14 and be the catalyst for change that SAFE Haven for Cats needs. Let’s create a brighter, safer future for our feline friends together.

Admissions Coordinators play an important role in SAFE Haven’s lifesaving efforts and Laura Pancoast Smith is bringing her love of cats to her work! As a communications major with over 10 years of experience at Triangle nonprofits, including Triangle Land Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, and NC Transplant Athletes, she’s using her strategic planning, prioritizing, organizing, and people skills to balance admission priorities of the shelter with saving cat lives to help them thrive.

Get to know Lisa:

Why did you choose SAFE Haven to work at? 
I have loved, volunteered, and supported SHFC for over 20 years. I know what a fantastic organization it is! The growth, passion, and dedication to the mission are impressive.

What are you looking forward to as a new employee of SAFE Haven?
I’d love to become a foster for a cat with special medical needs. I’m also looking forward to having the cutest, sweetest, most sassy, and overall purrfect coworkers imaginable!

What do you love about cats?
Nothing grounds me or makes me more grateful for the present moment than a sweet, cuddly cat dousing me in purrs. My first spoken word was actually, “dat,” which was said while pointing to a cat.

Do you have any pets?
Always! Mr. Kitty is my giant (16-lb.) solid gray love bug! He came to me as an FIV+ foster I inherited when my housemate needed long-term medical care, and he came with what I lovingly refer to as “anger issues.” He was triggered to bite/attack by hand movements, and I have a lot of scars to show for it! Not only was I in love with him, but I was convinced that if he were to go to another home, his biting/attacking may lead to him being euthanized. Mr Kitty’s manners have improved immensely, and I’m usually able to (safely) redirect his bursts of anger. I always forgive him though, and have accepted his violence as part of his personality. Also the sweetest cat, he gives head butts, insists on daily pick-me-up kitty hugs, talks to me in a high-pitched Emperor penguin sound, and even lets the dog wrestle with him.

Serena is my belly-rub craving, bossy, sweet, and cuddly 20-lb terrier mix/muttigree. My philosophy: why get a DNA test when it’s infinitely more fun to speculate?

More about Lisa:
I’m originally from MI and have lived in the Triangle for 25 years. In 2014, I received a double lung transplant due to cystic fibrosis, and in 2022, I received a kidney from my amazing brother. Working part-time allows me the satisfaction of doing important nonprofit work while also leaving time to care for my health and wellbeing.

I have always been passionate about animals and the environment. Cat rescue work allows me to have a positive impact on animal lives close to home. Outside work, I enjoy sharing time with my partner, Mohammad, reading/listening to books, watching films, doing yoga, light hiking, and playing in my yard.

With our Pet Food Pantry distributing thousands of pounds of cat and dog food each year, it takes a lot of coordination. Andrea Acevedo, SAFE Haven’s Pet Food Pantry Coordinator, is bringing her eye for detail and ability to manage tasks to help oversee this vital program.

Get to know Andrea:

Why did you choose SAFE Haven to work at? 
I have volunteered at SAFE Haven for Cats over the course of 12 years and it only made sense to pursue a career in a field that I am passionate about…helping cats!

What are you looking forward to as a new employee of SAFE Haven?
I am looking forward to making a difference in the lives of cats.

What do you love about cats?
I love all of God’s creatures, but cats hold a special place in my heart because they are misunderstood and I feel a close connection with them.

Do you have any pets?
I have 7 cats. Nala, Luna, Jasmine, Trixie, Axel, Roze, and Reggie.

Fun Fact:
I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD, so I am a Baltimore Ravens fan!

Danyea Turner is SAFE Haven’s new Community Engagement and Volunteerism Manager and she’s putting her 8 years in animal welfare to work in that role! 

Get to know Danyea:

Why did you choose SAFE Haven to work at?
When talking to my coworker Cindy, the Rescue Coordinator at Wake County Animal Center, she would rave about how awesome of an experience she would have working with the people here! When I did my initial interview, it seemed like such a positive environment that it made me excited to come here and get to know everyone! Not to mention, I love doing outreach and working with people, and it seemed like it would be a great experience here! 

What are you looking forward to as a new employee of SAFE Haven?
I’m looking forward to being able to do a lot more community involvement and helping others get to know what an amazing organization SAFE Haven is!

What do you love about cats?
I love their weird personalities! You can never know

Do you have any pets?
Yes! I have 3 kitties!
Hanako – Tabby kitty 2.5 yrs old – she’s a huge cuddle bug!
Kikori – Tuxedo 2 yrs old – She is likes to think she owns the house
Goji – Siamese Kitty 6 mo – He’s a perfect mixture of his sisters 😂

Fun Fact:
Danyea has a BA in Animation and Game Design and loves creating graphics that will catch people’s eye. She loves anime, video games, and drawing and, when able, sells her art at events.