Humane Society of Macomb acquires a new executive director

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Humane Society of Macomb, 11350 22 Mile Road, has acquired a new executive director to lead it.

The Humane Society of Macomb announced Jan. 12 that Michael Wilkie is the new executive director.

Wilkie is a 27-year veteran of the mortgage industry and said he is passionate about animals. He has 21 years of experience leading teams of employees.

“I am excited to embark on a new journey as the director of the Humane Society of Macomb. I look forward to applying the leadership and team building skills I acquired throughout my career,” Wilkie stated in a press release. “I am confident these skills will allow me to take the Humane Society of Macomb to the next level and, in turn, benefit more animals, families, the community and team members.”

Wilkie said his vision for the Humane Society of Macomb is to become the community’s preferred shelter when needing animal care and animal adoption. Also, the Humane Society of Macomb hopes to help educate the community to reduce the number of animal surrenders.

“In the short term, I am working to increase the shelter’s social media presence, bring more community exposure to the shelter and clinic, improve upon existing policies and procedures outlining job opportunities and existing team member responsibilities, and work with our volunteer coordinator to meet and greet all our amazing volunteers. My longer-term plans include bringing the building into the 21st century and making the Humane Society of Macomb the first-choice shelter within the community,” he said in an email interview.

Led by Kenneth Kempkens, the former shelter director, the Humane Society of Macomb has become a no-kill shelter focusing on making sure that all adoptable animals have a chance at finding permanent homes.

According to a press release, resources are what holds back the Humane Society of Macomb from assisting more animals. The ability to work with the community to secure more resources is one of the reasons that Wilkie was hired.

Kempkens said he is excited to turn the shelter over to Wilkie.

“We are excited to embark on this new chapter and look forward to the fresh perspective that Michael will provide to the organization. While his background in the mortgage industry and not animal care may surprise some, it is his ability to lead and listen to those with animal care experience and expertise while looking at situations with a fresh perspective that will carry the Humane Society of Macomb into a bright future where all adoptable animals are given a chance to find their ‘furever’ homes,” Kempkens said.

He said those working for the Humane Society of Macomb have moved the shelter to a place that the community can be proud of.

“Many of the programs designed to benefit the animals over the past 6 years will continue, and Mike will introduce some new ideas to ensure that the shelter will continue to be a no-kill shelter,” Kempkens said via email. “I will continue on the Board of Directors for a period of time and will offer help to Mike as the need arises. I will miss the team that made this happen, but I am confident that Mike will do a fine job,” he said.

The Humane Society of Macomb is a fully independent, nonprofit organization not associated with any other organization and is solely supported by the contributions of the community.

The Humane Society of Macomb was chartered in the mid-1950s and opened in May 1967. Its mission is to:

• Provide humane care for unwanted, abused and injured animals.

• Prevent animal cruelty.

• Place adoptable pets into permanent homes with responsible owners.

• Promote spaying and neutering to prevent overpopulation.

The Humane Society of Macomb is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable, private origination, governed by a Board of Directors and supported by the public.