The Association Blog

Meet one of the newest members of The Association, and get excited about the power of the network all over again (and P.S., read this especially if you’re wary of AI)

Name & Title: Jeanette MacNaughton, Director of HR, Maui Humane Society

Member of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement since: March 2024

The Association: Describe yourself in three words.
Jeanette MacNaughton: Empathetic, Strategic, Resilient.

The Association: Describe your current role as Director of HR for Maui Humane Society. What are some of your day-to-day responsibilities?
Jeanette MacNaughton: As the Director of HR for Maui Humane Society, I seamlessly shift between listening, problem-solving, and tackling both tactical and strategic initiatives. My day-to-day responsibilities range from addressing immediate employee needs and fostering a supportive work environment to developing and implementing long-term HR strategies that align with the organization’s mission.

The Association: What part of your job excites you the most?
Jeanette MacNaughton: What excites me most about my job is hearing a team member say, “I didn’t know HR could help with that.” It’s incredibly rewarding to break down preconceived notions about HR and show how it can genuinely support and empower them in ways they didn’t expect. 

The Association: What were some unexpected factors or circumstances that helped you get to where you are today? 
Jeanette MacNaughton: A combination of experiences has shaped my journey to where I am today. Working for software companies gave me a solid foundation in strategic thinking and operational efficiency, while my time as a Taproot Consultant, providing pro-bono consulting services to nonprofits, deepened my understanding of mission-driven organizations and the unique challenges they face. 

The Association: Favorite professional development resource or tip? 
Jeanette MacNaughton: My favorite professional development tip is simple: don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can’t know everything, but there are always people with valuable experiences and insights who are willing to share—if you reach out and ask!

The Association: What’s one small victory you had this week—personally or professionally?
Jeanette MacNaughton: We had differing opinions on how to handle a workflow issue, but instead of it turning into a standoff, everyone came to the table ready to collaborate. We brainstormed, compromised, and left the meeting not just with a plan, but with a stronger sense of teamwork. It felt great to see how the willingness to listen and work together can turn potential conflict into progress.

The Association: If you could instantly become an expert in anything, what would it be?
Jeanette MacNaughton: If I could instantly become an expert in artificial intelligence, I’d set my sights on the future of HR and animal welfare. Imagine AI-powered emotional intelligence tools that could not only read human moods but also detect stress or happiness levels in animals—creating a harmonious workplace where employees and shelter animals thrive together. Picture AI-driven neural interfaces that allow humans to communicate directly with animals, making team meetings with pets, not only adorable but actually productive: “Buddy votes for more treats in the breakroom!”

Or advanced predictive analytics that could foresee trends in adoption, staffing needs, or even global wildlife rescue efforts before they happen, ensuring the shelter of the future is always one step ahead. Think HR, but with a tech-meets-telepathy twist that redefines what it means to care for both people and animals! 

Learn More

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How I Got Here: Raissa Allaire
Word on the Street with Lily Yap, MBA
Get to Know Elizabeth Kowal