The Association Blog

What does more than 20 years as a member of The Association look like? The kind of dynamic leader you’ll find at the helm of Humane Society of Charlotte, that’s what. And when Shelly Moore’s team asked us to celebrate her on the occasion of her 10th anniversary with HSC, we were more than happy to oblige.

Name:  Shelly Moore, CAWA
Member of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement since: 1998
Organization: Humane Society of Charlotte
Title(s): CEO, Secretary of the Board of The Association
Organization’s Mission: The Humane Society of Charlotte is a community resource committed to delivering effective, innovative services that strengthen the human-animal bond and improve the lives of companion animals and the people who care about them. 

Q&A with Shelly Moore

The Association: What do you think is the most important part of your job?
Shelly Moore: I strive to create an environment where our staff feels empowered, feels like part of the decision-making process and has ownership in our work. At the end of the day, it is my responsibility to inspire and retain key people who are in the right roles for HSC. 

The Association: You’re an expert at collaboration–what’s one new thing you’ve learned about this topic in the last few months?
SM: I have always known the value in collaborating, and it certainly has become even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most valuable and fundamental premise of collaboration is the sharing of information and pooling resources (whether it be brain currency or financial/human resources) to be efficient and have the greatest impact. The regular weekly national calls, daily check-ins with our local Animal Services Director, our State Federation, and Zoom calls with my peers provided a collaborative environment where information can be shared and questions answered. Opportunities present themselves to partner with other organizations to assist in their time of need or who might be able to assist someone needing guidance or support. As they say, it takes a village…thank goodness for our villages. 

The Association: What’s keeping you healthy and resilient?
SM:  During normal times, it would be learning how to let go of the “not so important” things that I worry too much about.  While that still holds true, the best thing I can do for the Humane Society of Charlotte is recognizing and taking action when I need a break….whether it be a 5-minute one or a 5-day one. I have been fortunate to have a positive outlook and for the most part, have been successful in waking up each morning with the attitude of “it’s a new day”…even if the last one was horrible.

Being surrounded by people who can keep it real and have a sense of humor helps significantly. In my off time, I am reading, learning, and finding ways to be creative at home. I have found my peaceful place in my backyard to escape from the madness, and have been gardening and enjoying the wildlife that visits.  

The Association: How have you benefited from your involvement with The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement?
SM: I think mostly about all the connections I have made through my involvement with The Association over the many, many years. So many of my peers have become close friends, and I have a network of individuals I can turn to for advice or simply to lend an ear regarding a difficult issue or when I am just having a hard day. Having access to best practices, accurate and collaborative communication in crisis, and professional development opportunities have helped me grow as an animal welfare leader.

The Association: What advice do you have for someone considering membership in The Association?
SM: This by far is the best professional network for leaders, current or emerging, that you can be involved with. The value in just knowing that you are NOT in this alone is a huge support as we can often feel like we are an island. You aren’t. There is no other organization advocating for your professional development more. BUT, you have to be involved. Sign up for the Facebook discussion groups, use The Learning Center and attend a webinar, attend a conference, join an OnPoint group, volunteer for a committee, get involved….it truly makes a difference to be engaged. 

The Association: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to who you were ten years ago? How has the field changed since then?
SM: Animal welfare and sheltering is changing rapidly in response to new data-based information, the changing needs of the community and the animals, and changes in our world that impact the economy, legal status, and the general health of our human and animal population. Be prepared for all those hardwired beliefs you have about animal sheltering to be shattered and be prepared to be flexible, creative and challenged for a whole new model of animal sheltering.  

If you want to follow Shelly’s advice and are a member interested in volunteering, send an e-mail to admin@theaawa.org with information about your expertise and your volunteering interests. Be sure to like our main Facebook page, and all members can connect in the private groups—the Executive Leadership Discussion Group and the General Discussion Group. 

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