Mathews resident Betsy Henderson was recently named acting executive director of the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society following the resignation of former executive director Amanda Wroten. As acting director, Henderson said she hopes to focus on fundraising as a major goal for the shelter.
Henderson has taken a leave of absence from the GMHS Board of Directors to fill the organization’s leadership position. “They just needed somebody to do it,” she said. With her lengthy background in not-for-profit management, the board decided she would be a good fit.
Henderson is one of the original founders of the former MCSEED (Mathews County Sustainable Environment and Economic Development) group. One of the fruits of labor from MCSEED is the Mathews Community Foundation, which has awarded well over $1.5 million in grants to various community-based organizations.
Back at the GMHS, Henderson said, “It’s all about the animals.” She has been a board member with the GMHS since 2009 and had served as a volunteer at the shelter prior to coming on the board.
According to Henderson, she was executive director of an art museum in Northern Virginia prior to moving to Mathews 19 years ago.
On the for-profit side, Henderson said she worked for an art gallery and an art publishing company in Washington, D.C. She is also the owner of Betsy Henderson Antiques, based in Gloucester.
“I’ve always been very involved in civic activities,” Henderson said. She has also served as chair of the Main Street Committee in Mathews, has worked with the county’s historical society and other local groups.
Henderson said the next few weeks will be an extremely busy time for the GMHS. This week, the Amazing Raise is ongoing. Henderson said each donation helps the GMHS reach the $900 per day needed above what is covered by other revenue to maintain all operations.
On Saturday, the GMHS will hold its staff yard sale beginning at 8 a.m. at the Jackson Lane shelter. Also, the annual Mutt Strut on the Catwalk Fashion Show and Luncheon is scheduled for Oct. 10, beginning at 11 a.m. Other events can be found on the GMHS website at www.gmhumanesociety.org.
Henderson reminded the public that the shelter has initiated new hours: it is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and now Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Instead of closing on Sundays for its deep cleaning, it will now be closed on Mondays.
Henderson said she is most excited about helping the animals find a positive outcome. “That’s what it’s all about,” she said. She said it’s a delight coming into work every day. “We’re fortunate to have such a caring board and such a caring staff. There are so many talented people coming in to take care of the animals.”
“We are extremely appreciative of Betsy’s willingness to take on the duties of acting executive director,” said GMHS board of directors president Shannon Fedors. “While we will miss her presence as a board director (bylaws required her to take a leave of absence to become acting executive director), she will continue to play an active role on the board as the acting executive director.”
Fedors said Henderson brings extensive professional knowledge in both for-profit and nonprofit business building, fundraising, management and culture cultivation to the position of acting executive director. “In addition, her invaluable experience as both an active volunteer and veteran board member makes her uniquely qualified for the position,” she added.
Henderson and her husband Jaik have two teenagers, Elizabeth and Caroline.