SPCA of Texas’ Board of Directors Announce Leadership Change

DALLAS, TX – The SPCA of Texas’ Board of Directors announces that Karen Froehlich has stepped down as President and CEO of SPCA of Texas, effective immediately.

The organization continues in its mission to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home. In its 85-year history, the SPCA of Texas is the leading animal welfare organization in North Texas, and focuses on preventing and prosecuting animal cruelty, caring for rescued animals and keeping pets in homes.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank Karen for her contributions to the SPCA of Texas,” said Hiren Patel, Chair of the SPCA of Texas Board of Directors. “We respect Karen’s decision and thank her for her seven years of service to our organization. She is passionate about protecting and caring for vulnerable animals, and we’re certain she will continue that good work into the future.”

The Board of Directors has named Don Lindsley, SPCA of Texas Vice President of Finance, as interim President and CEO. He joined the SPCA of Texas in July 2013 and is a dedicated advocate for SPCA of Texas’ mission to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home.

As Vice President of Finance, Lindsley is responsible for finance, risk management, facilities and information technology. As Interim President and CEO, he will work alongside the executive leadership team to continue the lifesaving efforts of the SPCA of Texas.

“Our leadership, staff and volunteers remain focused on protecting and caring for North Texas’ most vulnerable animals,” Lindsley said. “Our community’s support makes it possible for us to provide programs and services for thousands of North Texas’ pets and their people.”

Under Patel’s leadership, the board will conduct a comprehensive executive search to fill the President and CEO role.

“We will seek a talented and respected individual with both passion for animal welfare and demonstrated leadership in managing a nonprofit similar in scale and scope to our organization,” said Patel. “While the board is motivated to fill this critical role, we are committed to a thorough and transparent process to find an exceptional candidate who is best suited to support and amplify the mission of SPCA of Texas.”

In 2022, the SPCA of Texas cared for more than 6,000 animals, found loving homes for 3,100 dogs and cats through adoption and transferred more than 2,000 animals to shelters across the country. Last year, the non-profit’s expert animal cruelty investigations unit saved more than 1,300 animals from dangerous and abusive environments. Looking ahead, the SPCA of Texas remains focused on supporting its programming, staff, volunteers and partners to ensure North Texas animals get the quality care they need and deserve.