SPCA of Texas Names MeLissa Webber as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Webber to Oversee Animal Welfare and Animal-Related Operations

DALLAS, TX – The SPCA of Texas announces MeLissa Webber as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the most comprehensive and longest-serving animal welfare agency in North Texas, effective April 15, 2024.

Webber brings over 17 years of animal welfare leadership and management experience to the SPCA of Texas, most recently from Dallas Animal Services (DAS), where she has served since 2020. While at DAS, which is estimated to have the ninth-largest dog and cat intake in the United States, she managed a $19 million budget, led 175 full time employees, and worked to ensure DAS’s continued commitment to its guiding principles of public safety, compassion and no shortcuts.

Having long understood the importance of the human component of animal welfare, Webber believes that programs and approaches that serve both people and pets are the key to lifesaving. She has led and participated in initiatives over the years to promote those values and has continually worked to establish and strengthen partnerships with other organizations to enhance access to services and support.

Webber has also overseen lifesaving, field and shelter operations at Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS), another of the nation’s largest sheltering organizations. She spent seven years at the San Diego Humane Society and at Animal Care Centers of New York City, where, as their Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, she helped drive the placement rate from 72% to 93%, introducing such programming as surrender prevention, community cat pathways and dog playgroups. While there, she also oversaw key facility upgrades to improve the quality of life for the animals cared for across all five locations.

Webber is a national leader in Animal Welfare, having served on the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) conference committee, spearheaded a peer group from across the nation to strategize on the future of animal welfare and spoken at conferences and as a subject matter expert in a variety of forums.

As Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Webber will drive all operational departments: animal cruelty investigations, veterinary services, shelter programs and management, behavioral programs and services, lifesaving initiatives, community impact and community partnerships.

“MeLissa is an experienced, passionate leader who will inspire her teams to work collaboratively and compassionately, both inside the SPCA of Texas and with community partners, in fulfilling our organization’s mission to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home by preventing and prosecuting animal cruelty, caring for rescued animals and keeping pets in their homes,” said SPCA of Texas President & CEO, Chris Luna, JD. “In the role of Chief Operating Officer, MeLissa will play a fundamental leadership role in determining, implementing and sustaining the organization’s mission, vision and values.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the SPCA of Texas team to continue and expand the amazing work that the SPCA of Texas’ legacy is built upon,” said Webber. “The SPCA of Texas’ long-serving commitment to North Texas animals and communities is well known and I am proud to be a part of the critical work the SPCA of Texas provides to the pets and people across North Texas.”

Webber enjoys the parks and outdoor spaces near her downtown home she shares with her rescue pets. In her free time, you can often find her at a nearby venue enjoying the arts and entertainment in Dallas.

About SPCA of Texas

The SPCA of Texas is the leading animal welfare organization in North Texas. Founded in 1938, the non-profit operates two shelters, two spay/neuter clinics, one mobile adoptions vehicle and an animal rescue center, all located in Dallas and Ellis Counties, and maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who respond to thousands of calls in North Texas counties. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.

The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other entity and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government or any other national humane organization. SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, visit spca.org.