After four decades of unwavering commitment to animal welfare, Jan McHugh-Smith, the beloved CEO of the Humane Society of Boulder Valley (HSBV), will retire at the end of the year. Having dedicated much of her life to improving the lives of countless animals and advocating for a more compassionate community, Jan leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to inspire and drive the organization’s mission forward.

During her tenure at HSBV, Jan transformed the organization into a leading force in the animal welfare community, overseeing the many programs that impact more than 16,000 animals a year and making HSBV a trusted source for services and information related to companion animals in Boulder and Broomfield counties.

From pioneering the “open adoptions” concept to leading the charge on several campaigns that completed the construction of the state-of-the-art 55th Street campus, Jan’s leadership has enabled HSBV to expand its programs, strengthen community partnerships, and establish innovative initiatives that have had a lasting impact on both the local community and the national animal welfare landscape.

“After much reflection and consideration, I have decided that the time has come for me to enjoy my life’s next journey,” said McHugh-Smith. “It has been an incredible honor to serve the pets, people and communities we care so deeply about. I am immensely proud of everything we’ve accomplished over the years and the positive change we’ve been able to bring about for so many animals in need. While I will miss the day-to-day work, I know that the future of HSBV is in great hands.”

Jan first joined HSBV in 1984 as a kennel technician, and over the years, steadily advanced into the role of CEO. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for the pets and people in our community and remained dedicated to creating a space that provides animals with what they need to live their best lives.

Jan previously served as President of the San Francisco SPCA and President & CEO of the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, and was the President of the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies, was elected Board Chair of the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, and a member of the Shelter Animals Count Board.

After an internal search this summer, the HSBV board of directors selected Kat Burns, CVPM, CAWA as CEO designate of HSBV. Kat joined HSBV in 2005 and became Director of Veterinary Services in 2006. She oversees HSBV’s full-service veterinary hospital, facility operations and workplace safety initiatives. She is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator and a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager. Kat will assume the role of CEO, in 2025.

” I am excited and humbled to step into the role of HSBV CEO in the new year,” said Kat Burns, HSBV CEO Designate. “As I embark on this path paved by truly incredible leaders, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the legacy Jan is leaving — after 40 years in animal welfare. Her dedicated leadership and compassion have made HSBV a beacon of hope for countless pets and people — especially during our community’s most challenging and difficult moments. Jan’s vision for our community and HSBV has laid a foundation that I am committed to building upon.”

Jan’s retirement marks the end of an era at HSBV, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for both the Humane Society and the future of animal welfare advocacy.