The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Lauren Lipsey as its new President & CEO. Lauren will officially begin her new role on November 21, 2024, succeeding Sam Wolbert, who will be moving from the area and stepping down on December 15, 2024. .
Lauren Lipsey joins AWLA after a distinguished career in animal welfare, including leadership roles with the Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Rescue Alliance, and, most recently, the Council of the District of Columbia. Lauren brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to AWLA’s mission of improving the lives of animals and people by providing resources, care, and protection.
“As a long-time area resident and animal welfare professional, I’m drawn to AWLA’s broad array of services and programs that help to uplift the lives of people and animals in Northern Virginia and beyond,” Lauren shared. “It’s clear that the AWLA community is committed to meeting the ever-evolving needs of animals and their people, and I’m excited to join the passionate team of people who help make this possible. I look forward to having the opportunity to meet many of you in the coming weeks and months.”
Sam Wolbert, AWLA’s current President & CEO, reflected on the transition, saying: “Leaving an organization I hold so dearly is bittersweet, but I am excited to see AWLA embrace new leadership and continue to innovate and grow. I will always cherish the relationships I’ve built, and I am confident that the mission will carry on, expanding and evolving as it always has.”
The Board of Directors conducted an extensive national search to find the ideal candidate to continue this legacy, and Lauren’s vision and expertise stood out among hundreds of applicants. “Lauren’s deep experience in animal welfare, combined with her passion for serving animals and the community, makes her the perfect leader to guide AWLA into its next chapter,” said Tim Denning, Chair of AWLA’s Board of Directors. “Her vision aligns beautifully with our mission, and we are confident she will build on our successes to create an even greater impact for animals and people in Northern Virginia and beyond.”
