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Rick Collord, who has almost 40 years of experience with animal nonprofits, has been named executive director of Rescue Ranch.
Collord, Rescue Ranch’s first executive director, has worked with national animal welfare organizations and shelters across the country for 39 years. His experience includes capital growth, fundraising, board development, programming and the facilitation of new construction of several facilities.
Most recently, Collord served four-and-a-half years as executive director for Cheyenne Animal Shelter, in Wyoming where he increased days of operation from 305 to 361 days a year increasing both incoming animals and adoptions for the shelter. He has also previously worked for the Humane Society of the United States, the Boulder Humane Society, the Humane Society of Broward County and the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, among others.
In addition, Collord has served on several national and local boards including: the Washington State Federation of Animal Care & Control Agencies, Florida Animal Control Association, American Animal Hospital Association, Southeast Animal Control Association, Humane Association of Georgia and was a member of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators. He also served on committees for the American Animal Hospital Association, Iams, Beyer and Schering-Plough.
Collord was inspired to advocate for animals from his first animal shelter job, based in his native Louisiana. Since then, he has devoted his career to growing and assisting fledgling animal shelters, focusing on spaying/neutering and education programs.
Collord spent one year as a pre-vet student at Louisiana State University, before deciding to take his passion for animals in a different direction. His passion for animal education and the Statesville community is what drew him to Rescue Ranch.
“Rescue Ranch is an amazing organization,” said Collord. “It truly brings together the human animal bond and fosters successful relationships by focusing on education. I am excited and ready to bring my experience and passion to the Ranch and help continue the growth of this wonderful organization that really gets it.”
In his new role with Rescue Ranch, Collord will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations including; reporting directly to the board of directors, being responsible for the operating budget, current and future staffing needs, as well as, guiding and growing the organization through its strategic plan.
“We’re very fortunate to have Rick on our team,” said Krissie Newman, co-founder and president of the nonprofit organization. “His wealth of expertise with animal welfare organizations is unmatched. We’re excited for Rick to join us in growing our educational programs promoting respect for animals and responsible pet ownership, as well as agricultural, environmental and wildlife conservation.”
Collord has one son and three grandchildren and resides in Statesville with his nine-year-old cat, Charles.
For more information on Rescue Ranch visit, rescueranch.com, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.