The Cashiers‑Highlands Humane Society proudly announces that former Assistant Shelter Manager Jodi Henkel has been promoted to the new position of Assistant Executive Director.
Jodi is the second‑longest‑tenured staff member at CHHS, celebrating her 13th anniversary with the animal welfare organization in 2026. She will be reporting directly to Executive Director David Stroud, who is marking his 14th anniversary with CHHS this year.
Jodi began her career at CHHS in 2013 as a part‑time kennel technician while starting her junior year at Western Carolina University. Upon graduation in 2015, she joined the humane society team full‑time.
For the past decade, Jodi has been responsible for scheduling and supervising the Animal Care Specialists on the staff, coordinating the volunteer program, and being personally involved in animal welfare efforts – not the least of which is serving as a state‑certified rabies vaccinator.
In 2019, Jodi envisioned, developed and directed the humane society’s greatest community outreach program – the immensely popular humane education summer camp for children called Critter Camp.
Let me just say, I am incredibly proud of all that Jodi has done in the past 13 years for not just the animals at our shelter, but for the animals in our community. Jodi is a leader who consistently strives for excellence, has tremendous passion for our humane society, and she has the biggest heart for the most vulnerable – animals and children. This promotion is hard‑earned and most definitely well‑deserved.
In her new role, Jodi will continue to direct the summer Critter Camp program and will have supervisory responsibility for shelter staff including all Animal Care Specialists, the Animal Care Manager and the Shelter Manager. Jodi will also assume new administrative tasks and will serve as an additional liaison with Stroud to the humane society’s Board of Directors.
“Over the past 13 years, CHHS has evolved into something far greater to me than merely a workplace – it has become my second home,” she says. “It is here that I met my beloved canine companion, Abby (pictured), and where I have the privilege of sharing my passion for animals with my son.
“I am extremely grateful and thrilled to accept this new position with CHHS. Exciting opportunities lie ahead for the humane society and our community, and I am eager to play an active role in bringing our vision to life.”
Established in 1987, Cashiers‑Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non‑profit animal welfare organization located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, one‑and‑a‑half miles east of the Cashiers Ingles in between Cedar Creek Club and Lonesome Valley on Highway 64. Our no‑kill shelter is open Tuesday–Saturday 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. For more information, visit us online at chhumanesociety.org or call (828) 743‑5752. Tax‑deductible donations to support our lifesaving work can be mailed to: CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717.
Favorites Count: 0