Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily L’Heureux.
Hi Emily, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to where I am today has been anything but a straight line, but I wouldn’t change a thing!
My professional background was built entirely in sales, across various industries and roles. Over time, I was fortunate to work my way into executive-level management, where I discovered my passion for building strong teams and helping organizations grow. Those experiences gave me a business foundation that continues to shape my approach to leadership today.
I’ve been an animal lover my entire life and have always been personally involved in animal rescue. Long before joining the team, I was a huge fan and supporter of Woods Humane Society. So when the opportunity to work for an organization I already believed in came along in 2017, I jumped at it! I quickly discovered that my business experience translated well into nonprofit leadership. The mission was different, but the importance of strong teams, sound business practices and a shared vision remained the same.
In February 2023, I had the privilege of becoming CEO of Woods Humane Society. I can say without hesitation that leading this organization has been the honor of my career.
Today, I have the opportunity to lead an extraordinary team of professionals who work tirelessly to improve the lives of animals and the people who love them. While animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do, I believe our greatest strength is our people. Creating an environment where our employees can thrive, our programs can grow and our community can come together around our mission is what motivates me every day.
Nine years into my journey at Woods, I’m just as enthusiastic about our future as I was on my first day. There is always more work to do, more opportunities to explore and more lives to change. I can’t imagine a better place to be.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think any meaningful career comes without challenges, and mine has certainly had its share!
One of the biggest transitions was moving from the for-profit business world into nonprofit leadership. While so many of the fundamental principles are the same, I had to develop a deeper understanding of the unique responsibilities that come with leading a mission-driven organization.
Animal welfare is incredibly rewarding work, but it can also be emotionally challenging. We make difficult decisions, navigate limited resources and balance the needs of the animals in our care with those of the community we serve. There isn’t always an easy answer, and I’ve learned that strong leadership requires both compassion and the willingness to make tough decisions.
I’ve also learned that growth brings its own set of challenges. As Woods has evolved, so has my role as a leader. Learning when to step in, when to step back and how to empower others to lead has been an important part of my own professional development.
But I genuinely love a challenge! I believe that obstacles are opportunities to learn, improve and come out stronger on the other side. I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built and what we’ve accomplished together, and I know that the challenges we’ve navigated have played an important role in getting us where we are today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As CEO of Woods Humane Society, I have the privilege of leading one of the Central Coast’s most beloved animal welfare organizations. With campuses in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero, Woods provides adoption services, affordable spay/neuter surgeries, behavior and training programs, humane education and a variety of resources to help keep pets and their families together.
My role is to ensure that Woods has the people, resources and strategic direction needed to fulfill our mission, not just today, but for generations to come. I oversee the organization’s operations, financial health and long-term growth, but the part of my job I enjoy most is working with our people.
I would say my specialty is building strong teams and creating an environment where talented people can do their very best work. I’m a direct, enthusiastic and highly accountable leader who believes that compassion and sound business practices are not mutually exclusive. In fact, I think they’re essential to one another, particularly in nonprofit work.
What am I most proud of? Without question, our team and the impact we make together. Last year alone, Woods found loving homes for more than 3,100 animals and performed more than 5,600 spay/neuter surgeries. Behind every one of those numbers is an animal whose life has been changed and a team of people who made it possible.
I also take tremendous pride in the culture we’re building. I want Woods to be a place where people are proud to work and where everyone understands that their contributions matter.
As for what sets us apart, I believe Woods has found a wonderful balance between heart and business. We are deeply compassionate about the animals and people we serve, but we’re also thoughtful, strategic and committed to operating sustainably. Our goal isn’t simply to do good work today. It’s to build an organization capable of doing even greater things tomorrow.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are so many ways to make a difference, and you don’t have to work in animal welfare to be part of our mission!
Of course, one of the most meaningful ways to support Woods is through adoption. If you’re considering adding a four-legged family member, I hope you’ll visit one of our campuses and meet the wonderful animals waiting for homes.
Financial support is equally important. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of our community to provide lifesaving care, veterinary services and programs that help animals and the people who love them. Every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference.
And perhaps the easiest way to support us is simply to spread the word! Tell your friends about Woods, share our stories, follow us on social media and help others understand the impact we’re making right here on the Central Coast.
I often say that animal welfare is a community effort, and I truly believe that. Whether you adopt, donate or simply help us reach someone new, you’re helping us change lives. And for that, I am incredibly grateful!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://woodshumanesociety.org/
- Instagram: woodshumanesociety
- Facebook: Woods Humane Society
- LinkedIn: Woods Humane Society
- Twitter: woodshumane
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@woodshumane2752
- Other: TikTok: Woods Humane Society
