Chelsea Staley

President

Chelsea Staley describes herself as a “modern-day Elly May,” a title earned early in her childhood in West Virginia as she brought home every lost pet she could find. In 2010, shortly after completing her MBA, she stopped by her local animal shelter to donate treats and toys, a simple gesture that changed her life. A red puppy named Bo wiggled his way into her arms and heart. Though his life was tragically cut short by parvovirus, Bo’s legacy became the driving force behind Chelsea’s career and her unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for shelter pets nationwide. Today, Chelsea is a nationally recognized business and nonprofit leader known for turning bold strategic visions into measurable, mission-driven impact. She brings a powerful blend of operational expertise, data-driven decision-making, and compassionate leadership to every organization she serves. Her work sits at the intersection of smart business practice and humane innovation, advancing animal welfare through rigorous analysis, cross-sector partnerships, and a deep belief in the human-animal bond. Before stepping into her current role, Chelsea served as Director of Lifesaving at Petco Love and previously as Executive Director of the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association. There, she rebuilt critical government partnerships, led precedent-setting humane law enforcement cases, and cultivated a high-performing team that continues to maintain lifesaving rates above 95 percent. Her leadership is defined not just by operational excellence, but by her ability to inspire teams, strengthen communities, and elevate the standard of care for pets everywhere. Chelsea holds a bachelor’s degree in Consumer Sciences and Merchandising from West Virginia University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Charleston. Her career, and the thousands of pets whose lives have been touched by her work, stands as a testament to what can happen when sharp business strategy meets heart-driven purpose.