The SPCA of Texas has added a well-known name in the Dallas animal world to its team: MeLissa Webber, who has been director of Dallas Animal Services, the city's municipal shelter, since 2020, will join SPCA as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective April 15.

Webber brings more than 17 years of animal welfare leadership and management experience. While at DAS, which is estimated to have the ninth-largest dog and cat intake in the United States, she managed a $19 million budget, led 175 full time employees, and worked to ensure DAS’s continued commitment to its guiding principles of public safety, compassion and no shortcuts.

“I am thrilled to be joining the SPCA of Texas team to continue and expand the amazing work that the SPCA of Texas’ legacy is built upon,” said Webber. “The SPCA of Texas’ long-serving commitment to North Texas animals and communities is well known and I am proud to be a part of the critical work the SPCA of Texas provides to the pets and people across North Texas.”

Webber is the second high-profile hire made recently by the SPCA: In November 2023, the animal organization appointed ex-Dallas City Council member Chris Luna as president-CEO.

Prior to coming to Dallas, Webber oversaw lifesaving, field and shelter operations at Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS), another of the nation’s largest sheltering organizations. She spent seven years at the San Diego Humane Society and at Animal Care Centers of New York City, where, as their Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, she helped drive the placement rate from 72% to 93%, introducing such programming as surrender prevention, community cat pathways and dog playgroups. While there, she also oversaw key facility upgrades to improve the quality of life for the animals cared for across all five locations.

Webber is a national leader in Animal Welfare, having served on the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) conference committee, spearheaded a peer group from across the nation to strategize on the future of animal welfare and spoken at conferences and as a subject matter expert in a variety of forums.

As Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Webber will drive all operational departments: animal cruelty investigations, veterinary services, shelter programs and management, behavioral programs and services, lifesaving initiatives, community impact and community partnerships.

"MeLissa is an experienced, passionate leader who will inspire her teams to work collaboratively and compassionately, both inside the SPCA of Texas and with community partners, in fulfilling our organization’s mission to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home by preventing and prosecuting animal cruelty, caring for rescued animals and keeping pets in their homes," said Luna in a statement. “In the role of Chief Operating Officer, MeLissa will play a fundamental leadership role in determining, implementing and sustaining the organization’s mission, vision and values.”