PASA Names Kelly O'Meara as New Executive Director

PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), the largest network of wildlife centers and sanctuaries in Africa, announced today that Kelly O'Meara has been named as executive director. She will lead in the organization in its mission to secure a future for Africa's great apes and monkeys, leading the largest network of sanctuaries and wildlife centers in Africa.

"I'm incredibly honored to join PASA," said Ms. O'Meara. "I've long respected PASA's commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating primates while also addressing the big threats facing them ? and we are entering a critical stage to protect these vulnerable animals."

Ms. O'Meara joins the organization after a successful career with Humane Society International, where she helped helped take the organization from grassroots to global. Her background includes strengths in strategic planning, international program development, network building, and cross-cultural engagement. She has traveled extensively throughout Africa to engage with local partners and persuade government officials to adopt humane standards and protocols for animals worldwide.

"Kelly's background is just what we need to steer PASA in these challenging times," said Michele Stumpe, chair of the PASA board of directors. "She brings a playbook that will help PASA step into a larger role, at a time when the alliance model will be critical to forging lasting change."

PASA's 23 members are accredited sanctuaries and wildlife centers that span 13 countries in Africa, including core rangelands for beloved ? and endangered ? species like chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and a wide range of monkeys. PASA members currently provide long-term care for over 3,000 animals. They employ nearly 800 people in Africa and return over $6M to local economies. As embedded partners in their communities, they work to provide alternative livelihoods, address environmental threats due to climate change and loss of land, and inspire a new generation through extensive environmental education programs. The Alliance also includes a network of scientists, researchers, veterinary experts, volunteers, donors, and funding organizations united by a love of primates and a commitment to work together to tackle the threats facing them.

"We in the sanctuaries are excited to work with Kelly," said Franck Chantereau, president and founder of J.A.C.K., a PASA member sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo. "Working together we can dismantle trafficking networks and address environmental threats, and Kelly's expertise in international programs will help us grow our impact."

Ms. O'Meara is the fourth executive director since PASA was formed in 2000 by sanctuary leaders. She follows Gregg Tully, who successfully grew the organization over six years and led it through two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, PASA became a well-respected global leader with a team of eight professionals. He stepped down in November 2021.

"I'm excited to see where Kelly will take PASA," said Tully. "She has a heart for the animals and the tenacity to fight hard for them, working in partnership with PASA members and local communities. I know she and the team will do great things for Africa's iconic apes and monkeys."

Media Contact

Jean Fleming, Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), +1 925-209-3329, [email protected]

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SOURCE Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA)