Skip to content
Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

It is with many mixed emotions we announce the upcoming departure of our Winnipeg Humane Society CEO Javier Schwersensky. Since his arrival to the organization five years ago, Schwersensky’s leadership of the WHS ship has been nothing short of transformational.

Although a well-respected organization with a storied history as one of Manitoba’s oldest charities, the WHS was looking to expand their reach and help even more animals within our community. Schwersensky’s intuitive leadership led the WHS towards an ambitious goal of expanding beyond the shelter doors to help animals both in our care and in the community –  providing critical partnerships to remote and Northern communities, to introduce a ground-breaking Capacity for Care model aimed at greatly reducing shelter euthanasia rates, and extending our arms to all animals in term of their welfare and advocacy.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Javier for his years of dedication, for positioning the WHS as a leader in Canada’s animal welfare movement, and for arming the organization to continue to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, louder than ever before. You will be deeply missed,” says Dr. Jonas Watson, Board Chair, Winnipeg Humane Society.

While the Winnipeg Humane Society enjoys a strong 126-year legacy, Schwersensky’s legacy to the shelter will be preparing the organization and setting the foundation for another 126 years.

Rest assured, there will be no disruption to either the services provided or to the animals in care. Thanks to the entire management and senior leadership team at the WHS, the organization is in a prime position to welcome a new leader to continue this extraordinary work.

An executive search will begin in the coming weeks, for the next CEO to fill this crucial role. We have confidence in the team’s ability to operate under the guidance that has shaped the shelter operations, processes and procedures for the last five years. The WHS could not operate as it does without the strength of our staff, volunteers and generous supporters.