Heather Cammisa, MA, CAWA

Heather Cammisa, MA, CAWA

Heather has twenty-five years of experience in community animal welfare, innovation and mission impact, with more than a dozen of those years as the chief executive of two non-profit organizations.

She has a Master’s degree in economics from Rutgers University and worked in both financial and social economics before devoting her career to the humane ethic. She is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator through the Association of Animal Welfare Advancement, holds a graduate certificate in Wildlife Forensics and Conservation from the University of Florida and is a certified animal control office and animal cruelty investigator.

Heather is known for innovating efficient approaches to welfare challenges and developing strategic partnerships for maximizing impact. She is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences and was the keynote speaker at the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association in 2018 following a collaborative effort with the NJVMA to respond to Hurricane Maria. She has served on the Thought Leadership Council of PetSmart Charities and was an early recipient of Maddie’s Fund’s Hero to Animals award.

She has served on the boards of diverse organizations including a marine mammal stranding center, animal shelters, regional professional and national advocacy organizations. She is currently an advisor for Project Coyote, a board member of her local wildfire department and serves as a special advisor to a local youth charity.

She is a senior advisor with mission based consultancies including JVR Strategies, Outcomes for Pets and Adisa.

She shares her off-grid home in Colorado with beloved adopted pets Roger, Cato, Sunny,  Polly and Bruno. When not working, she can be found gardening in a geodesic greenhouse or hiking in the woods.