We’re Excited to Welcome R. Harrison Edell as the New CEO of PAWS!
At PAWS, our heartbeat is the compassion we share—for cats, dogs, and wildlife alike—and today, that compassion takes a bold leap forward. We are delighted to announce that R. Harrison Edell is joining our community as our new Chief Executive Officer, and we can’t wait for you to get to know him.
A Leader with Heart and Vision
Harrison brings more than two decades of leadership at some of the nation’s foremost zoos and wildlife organizations, including the Dallas Zoo, Sacramento Zoo, San Francisco Zoo, and San Diego Zoo Global. Most recently, as Chief Mission Officer and Executive Vice President of Animal Care & Conservation at the Dallas Zoo, he directed teams in animal care, conservation, education, operations, and community engagement.
At PAWS, we’re embarking on our 2025–2028 strategic journey, one that grows from our spirit of kindness and hope and looks toward the future of animal welfare. With Harrison at the helm, we’re inspired by his ability to blend thoughtful, big-picture vision with hands-on solutions and heartfelt leadership.
A Home-Grown Heart for Our Mission
Although Harrison has worked across the country, his heart is very much rooted in our community. A Seattle-area resident, he shares his home with two beloved senior rescue dogs. He’s ready to dive in and listen, learn, and build together with our staff, volunteers, supporters, and partners.
In Harrison’s words:
“PAWS has long been a leader in compassionate animal care, wildlife rehabilitation and community engagement. I’m honored to join this dedicated team. On the heels of the grand opening of our Wildlife Rehabilitation Center—the largest such facility in Washington—I look forward to diving into our plans for the future, turning our eye towards long-range planning for our facilities in Lynnwood.”
That commitment will kick off with time spent understanding our strengths, listening to your stories, and discovering where we can grow together—always with an eye on the well-being of the animals.
A Welcoming Board, A Bright Future
Jen Evans, Chair of the PAWS Board of Directors, shares that “Harrison brings a rare combination of strategic vision with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach and passion for animal welfare. We are energized by his leadership and look forward to the transformative impact he will have on PAWS and the animals who depend on us.”
With Harrison leading, our mission remains constant—even as our ambitions expand: helping companion animals find loving homes, wildlife find healing and safety, and our community continue to learn, grow, and take action to help animals.
Join Us in Welcoming Harrison!
We’re thrilled to begin this exciting chapter. Please help us extend a warm welcome to Harrison by joining us for our PAWS Wild Night Gala on October 25, 2025 at Fremont Studios in Seattle. This special fundraising event is a perfect opportunity to meet Harrison and celebrate our shared love for animals. For more information and tickets, visit our event page.