Humane Colorado Announces Appointment of New President and CEO

Denver, Colo., (September 18, 2025) – The Humane Colorado Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie Parker as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 3, 2026.

After more than a decade of remarkable service, current President and CEO, Dr. Apryl Steele, has made the decision to retire and enjoy more time with her family. She will remain active as CEO until January 2026, ensuring a thoughtful and seamless transition.

This leadership transition follows a comprehensive national search. After extensive evaluation of over 150 applicants, the search committee enthusiastically recommended Parker, and the Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment.

Parker brings proven leadership and deep organizational knowledge to the role, with more than 20 years of experience in animal welfare and over eight years of leadership at Humane Colorado. She first served the organization as Customer Care Manager and later returned as Vice President of Sheltering, overseeing operations across three facilities. In 2024, she was appointed Chief Operating Officer, where she provided strategic oversight of operations and programs across Humane Colorado’s five locations.

Beyond her work at Humane Colorado, Parker has held leadership roles across the animal welfare field. She is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and previously served as Executive Director of the Animal Assistance Foundation and the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado and has also served on the boards of the Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund and the Grey Muzzle Organization.

“I am deeply honored to step into this role and continue serving an organization and community I care so deeply about,” said Parker. “Working alongside our extraordinary staff, volunteers, donors, board of directors and partners, I am committed to building on our strong foundation and ensuring Humane Colorado continues to be a trusted resource for animals and people alike. I am especially grateful to Dr. Steele, whose vision and leadership over the past decade have elevated Humane Colorado and the field of animal welfare. It is a privilege to carry forward the legacy she has built as she transitions into retirement.”

“Throughout this process, it became clear that Katie embodies the vision, experience, and dedication needed to lead Humane Colorado into its next chapter,” said Kristi Arellano, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her leadership as COO has been instrumental to our success, and we are confident in her ability to guide the organization’s future.”

Parker succeeds Dr. Apryl Steele, who has been with Humane Colorado since 2014, and served as President and CEO since 2018. During her tenure, Steele expanded the socially conscious sheltering framework into the nationally recognized PACT (People and Animals in Community Together) model; greatly increased access to veterinary care through initiatives such as the CSU Spur veterinary hospital; led the successful ballot measure creating the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) position; and oversaw a three-year rebranding effort that culminated in the launch of Humane Colorado’s new name, logo, and tagline in March 2025. Additionally, Steele addressed the urban-rural disparity in animal welfare resources by opening Humane Colorado’s San Luis Valley Animal Center in Alamosa.

“I could not be more excited to see Kaite step into this role,” said Dr. Apryl Steele. “Her proven leadership, deep knowledge of our organization, and unwavering commitment to our mission make her the ideal person to guide Humane Colorado into the future. I have every confidence that under her leadership, the organization will continue to thrive and expand its impact for animals and the people who love them.”

This leadership transition reflects Humane Colorado’s ongoing commitment to advancing animal welfare and strengthening the human-animal bond. Guided by our mission, they will continue working with our compassionate community to end pet homelessness and animal suffering.

About Humane Colorado

Humane Colorado, formerly the Dumb Friends League, is a 115-year-old, independent nonprofit working to end pet homelessness and animal suffering across Colorado. Each year, the organization provides shelter, veterinary care, and critical services to more than 40,000 homeless pets and horses. Humane Colorado’s mission extends beyond shelter walls – focusing on life-saving services, connecting families with homeless animals, and addressing barriers to pet ownership. The organization operates independently and is not affiliated with any national organization. Learn more at humanecolorado.org and follow along on social media.