Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society Appoints Jennifer Hagen as Executive Director

Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society (A-SSHS) Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Jennifer Hagen as its new Executive Director.

Established in 1911, Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society is the largest animal care facility in Oneida County. Dedicated to providing shelter, care, and advocacy for at-risk companion animals, A-SSHS strives to create a humane community and inspire a world where every animal is valued and loved.

Jennifer brings with her years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience, along with close to two decades of experience in the finance industry. As Executive Director, Jennifer will oversee shelter management and operations, drive the organization's strategic vision, and lead efforts to provide shelter, care, and advocacy for at-risk companion animals.

"As I begin my role as Executive Director of Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society, I do so with immense gratitude, humility, and a deep personal connection to this organization and the community it serves.

My passion for serving our community has guided both my personal and professional life. Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of working in nonprofit leadership, helping organizations strengthen connections, build meaningful partnerships, and advance missions that make a difference in people’s lives. Prior to that, I spent 15 years in banking and finance, serving individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Mohawk Valley.

The mission of Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a home filled with dogs and cats adopted from the shelter, and as an adult, my husband and I have continued that tradition by welcoming rescued animals into our family. Some of my earliest memories are of visiting the shelter as a child, excited by the possibility of bringing home a new pet, only to leave heartbroken that I couldn’t take them all. Even then, I understood the importance of animal rescue and the critical role shelters play in providing care, compassion, and second chances.

That experience stayed with me throughout my life and helped shape my belief that animals are family. The opportunity to lead a mission that has meant so much to me since childhood is both a privilege and a responsibility I do not take lightly. I am honored to become part of the Humane Society’s more than 100-year legacy and to work alongside the dedicated staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, supporters, and community members who make this organization so special.

I believe every animal deserves a voice, exceptional care, and the opportunity to find a loving home. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation already in place, strengthening trust within our community, creating meaningful partnerships, expanding volunteer engagement, and ensuring the highest level of care for the animals entrusted to us. Most importantly, I look forward to creating more success stories, helping animals find loving families while supporting the people who care about them.

Together, we will build upon the organization’s legacy, and strengthen its future.”

The leadership of Executive Director Jennifer Hagen, current Shelter Manager Melissa DeMartino, Animal Behaviorist Allison Scagel, our dedicated Veterinary Team, and our staff ensures that Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society continues to uphold its mission of alleviating animal suffering and finding forever homes for companion animals in need.