The Humane Rescue Alliance has named Bobby Mann to the position of Chief Programs Officer. In his role, Mann oversees HRA's advocacy efforts, community programs, humane education, and public pet services all with the goal of uplifting and keeping people and pets together. Mann also oversees the WayStation program, HRA’s best-in-class animal relocation program.
“We are incredibly lucky to have someone with Bobby’s compassion, commitment to communities, creativity, and life experience,” said Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO of HRA. “He has had the opportunity to see the most effective and innovative community animal welfare programs in the country, and we look forward to bringing what he has learned and his leadership to the people and animals in our region.”
With more than a decade of experience at municipal animal shelters, Bobby’s deep operational expertise, leadership, and creativity have helped change the public’s perception of the animal welfare industry.
In his most recent role for American Pets Alive! as the Maddie’s® Human Animal Support Services pilot director, Bobby's work focused on developing programs and protocols to implement community supported sheltering and help keep pets in homes with families who already love them.
Previously, Bobby spent more than a decade working in Sacramento animal shelters, at both the Sacramento SPCA and later at the state capital’s municipal organization, Front Street Animal Shelter.
Bobby is deeply committed to creating opportunities for his teams and colleagues, launching the CalAnimals Emerging Leaders program to help provide professional development to leaders through the state of California. As a BIPOC leader, he led multiple DEI efforts to help elevate and create space for BIPOC voices on national platforms, serving as a mentor and participating in affinity groups to help connect and bridge relationships of BIPOC animal welfare professionals around the country.
Bobby is passionate about implementing and expanding programs that instill a people-first mindset, support youth engagement, further the inclusion of historically marginalized communities, and celebrate the love between people and pets.