“We’re thrilled to welcome Mary to our team,” said Brett Eckert, chair of the Houston Humane Society board of directors. “She’s a passionate animal advocate and proven nonprofit leader whose experience aligns perfectly with our mission. Her guidance will be critical as we expand access to affordable veterinary care, grow our safety net programs for pet owners in need and launch a new strategic plan for our wildlife services, among other key initiatives.”
About the candidate
Beck joins Houston Humane Society with more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and community services, with her most recent role serving as the CEO of The Council on Recovery, a Houston-based nonprofit providing prevention, education and treatment services for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
During her time at The Council on Recovery, she oversaw more than $8 million in operating funds, led efforts to secure over $4 million in grants and government contracts, and spearheaded the development of more than a dozen major initiatives that served over 70,000 individuals across 13 counties, according to the news release.
Prior to The Council on Recovery, Beck also spent five years at the Center for Research and Organizational Effectiveness in Houston, with the organization providing development and consulting services to the nonprofit sector under her leadership.
Beck said in the news release that being able to work on animal welfare full-time is “truly a dream come true” and a deep personal passion of hers.
“Houston Humane Society has been a trusted leader in this area for more than 60 years with a proven track record of lifesaving work with animals, helping homeless pets find new families, keeping animals in their homes and preventing cruelty,” Beck said. “I’m excited to build on that storied history and help strengthen that impact while looking ahead to a future that’s innovative, sustainable and positioned for growth.”
In 2024, Houston Humane Society provided veterinary services to over 28,000 animals, supported thousands of homeless and domestic pets, and enabled nearly 2,500 animals, including cats, dogs, puppies, kittens and farm animals, to find their forever homes, according to the news release.
