ARF NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
After a national, nine month search, the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons’ (ARF) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Kimberly J. Nichols will be joining the organization as CEO and Executive Director. Ms. Nichols succeeds ARF’s Scott Howe who retired in April, in conjunction with the completion of ARF’s Forever Home project, a transformation of ARF’s campus. Kim joined the organization effective April 10.
In making the announcement, Board President Kathy Rayner stated, “The ARF Board of Directors feels that Kim possesses the perfect combination of experience and values to lead ARF as we re-open our new and renovated campus.”
With a lifelong commitment to advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves, Kim Nichols is a seasoned leader with over twenty-five years of experience with nonprofit organizations. She has committed her career to lending a voice to our community’s most vulnerable – working in support of organizations that address domestic violence, hospice and community health.
Ms. Nichols most recently worked at Southampton Hospital Foundation, encouraging support for the local hospital, helping to ensure access to quality healthcare in this community. She also spent a decade working for The Retreat, a domestic abuse and violence prevention agency serving all of Suffolk County. In each of her roles, she has brought a love for animals into the equation; whether working to ensure the safety of every member of a family affected by violence and abuse (including the pets who are often the first victims) or gloving up with the Hospice and Home Health nurses in Vermont as they collect barn cats for the biannual spay and neuter program.
Ms. Nichols will oversee all departments at the newly renovated Richard Wells McCabe Welcome Center at ARF’s campus in East Hampton and the ARF Thrift & Treasure Shop in Sagaponack. She will be at the forefront of ARF’s rescue and adoption programs as well as its important work helping stray cats and its expanded training programs for dogs in the new William P. Rayner Training Center.
“ARF has a stellar reputation, a dedicated and passionate staff, a generous and committed family of donors, and Board leadership that has the courage to take on big issues – all under a mission that is near and dear to my heart,” explains Nichols. “It is an honor to join this team, to work with them in support of ARF’s work in improving the health, safety, and wellbeing of vulnerable animals.”
Kim lives in Southampton with her life partner and a menagerie of companions, including two dogs, two formerly feral cats, and several backyard friends of the feathered and furred variety.
The public can meet Kim at ARF’s Grand Re-Opening Celebration at the Adoption Center on Saturday, May 27, at 12 PM…Celebrate the grand re-opening of Forever Home, the renovation and expansion of the ARF Adoption Center, 124 Daniels Hole Road, East Hampton. The festivities include a tour of the new facility, music by Sandy Rapp, coffee donated by Hampton Coffee Company, Dreesen’s Donut Truck, vendors and much more. Pets and children welcome. Free for all.
About ARF Hamptons: Since 1974, ARF Hamptons has provided care and sanctuary for homeless cats and dogs until loving homes can be found. ARF is a leading animal rescue and adoption center on Long Island. In addition to its rescue and adoption program, ARF operates a pet food pantry, and free spay/neuter clinics for feral cats.
ANIMALS OF THE MONTH
TAFFY: Taffy came to ARF from Montauk through our Operation Cat program, and she is slowly adjusting to life at the adoption center. Taffy would do best in a home with other cats to help build her confidence and bring out her true personality. Once you win her over, this adorable five-month-old kitten is affectionate and playful. Shower her with treats and cat nip and that will surely speed up the process. Taffy will need a patient family who will allow her to blossom at her own speed, and when she does it will be worth the wait.
COCO: CoCo was adopted as a puppy and returned to ARF last month after his family could no longer care for him. Talk about a lovebug! This now five-year-old hound mix just wants to be by your side, so much so, his name should have been “Shadow.” CoCo knows his basic commands, walks well on a leash and is house-trained. He can be a bit selective about his canine friends, but with the appropriate introduction, he is friendly. CoCo would love to be your wingman!
For more information contact adoptions@arfhamptons.org
or call 631-537-0400 x203.
All ARF animals are vet checked, spayed/neutered, microchipped and up to date on all vaccines.
To view all of our adoptable animals, visit: www.arfhamptons.org
NYS Registered Shelter/Rescue #RR035
