Dog rescue CEO to lead KHS

LIHUE — The board of directors of the Kauai Humane Society announced Thursday that Mirah Horowitz will take the reins of the shelter as executive director consultant.

Horowitz joined the board of directors in March and has made an impressive contribution in that short time, bringing a fresh perspective while demonstrating her commitment to the animals of Kauai, according to a press release.

In 2009, Horowitz founded Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, an all-breed, volunteer-powered animal rescue based in Washington, D.C. LDAR has saved more than 13,000 animals, including a number from the Kauai Humane Society, and has grown into the largest foster-based rescue in the D.C. area.

Since 2012, Horowitz has also served as an executive search consultant, recruiting leaders for nonprofits and universities across the United States.

“With a legal background in addition to her role as founder and executive director of LDAR, Mirah brings a unique set of skills and experience,” said Diann Hartman, president of the KHS board of directors. “We are extremely excited about this opportunity to maximize her knowledge to improve efficiencies and programs at the shelter as she leads the terrific team we have in place.”

A graduate of Duke Law School, Horowitz served as a clerk for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and for Justice Stephen G. Breyer on the U.S. Supreme Court. She practiced law for one year before transitioning back to the public sector, working first for Sen. John Kerry and then for Sen. Robert Menendez.

Hartman said the board has sought a qualified candidate, identifying a couple of possibilities, but as those applicants evaluated moving away from family, housing costs and difficulty finding rentals that accept pets, they balked.

The board has entered into a one-year agreement with Horowitz that may be extended.

“This may seem an unconventional solution, but we are excited about the innovative ideas and skill set Mirah brings and look forward to her contributions at KHS,” Hartman said.