BMHS gets a new top dog

By Terry Murry on Tuesday, February 8th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – The Blue Mountain Humane Society announced Monday the appointment of Amanda Wernert as the new chief executive officer. Originally from Ohio, she moved to Washington 28 years ago. Her most recent work with animals was at the Progressive Animal Welfare Society in Lynnwood, Washington. She’s also worked with the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Wernert has a bachelor of arts degree in interpersonal and public communications from Bowling Green State University and a certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Washington.

Since starting in 1967, Blue Mountain Humane Society has grown from a small municipal shelter to a nonprofit private and municipal no-kill shelter with a 97.2 percent live release rate. In 2021, BMHS cared for 1,921 animals, provided 4,055 spay and neuter surgeries, returned 442 lost pets to their homes, and found permanent homes for 1,356 companion animals.

Wernert will be heading BMHS with its 32 staff members and dedicated group of volunteers who logged over 5,000 hours in the last year.