SPRINGFIELD — A new executive director who brings experience in promoting affordable housing and providing service animals to those with mobility challenges has been named to lead the Dakin Humane Society.
Megan Talbert of Auburn, most recently the chief development officer for Way Finders, takes over for Carmine DiCenso, who left the Springfield-based organization last October.
“She will bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and deep care of supporting the human-animal bond as well as expertise to Dakin,” Tiffany Appleton, president of Dakin’s board of directors, said in a statement.
Appleton observes that Talbert has been involved in nonprofit leadership for nearly 20 years, and has proven skills in fundraising, management, forming and growing strategic partnerships, human resources and regulatory compliance, along with community and volunteer engagement.
As executive director, Talbert will oversee the organization’s work at its Springfield location and its more than 50 employees and nearly 400 volunteers who serve, treat and care for more than 20,000 animals annually. Dakin’s programs serve animals and the people who care for them in several ways, from providing medical care and spaying and neutering to supplying pet food for families facing economic challenges.
The organization’s longtime Leverett location has been closed during the pandemic, and its future use is unknown.
Dakin received assistance from Adisa and its principal, Laura Maloney, to handle the national search for its leader.
Before being at Way Finders, Talbert was the executive director of Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers, a national service animal organization providing daily in-home assistance to people living with spinal cord injury or other mobility impairments.
Talbert earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Boston University. She lives with her husband, stepdaughters and 9-year-old pit bull.
