Humane Society of Sarasota County welcomes new Executive Director, Connie Boros

Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) has welcomed Connie Boros as Executive Director and Rebecca Blitz as Senior Director of Advancement. The addition of these two accomplished nonprofit leaders marks a significant step forward as HSSC continues to expand its lifesaving programs and partnerships across the region and state.

"The board is extremely pleased and excited to have Connie join our organization," said Janet Boyden, Board of Directors President. "As we move forward, a pivot in company strategy is expected. Connie exhibits the skill set, experience, and confidence needed to progress in our mission. We look forward to the future of HSSC under Connie's leadership."

Boros will guide HSSC as it advances its mission to provide compassionate care for cats and dogs while expanding lifesaving programs, fostering collaboration, and educating communities to build a No-Kill Florida. She will continue strengthening HSSC's well-established TAILS Program (Together Assisting in Lifesaving Services)—an initiative to mentor and support regional county shelter partners, including DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, and Sarasota County Animal Services.

Joining Boros is Rebecca Blitz, who will lead advancement efforts that grow community engagement and donor support. "Rebecca's passion for animals and history with our organization are some of many reasons we brought her on board," Boyden said. "Her excitement, creativity, and deep connections within our local community make her an incredible asset to our leadership team."

Together with HSSC's senior leadership, Boros and Blitz will help drive the organization toward its vision to lead a lifesaving campaign for a No-Kill Florida and uphold its values of compassionate care, adoption, and responsible pet ownership.

Connie Boros, LISW-S, MSSA, CFRE — Executive Director:

Connie is a dedicated nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience driving mission-critical results. A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Connie is known for her ability to secure essential resources while fostering trust-based relationships with stakeholders. Her leadership is characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Before joining HSSC, Connie served as CEO of Milestone Autism Resources, where she guided the organization through a successful merger to ensure mission sustainability and service continuation for the community. Previously, as Vice President at Achievement Centers for Children, she built lasting relationships with legislators, corporate donors, and community partners while overseeing operations at the 52-acre Camp Cheerful facility. She managed budget development, staffing, and risk management while ensuring diversity and inclusion across all programs; and she led a $700,000-plus recovery effort that restored services without interruption after a natural disaster.

Connie deeply appreciates the joy, comfort, and companionship that animals bring to our lives—whether it's the unconditional love of a dog, the quiet presence of a cat, or the powerful bond shared with a horse. Each reminds us of the unique ways animals enrich our daily experiences and strengthen our communities. She is excited to partner with the dedicated team at HSSC and the broader community to champion the well-being of animals in need and ensure they receive the care, respect, and love they deserve.

Connie earned a Master's of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of Akron. She resides in Bradenton with her husband, Rob, and enjoys spending time outdoors and visiting her children.

Rebecca Blitz — Senior Director of Advancement:

Rebecca is an accomplished philanthropy executive with 30-plus years of experience driving transformational giving, strategic fundraising, and organizational growth. As Senior Director of Advancement at HSSC, she leads initiatives that inspire major gifts and strengthen support for lifesaving animal welfare programs.

Previously, Rebecca served as CEO of Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART), Regional Director of Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida, Regional Director of Make-A-Wish® Central and Northern Florida, Senior Philanthropy Advisor at the Tidewell Foundation, and Director of Children and Family Services at Flanzer Jewish Community Center. A graduate of Leadership Sarasota and former certified teacher for Sarasota County, she is deeply rooted in the region's philanthropic community and is known for blending strategic vision with a hands-on, compassionate approach to mission-driven work.