For Immediate Release

Contact: Jo Ann Hoffman
Chairman of the MCHS Board of Directors
240.773.5973

Main Shelter Information: 240.773.5960

(Rockville, MD) December 16, 2008 – The Montgomery County Humane Society (MCHS) has named Cris Bombaugh as its new president and CEO, effective January 12, 2009. Her responsibilities will include oversight of the Montgomery County Humane Society’s operations at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, which the Society operates through a contract with Montgomery County, as well as a private shelter owned and operated by MCHS, and Wagging Tails Thrift Shop, all located in Rockville, Maryland.

Bombaugh’s background includes 15 years of executive-level experience in not-for-profit management, as well as a background in marketing and communications in the for-profit sector. Most recently, she was chief marketing officer with the Assisted Living Federation of America, where she was responsible for revenue development, membership development and member relations, marketing, communications, and an annual, national conference and exposition.

Prior to that, she was president of the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce from 1998 to 2005, where she oversaw the organization’s membership growth, and helped expand its influence at both the county and state levels through her work with both the business community and officials of Montgomery County and the state of Maryland.

A native of the Washington metropolitan area, Bombaugh holds a B.A. in business administration from Towson University and an M.B.A. from the University of Maryland. She has served as a volunteer at MCHS since 2000.

“With Cris Bombaugh joining our team, we hope to create a model for others as we strive to be the very best as we serve the animals entrusted to us, the community, and the citizens of Montgomery County and beyond,” said Aileen Montgomery, vice president of MCHS. “Cris brings a wealth of non-profit experience and knowledge of Montgomery County to the CEO position. Our community and the animals entrusted to our care will benefit from her leadership.”

Chair and treasurer of MCHS Jo Ann Hoffman added, “We are privileged to have Cris with us and the skills she will bring in management and development. We expect to tap into the potential that Montgomery County offers us.”

Bombaugh expressed excitement about joining MCHS as president. “This is a special opportunity to employ both my experience in not-for-profit management and my passion for the well-being of homeless animals to lead the Montgomery County Humane Society to an exciting future,” she said.

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