Longmont Humane Society bids a bittersweet farewell to CEO Liz Smokowski

Longmont Humane Society bids a bittersweet farewell to CEO Liz Smokowski.

“It’s a cliche, but Liz is truly irreplaceable,” said Dr. Lou Cavallo, board chair for the Longmont Humane Society, or LHS.

Smokowski served briefly on Longmont Humane Society’s Board of Directors before taking on the role of CEO in 2011.

“I’ve been with the organization for nine and a half years,” Smokowski said. “I’m confident that the organization is in a healthy place, both operationally and financially, it feels like a good time to step away.”

Cavallo explained, in a phone call, that the Humane Society had been in dire straits financially, when Smokowski took over as CEO. He credits her character and business acumen for giving strength to the organization.

The sentiment was echoed by Carrie Brackenridge, director of marketing and communications for LHS. Brackenridge was already employed at LHS when Smokowski came onboard.

“While with LHS, Liz provided leadership through a number of significant challenges faced by the organization as well as within the community, including the restructure of the original loan on our facility which was an important step towards greater financial stability for the organization,” Brackenridge said in an email.

“I’m proud to have been part of a very hardworking team that has understood what it takes to shift an organization so that it can operate as a strong business but still have a big heart,” Smokowski said. “We worked together to bring the organization to a fiscally responsible level while keeping care and compassion for the animals the priority. I’ll miss seeing all of the happy faces when animals and people were united!”

Smokowski will officially resign from the position on June 4. The board of directors for LHS is going to take it’s time finding a worthy successor, according to Cavallo. 

“Liz was such a success, an amazing face for the community, active with the Longmont Chamber of Commerce and always very involved in the fundraising aspects of the job,” Cavallo said. “We want to continue her legacy moving forward, and work toward bettering the welfare of animals in the community.”

During Smokowski’s tenure as CEO, the organization earned the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year award twice, in 2012 and 2018.

“I hope the community continues to appreciate what a special resource Longmont Humane Society is and continues to believe and invest in it,” Smokowski said.

“Liz’s contributions to LHS have been significant for the organization and we are all grateful for her work on behalf of animals in our community,” Brackenridge said. “She will be missed!”

Smokowski said she has no definite plans for the future, but is looking forward to whatever adventures may await her. 

“Great things never come from a place of comfort — take risks,” Smokowski offered as words of wisdom to her successor.