Judith A. Calhoun, a distinguished Bryn Mawr College alumna (A.B. ’82, M.A. ’85), stands as a prominent figure in Colorado’s animal welfare landscape. Currently serving as the CEO of NOCO Humane, a long-standing private nonprofit organization, Calhoun leverages over four decades of nonprofit administration experience to serve the people and animals of northern Colorado. Her significant contributions extend to various leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee for the Animal Welfare Association Of Colorado, highlighting a career deeply committed to animal care and advocacy.
A Career Dedicated to Nonprofit Leadership and Animal Care
Calhoun’s extensive background in nonprofit administration spans more than 40 years, equipping her with profound insights into the sector. Her journey began uniquely as a fieldworker for the Bryn Mawr College Centennial Campaign. This early experience paved the way for significant leadership positions, including vice president for development and community relations at the Dumb Friends League in Denver and director of development for the Peninsula Humane Society in California. She also served as associate executive director for the Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation and gained experience with several other colleges and universities. Her academic foundation in Sociology from Bryn Mawr, coupled with professional certifications as a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), underscores her expertise in both animal welfare science and effective nonprofit management.
Championing Animal Welfare Across Colorado
In her current role as CEO of NOCO Humane, Calhoun oversees a vital organization dedicated to animal welfare in northern Colorado. Her leadership extends beyond her primary position; she actively shapes statewide policy and practices through her involvement with the Animal Welfare Association Of Colorado, where she co-chairs the crucial Advocacy Committee. This role places her at the forefront of legislative and policy efforts benefiting animals across the state. Furthermore, Calhoun contributes her expertise as a board member for both Coloradoans Protecting Animal Welfare and the Colorado Veterinary Care Coalition, and is a member of the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado’s Loveland Community Fund Committee and the Convener Group for the Northern Colorado Nonprofit Sector Partnership, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to collaborative community and animal support systems.
Judith A. Calhoun, CEO of NOCO Humane and advocate with the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado, smiling while holding a cat.
Driving Innovation and Collaboration in Animal Sheltering
Calhoun has been instrumental in fostering collaboration within the animal welfare community. She played an active role in establishing the Northern Colorado Regional Animal Welfare Coalition, a significant initiative bringing together animal-related groups across Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming to improve regional animal care coordination. Her forward-thinking approach is further evidenced by her participation in a select group of Colorado animal welfare CEOs who developed the influential Socially Conscious Animal Sheltering concept. This framework promotes responsible, humane practices within animal shelters, emphasizing community engagement and ethical treatment. Her past leadership roles, including board chair of the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and president of the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies, further solidify her reputation as a collaborative leader.
Recognition and Continued Commitment
Judith Calhoun’s impactful career has earned her significant recognition. She was honored as a Woman of Vision in 2015 by the Colorado Women of Influence and named a Woman of Distinction by BizWest in 2019. Under her leadership, Larimer Humane Society (now part of NOCO Humane) received the prestigious BBB Torch Award for Ethics in 2018, attesting to the high standards of operation she upholds. Her longstanding connection to Bryn Mawr College, marked by various volunteer roles including co-chairing fundraising for the Class of 1982 and serving on the Alumnae Fund Committee, reflects a deep-seated commitment to service that permeates her professional life in animal welfare.
In conclusion, Judith A. Calhoun exemplifies dedicated leadership in the nonprofit sector, particularly within animal welfare in Colorado. Her extensive experience, strategic roles in organizations like NOCO Humane and the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado, and commitment to innovation and ethical practices have made a substantial positive impact. Her work underscores the vital role of experienced, collaborative leadership in advancing the cause of animal welfare across the state and beyond.
