PAWS for People names new executive director

The PAWS for People board of directors has selected Clarice Ritchie as its new executive director following the recent retirement of PAWS founder Lynne Robinson. Now in her ninth year of employment with PAWS, Ritchie has served as interim executive director since January.

Ritchie began her PAWS career in 2014 as community engagement director, with responsibility for volunteer appreciation, community and special fundraising events. From 2019 to 2022, she served as director of events and operations, supervising administrative, community event, website and social media, and training staff members. In this position, she also managed key finance and operations policies and procedures. In addition to representing PAWS in the community, Ritchie successfully guided PAWS’ response to COVID, monitoring Centers for Disease Control guidance and creating protocols to maximize impact while minimizing risk.

Previously, she held a variety of positions with the American Cancer Society’s South Atlantic Division, specializing in staff training and fundraising events. Her educational background includes a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from the University of Mary Washington and a master of education degree from the University of Delaware.

“I am honored and excited to become the new PAWS executive director,” said Ritchie. “In my nine years at PAWS, I have developed a deep appreciation for the great impact of this organization and its amazing staff and volunteers, and look forward to shaping its future together.”

As executive director, Ritchie will continue to work with the staff, board of directors and volunteers to grow and solidify PAWS. The demand for pet-assisted therapy programs has dramatically increased since the onset of COVID, and PAWS has become an important driving force in the battle to improve mental wellness in the community.

PAWS for People is a nonprofit organization committed to providing hope, encouragement and comfort to people in need through interactions with a gentle, affectionate pet. It trains and certifies caring people and their well-trained pets to engage with community members of all ages throughout Delaware and surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. 

PAWS offers programs that address a range of physical, emotional and mental needs in a wide variety of sites including hospitals, eldercare facilities, rehabilitation centers, colleges, schools, libraries, corporate offices and more. In addition, PAWS for Reading and PreK PAWS teams provide sessions to help children enjoy reading while improving their literacy skills with the encouragement and comfort of a non-judgmental therapy pet.

For more information, go to pawsforpeople.org.