Petco Foundation Names Susanne Kogut New Executive Director

SAN DIEGO, May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --The Board of Directors of the Petco Foundation today announced the selection of Susanne Kogut as its new executive director. Kogut will replace the Foundation's long-time executive director, industry icon Paul Jolly, who has led the organization since its inception in 1999.

"Paul has given a lifetime of service to helping animals through his career and in his personal life," said Charlie Piscitello, president of the Petco Foundation. "His leadership, passion and tireless commitment have been an inspiration to us all."

Under Jolly's direction, the Petco Foundation has raised and donated more than $110 million to help animals in need across the country. Today, the foundation supports thousands of local animal-welfare partners across the country. Money raised helps fund animal-welfare efforts, including animal rescue, spay and neuter efforts, animal-assisted therapy programs, disaster relief and humane education.

As the new Executive Director, Kogut will be responsible for leading the organization's strategy and vision, as well as furthering its growth and community impact.

"The board is thrilled to have found Susanne, a proven leader with the personal commitment to step into some pretty big shoes and provide an exciting path forward," said Piscitello. "She possesses an outstanding combination of business experience, fundraising expertise, and demonstrated success in the animal-welfare community. She's had a remarkable impact on animals already, and we know she'll continue to serve as a tireless advocate, further strengthening the depth and reach of the Petco Foundation's efforts nationwide."

Kogut brings to the position a strong combination of leadership in public service, including animal-welfare, coupled with years of professional business and legal experience in financial services and as a Washington D.C. attorney. As the executive director of the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA in Virginia, Susanne transformed the struggling group into a model organization nationally recognized for its lifesaving achievements. Prior to joining the CASPCA, Kogut served in various roles at Capital One, including associate counsel, director of corporate finance and director of community reinvestment, where she oversaw all philanthropic giving, employee volunteer programs and financial investments to support low-income communities. 

"The Petco Foundation's contribution to helping animals has been tremendous over the years, and I have such respect and admiration for everything Paul and the Foundation have accomplished," said Kogut.  "I am so honored and thrilled to be a part of the Foundation's future, and I look forward to working with our animal welfare partners across the country to help create a better future for animals in need." 

The Petco Foundation continues to create awareness of important issues and act as an advocate and leading voice in the animal welfare community nationally. To learn more about the Petco Foundation and how you can help, visit http://www.petcofoundation.org.

About Petco and the Petco Foundation

Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that provides the products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,200 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico, including more than 50 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop, and www.petco.com.  The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $110 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 350,000 animals every year.

*Photo is available upon request.

SOURCE Petco Foundation