Dogs Inc Announces Appointment of Veronica Thames as Chief Executive Officer
Experienced nonprofit and philanthropic leader to build on Dogs Inc’s legacy of transforming lives
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Palmetto, FL, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dogs Inc today announced the appointment of Veronica Thames as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 15, 2026.
Thames brings more than two decades of leadership experience across philanthropy, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations, with a proven record of strengthening organizations, developing people, and expanding community impact.
Thames currently serves as CEO of Manatee Community Foundation and previously held a leadership role with Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Across her career, she has led with a focus on creating opportunity, building strong organizations and teams, and bringing people together around meaningful missions.
She now joins Dogs Inc, a national nonprofit whose mission is to transform lives through extraordinary partnerships between people and dogs. Dogs Inc provides expertly trained guide dogs and service dogs to people with vision loss, veterans with PTSD, Gold Star families, children with vision loss, and others with disabilities completely free of charge, including food, preventative medications, instruction and support for the life of the partnership.
“After a thoughtful and comprehensive national search, we are thrilled to welcome Veronica to Dogs Inc,” said Bob Meade, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We were looking for a leader with strategic vision, a deep commitment to people and mission, and the ability to build on an already exceptional organization. Veronica brings that combination, along with a proven record of strengthening organizations, empowering teams, and creating meaningful impact.”
“Most importantly, Veronica understands that the heart of Dogs Inc is the extraordinary partnership between a person and a dog,” Meade continued. “She also understands that making those partnerships possible requires an entire community: our employees, volunteers, puppy raisers, graduates, donors, and partners. We believe she is the right leader to honor what has made Dogs Inc so successful while helping us reach even more people whose lives can be transformed by these incredible dogs.”
For Thames, the opportunity brings together many of the experiences and passions that have shaped her career. She immigrated to the United States from Buenos Aires at age 19 and went on to build a career spanning healthcare, philanthropy, and nonprofit leadership. She has a particular passion for supporting veterans and people with disabilities.
“Dogs Inc has an extraordinary mission and an incredible opportunity to change even more lives,” said Thames. “What drew me to this organization is the power of the partnership we create, beginning with the independence, confidence, and connection that becomes possible when a person and a highly trained dog find one another.”
“I’m coming into Dogs Inc ready to listen, learn, and roll up my sleeves,” Thames added. “I want to understand what makes this organization special from the people who live the mission every day: our employees, volunteers, puppy raisers, graduates, donors, and partners. Then, together, we can build on that strength and create even greater opportunities for the people we serve.”
Thames will spend her first several months focused on listening, relationship-building, and experiencing Dogs Inc’s programs firsthand. She plans to meet with employees and stakeholders across the organization, spend time with every department, and deepen her understanding of Dogs Inc’s programs, culture, and communities before establishing longer-term priorities.
Throughout her career, Thames has placed a strong emphasis on organizational and people development, receiving national recognition for workplace culture. She is an advocate for approachable leadership and creating environments where employees feel valued, empowered to contribute, and equipped to do their best work.
Dogs Inc also expressed its gratitude to Colleen Flaherty, who has served as Interim CEO during the leadership transition.
“Colleen stepped forward at an important moment and provided steady, thoughtful leadership while keeping our people and mission at the forefront,” said Meade. “We are deeply grateful for her service and for the strong position from which Veronica will begin.”
“Dogs Inc has an extraordinary foundation, an exceptional team, and a mission that changes lives every day,” Meade added. “We are excited to welcome Veronica and begin this next chapter together. Our goal is simple: to help more people experience the independence, confidence, and connection that these extraordinary partnerships make possible.”
About Dogs Inc
Dogs Inc transforms lives by creating extraordinary partnerships between people and dogs. The organization provides expertly trained guide and service dogs to individuals with vision loss, veterans with PTSD, Gold Star families, children with vision loss, and others with disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence, confidence, and connection. Dogs Inc provides its dogs, food, preventatives, instruction, and support completely free of charge for the life of the partnership. The organization is supported by dedicated employees, volunteers, puppy raisers, graduates, generous donors, and community partners.
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Dogs Inc
media@dogsinc.org
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