Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society Welcomes New Executive Director and Celebrates a Milestone for Shelter Manager

Trisha Barone

Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society (A-SSHS) Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Trisha Barone as its new Executive Director.

Trisha brings over 20 years of leadership experience to the role, where she will oversee the shelter's management and operations, drive its strategic vision, and lead efforts to provide shelter, care, and advocacy for at-risk companion animals.

"I am honored to step into this role and dedicate myself to advancing the mission of compassion, care, and advocacy for at-risk companion animals," said Barone. "There’s important and meaningful work ahead, and I’m energized by the opportunity to collaborate with our passionate staff, generous donors, dedicated board, hardworking volunteers, and broader community partners to continue building a brighter future for animals in need. I hope to champion the bond between people and pets and inspire a world where every animal is valued and treated with love and dignity."

Trisha brings extensive leadership experience from her roles at Kelberman and Utica University, where she excelled in fundraising, strategic planning, and program development. She earned her B.S. in Public Relations from Utica College of Syracuse University. A graduate of the Leadership Mohawk Valley program and a recipient of Cornell University’s High-Performance Leadership certificate, Trisha is deeply committed to high-performing teams.

She has contributed her expertise to numerous nonprofits, including the Utica Zoo, American Cancer Society, and the Riders Wear Pink campaign. As a current board member for Empowered Pathways, she continues strengthening her community. A lifelong animal lover, Trisha resides in New Hartford with her rescue dog and senior cat, husband Eddie, and two children.

Melissa DeMartino

In addition to this exciting leadership transition, A-SSHS is celebrating a significant milestone for Melissa DeMartino, the Shelter Manager, who recently marked her first year in the role. During her tenure, Melissa has made substantial improvements to shelter operations, most notably increasing adoption rates.

With 16 years of experience as an animal caregiver and advocate, Melissa has championed the 114-year-old mission of A-SSHS. Her stated number one goal is to "make a loving human-animal bond through adoption," a vision that she has worked tirelessly to achieve.

Before joining A-SSHS, Melissa managed operations for the Herkimer County Humane Society and earned her BS in Animal Science from SUNY Cobleskill. Melissa resides in West Edmeston with her husband, Jim, and their four beloved dogs.

The leadership of both Trisha Barone and Melissa DeMartino ensures that Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society continues to uphold its mission of alleviating animal suffering and finding forever homes for companion animals in need.

For more information about Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society, please visit anitas-sshs.org or email tbarone@anitas-sshs.org.

About Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society
Established in 1911, Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society is the largest animal care facility in Oneida County. Dedicated to providing shelter, care, and advocacy for at-risk companion animals, A-SSHS strives to create a humane community and inspire a world where every animal is valued and loved.

Contact:
Trisha Barone
tbarone@anitas-sshs.org
(315) 738-4357
(315) 794-1723 (Mobile)