February 26, 2026 3:40 a.m. 

Saving Grace Humane Society Executive Director Jennifer Barta said she plans to step down this spring.

Barta said she is making the change due to some family health issues that she needs to focus on. Barta plans to exit her role on May 1st in person but is willing to help remotely part time if needed for a short period of time. She said the recruiting process for her successor is underway and the role should be posted soon.

Barta took over as the non-profit’s leader in 2024. Barta is a certified animal welfare administrator with many years of experience in animal welfare and education, as well as certifications in volunteer administration and emergency animal sheltering. Before coming to Saving Grace, Barta served in leadership at the Oregon Humane Society in Portland for 14 years.

Barta said the team at Saving Grace is the most passionate group of staff and volunteers that she has ever worked with. She said, “It has been a pleasure working with such amazing people and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment”.

For now, Barta plans to focus on her family. Then later, she hopes to get back into the Animal Welfare arena, working in some way to continue advocating for the animals and their people. Barta said, “This is important work, and I have done it for 17+ years and hope to do it again someday”.

For more information about Saving Grace Humane Society, go to: https://savinggracehumanesociety.org/