Patty Baker Humane Society Naples is excited to announce Becca Morris as its new chief executive officer, effective Oct. 6, 2025. Morris brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience and a deep-rooted passion for animal welfare to Collier County’s leading animal shelter and advocacy organization.

“For 65 years, PBHSN has been a lifeline for animals and families throughout Collier County. This organization has built something truly special here, creating a culture of compassion that extends throughout our community. I’m honored to help carry that legacy forward and find new ways to serve both the animals and people in Collier County.”

Morris brings extensive experience in animal welfare operations, community engagement, and organizational growth. She spent more than 12 years leading animal welfare initiatives in the Nashville area, where she developed innovative, community-focused approaches to saving lives and keeping pets with their families.

As director of operations and development for the Nashville Humane Association—Nashville’s oldest pet-based nonprofit—Morris achieved remarkable results: a 99% save rate, 2,600 live outcomes annually, and record-breaking fundraising growth. She spearheaded the creation of a community resource center that provided support to pet owners before they reached crisis, keeping more animals out of shelters and in loving homes. Morris also led the organization’s emergency response efforts, coordinating disaster relief following the March 2020 Nashville tornado and December 2021 Western Kentucky tornados. Under her leadership, the Nashville Humane Association received the 2021 Frist Foundation Innovation in Action Award for its “Pawsitive Connection” program, which brought mobile pet health clinics and vital resources directly into underserved communities.

Previously, as a special projects coordinator for Metro Nashville Public Health Department, Morris led the transformation of Nashville’s municipal shelter, Metro Animal Care and Control. With her guidance, she spearheaded the overhaul of MACC and helped drop the shelter’s euthanasia rate from 75% to under 10% in just two years. She also played a key role in ending Davidson County’s discriminatory breed ban, establishing a community cat program, and building a 40-partner rescue transfer network that continues to save lives today.

“Becca brings exactly what PBHSN needs for this next chapter—not just an impressive track record, but a clear vision of what animal welfare can be when you put community at the center,” said Brad Jamison, president of the PBHSN Board of Directors. “She understands that our work isn’t just about the animals who come through our doors; it’s about building a community where every pet has a chance to thrive. We’re excited to see where she takes PBHSN next.”

Most recently, Morris served as chief operating officer for the Tennessee Innocence Project, where she built the organizational infrastructure needed to support the nonprofit’s mission of exonerating the wrongly convicted.

Morris holds a Bachelor of Science from Lipscomb University. She and her husband share their home with Louie, a 14-year-old dog who remains convinced he’s still a puppy. When she’s not working, you’ll find her tending to her garden or on the pickleball court.