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Guest Voices: Emily Klehm on Lifesaving Building Design
South Suburban Humane Society’s new resource campus will open its doors next month. Executive Director Emily Klehm recaps—and celebrates—the 15-year journey.
Articles by Emily Klehm
Emily Klehm, CAWA, has served as CEO of South Suburban Humane Society in Chicago Heights for fifteen years. In her tenure, the organization established a thriving high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter clinic, partnered to open a low-cost veterinary services clinic, opened an additional adoption center, and has transformed the shelter from a 50% live release rate to a 90% rate. In 2020, Klehm secured a $7,000,000 government grant and led a capital campaign that raised an additional $2,400,000 to build a new animal shelter campus scheduled for completion in June 2022. Her previous background is in community organizing and nonprofit fundraising. She shares her home with Charlie, Doug, and Stripes, her three adopted pets from SSHS.