PetSmart Charities, Inc. Names Director of Philanthropy

PHOENIX, AZ–(Marketwire – December 2, 2010) – PetSmart Charities, Inc., a Phoenix-based nonprofit organization, is pleased to announce the addition of Joy Chesbrough to the newly created role of Director of Philanthropy.

In her new position, Chesbrough is responsible for leading the growth of the development division focused on soliciting and cultivating donors, with an emphasis on major giving. She will report to Vice President and Executive Director, Susana Della Maddalena.

“We’re thrilled to bring someone with Joy’s diverse background on board to guide our philanthropic efforts,” said Della Maddalena. “Her knowledge and skill set will be critical in helping us raise the funds we need to realize our vision of a lifelong, loving home for every pet.”

Chesbrough brings with her a wealth of philanthropic and development experience in both the nonprofit and corporate worlds. Prior to joining PetSmart Charities, Chesbrough was director of resource development and corporate relations for Medical Assistance Programs (MAP) International, one of the world’s top humanitarian relief and development agencies. Before joining MAP International, she was the director of development for Scripps Health Foundation in San Diego, Calif., where she managed fundraising and capital campaigns for three major hospital centers. She has also worked as the director of major gifts at Operation Smile International, the world’s largest international children’s humanitarian organization.

“I’m so happy to be joining the organization that is the largest funder of companion animal-welfare efforts in North America,” says Chesbrough. “Joining PetSmart Charities offers me the opportunity to use my resource development skills to make a substantial impact in reducing the tragedy of pet homelessness.”

Chesbrough has two Master of Arts degrees, one in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego and another in Communications from Regent University’s School of Cinema and Television. She is currently working towards her CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certificate from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is a pet parent to a French bulldog named Napoleon and a Boston terrier named Sparky.

About PetSmart Charities®
Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. The largest funder of animal-welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided $110 million in grants and programs benefiting animal-welfare organizations and, through its in-store adoption program, helped save the lives of more than 4.3 million pets. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working toward its Vision of a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS.

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