Head of Lewiston Animal Shelter Steps Down for Statewide Role

Katie Lisnik to become first-ever executive director of Maine Humane organization

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Katie Lisnik, the executive director of the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society in Lewiston, Maine, is stepping down from her position to take on a new role as the first-ever executive director of the statewide organization Maine Humane. Lisnik has been with the Lewiston-based animal shelter since 2018 and is leaving to focus on advocacy, education, and coordination efforts for Maine's animal welfare community.

Why it matters

Lisnik's departure represents a significant transition for the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, which has benefited from her leadership and advocacy work over the past several years. Her new role with Maine Humane will allow her to have a broader impact on animal welfare issues across the state.

The details

Lisnik, who has spent her career working for animal welfare organizations, announced she is leaving her position as executive director of the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society to take on the first-ever executive director role at Maine Humane. In this new statewide position, Lisnik will focus on public awareness campaigns, training, resource sharing, and policy work to support Maine's animal welfare industry. Donna Richey, the shelter's longtime development director, has been named interim director while the search for a permanent replacement continues.

  • Lisnik has been the executive director of the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society since 2018.
  • Lisnik will be leaving her position in Lewiston to start her new role with Maine Humane.

The players

Katie Lisnik

The outgoing executive director of the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, who is taking on a new role as the first-ever executive director of the statewide organization Maine Humane.

Donna Richey

The longtime development director at the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, who has been named interim director while the search for a permanent replacement continues.

Maine Humane

A statewide organization that supports the animal welfare industry in Maine through public awareness campaigns, training, resource sharing, and policy work.

Greater Androscoggin Humane Society

The animal shelter in Lewiston, Maine, where Lisnik has served as executive director since 2018.

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What they’re saying

“I have taken on the first-ever executive director position for Maine Humane, which is a statewide organization supporting the animal welfare industry, through public awareness campaigns, training, resource sharing projects, policy work and much more. I'm very excited about the possibilities!”

— Katie Lisnik, Outgoing Executive Director, Greater Androscoggin Humane Society (sunjournal.com)

“She's been an amazing advocate for the animals, not only in the shelter but out in the community. This is definitely a loss for the community, but she'll still be working for animal welfare and continuing the fight in her new position.”

— Donna Richey, Interim Director, Greater Androscoggin Humane Society (sunjournal.com)

“She's been a true leader for the shelter. She's very hands-on — very involved with everything we do here, from events to cleaning in the cat room on holidays. She will be very much missed.”

— Shannon Martin, Community Engagement Specialist, Greater Androscoggin Humane Society (sunjournal.com)

What’s next

The search for a new executive director of the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society began at the start of 2026 and is ongoing.

The takeaway

Lisnik's departure from the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society represents a significant transition, but her new role with Maine Humane will allow her to have a broader impact on animal welfare issues across the state. The Lewiston-based shelter will continue its operations during the search for a permanent replacement.