New Executive Director, Cat and Dog Sanctuaries, Indoor Dog Training for ARF

EAST HAMPTON, NY - The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons had a lot of big news this week.

To start, there’s a new executive director ready to sign on at the Wainscott facility, as Scott Howe takes the lead and is set to start at his new post on May 9.

“The ARF Board of Directors feels that Scott possesses the skill set to take ARF to the next level and continue to be an important player on the regional and national stage in animal welfare. We did an exhaustive search of 55 candidates and Scott was a unanimous decision by the ARF executive committee. We are delighted that he will become part of the ARF family,” said ARF’s board president Lisa McCarthy.

Howe brings considerable talents to the proverbial table: He’s the current deputy director for administration and institutional advancement at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill.

After starting out in the Peace Corps, where he served in Cameroon, West Africa, Howe has worked for non-profits for 20 years, a release stated.

Howe received his B.A. with Honors in English, magna cum laude, from Washington and Lee University where he was Phi Beta Kappa. He also holds an M.A. in art Hhstory from the University of Texas at Austin and an Ed.D. in art and art education from Columbia University’s Teachers College, the release said.

New job responsibilities will include overseeing all departments at the ARF Adoption Center in Wainscott and the ARF Thrift & Treasure Shop in Sagaponack.

In addition, he’ll strive to deliver ARF’s services to the community and will spearhead an effort to extend the organization’s reach into new communities.

In other news, Howe is slated to head up a capital campaign that will include three new buildings, a cat sanctuary, a dog sanctuary and an indoor dog training center, as well as a renovation of the current medical wing and adoption center.

“ARF became an important part of my life soon after moving to the East End when we adopted our two-year old cattle dog, Stritch, as a puppy rescued from Texas. The story of Stritch and my family is one of thousands, “ Howe said, “and that is why I am very proud to have been chosen to lead ARF at this exciting moment in its history.”

The public will have a chance to meet Howe at ARF’s Pet Celebration Day and annual meeting at the adoption center on Saturday, May 7, at 10 a.m.