Dear Friends of VBSPCA,
After more than seven impactful years leading the Virginia Beach SPCA and strengthening the organization, our Chief Executive Officer, Derby Brackett has shared her plans to retire this year. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend our deepest gratitude for her tireless dedication, strategic leadership, and unwavering passion for our mission and the animals and people we serve.
Since stepping into the Interim CEO role in 2018 and subsequently serving as CEO, Derby has laid a strong and enduring foundation of excellence for the organization. Her leadership has been marked by compassion, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to values-based decision-making. Under her tenure, the VBSPCA has achieved significant milestones, including:
- Building a culture of empowered, empathetic, skilled, and deeply committed team members
- Growing and prioritizing the organization’s budget and overall capacity for care to support long-term sustainability and community impact
- Expanding access to high-quality, low-cost veterinary clinic services, helping keep pets healthy and in loving homes
- Increasing the visibility of the importance of the animal-human bond through greater collaboration with animal welfare partners and supporters throughout Hampton Roads
As we navigate this transition, there is much to celebrate. We hope you will join us at our annual Wags & Whiskers Gala on Saturday, April 11, at the Marriott Oceanfront Resort, where we will honor Derby’s leadership and legacy.
Looking ahead with confidence, I am pleased to share that the Board has convened a Search Committee and engaged LeaderFit, a nationally respected executive search firm dedicated to mission-driven organizations, to lead a thoughtful, inclusive, and strategic search in the coming weeks. The Board—and Derby—remain deeply committed to ensuring strong, values-aligned leadership and to advancing the mission with the same momentum, integrity, and compassion that define the VBSPCA today.
Thank you for your continued trust and support as we honor Derby’s remarkable service and move forward together.
Warm regards,
Angie Lombardi
Board Chair, VBSPCA
Posted: February 2, 2026 by vbspcaadmin
Leadership Update: Celebrating Derby Brackett and Looking Ahead
Dear Friends of VBSPCA,
After more than seven impactful years leading the Virginia Beach SPCA and strengthening the organization, our Chief Executive Officer, Derby Brackett has shared her plans to retire this year. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend our deepest gratitude for her tireless dedication, strategic leadership, and unwavering passion for our mission and the animals and people we serve.
Since stepping into the Interim CEO role in 2018 and subsequently serving as CEO, Derby has laid a strong and enduring foundation of excellence for the organization. Her leadership has been marked by compassion, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to values-based decision-making. Under her tenure, the VBSPCA has achieved significant milestones, including:
As we navigate this transition, there is much to celebrate. We hope you will join us at our annual Wags & Whiskers Gala on Saturday, April 11, at the Marriott Oceanfront Resort, where we will honor Derby’s leadership and legacy.
Looking ahead with confidence, I am pleased to share that the Board has convened a Search Committee and engaged LeaderFit, a nationally respected executive search firm dedicated to mission-driven organizations, to lead a thoughtful, inclusive, and strategic search in the coming weeks. The Board—and Derby—remain deeply committed to ensuring strong, values-aligned leadership and to advancing the mission with the same momentum, integrity, and compassion that define the VBSPCA today.
Thank you for your continued trust and support as we honor Derby’s remarkable service and move forward together.
Warm regards,
Angie Lombardi
Board Chair, VBSPCA
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