Pictured, from left, Darla McCammon and Katey Zemen.

KOSCIUSKO — The Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County recently announced its new executive director.

Katey Zemen will be stepping into the role on Thursday, May 3. Zemen graduated from Butler University with an arts administration degree focused on non-profit work. She was also the former executive director of the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir.

“I am very excited to be combining both my non-profit experience and my passion for animals with this position,” Zemen said.

Darla McCammon, the current executive director, will be retiring after ten years of working at the Animal Welfare League.

She is entering a “semi-retirement,” as she plans to continue helping the organization raise funds for the AWL’s new building. A final bid for how much funding is still needed for the building is set to arrive Friday, May 4.

McCammon stated that she’s thrilled Zemen is taking over the position.

“It really takes a special person with passion and strength to run the organization,” McCammon said. “She’s exactly that.”

Zemen said that she plans on holding a lot of fundraising events to raise money for the AWL’s new building, including a barbecue in late July. The Animal Welfare League will also be at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds during the Spring Into Summer Arts and Craft Fair on Saturday, May 5.

“I am just happily overwhelmed,” Zemen said. “The people I’ve met here are absolutely phenomenal. They love these animals and they’re so committed to the job.”

Zemen stated that she’s loved taking the experience in thus far, and that being a part of the organization has been a unique experience already.

“I like going home and feeling like I’ve made a difference,” Zemen said.