Makena Yarbrough

Makena Yarbrough is an experienced animal welfare professional currently serving as the Senior Director of Lifesaving Programs-East at Best Friends Animal Society since September 2018. Previous roles include Senior Director of Regional Programs and Mid-Atlantic & Southeast Regional Director at the same organization. Prior to this, Makena held the position of Executive Director at Lynchburg Humane from July 2009 to September 2018 and served as Associate Director at Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA from May 2007 to July 2009. Makena's career in the animal welfare sector began at Richmond SPCA, where the role was Director of Operations from October 2000 to May 2007. Earlier in the career, Makena was the Marketing Manager at Keystone Builders for five years. Makena holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology/Anthropology from St. Mary's College of Maryland, obtained between 1989 and 1992.