Abigail Appleton Pmp, Cawa

Chief Project Officer at Charleston Animal Society

Abigail Appleton is a highly experienced professional with a strong background in animal welfare and project management. Abigail began their career as an Adoptions Counselor at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region in 2001, where they educated prospective adopters and managed animal intake and adoption processes. Abigail then joined the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in 2004 as a Marine Animal Volunteer, where they delivered lectures on ecology and conservation and trained river otters.

In 2005, Abigail joined the Humane Society of Pinellas, where they held various roles, including Adoption Center Manager, Director of Operations, and Director of Administration and Quality Control. During their time there, they contributed to improving the organization's operations and ensuring the welfare of animals.

In 2013, they became a Founding Board Member of MEOW Now, a non-profit organization focused on bringing TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release) programs to Pinellas County, Florida. Abigail played a crucial role in establishing the organization, including changing county ordinances, registering the non-profit, and creating policies and infrastructure.

In 2016, Abigail joined The Charleston Animal Society as the Chief Project Officer. Abigail led the No Kill South Carolina 2024 initiative, which aimed to eliminate euthanasia of healthy and treatable pets in the state. Under their leadership, statewide euthanasia decreased significantly from 32% to just 12% between 2016 and 2022. Abigail oversaw key projects such as Pick Me! SC, the largest annual statewide adoption event in America, and the Florence Area Community Cat Project.

In 2021, Abigail joined the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce as part of the Leadership Charleston program.

Throughout their career, Abigail has demonstrated a passion for animal welfare and has made significant contributions to the organizations they have worked with. Abigail is a PMP-certified professional and CAWA-certified in animal welfare.

Abigail Appleton, PMP, CAWA, completed their education in a chronological order. In 1995, they attended the Maine School of Science and Mathematics for an unspecified degree and field of study. From 1997 to 2001, they pursued their Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology at Colorado College. Later on, they enrolled at the University of Tampa - John H. Sykes College of Business, where they obtained their Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Nonprofit Management between 2010 and 2013.

Alongside their education, Abigail also obtained several certifications. In 2012, they achieved certification as a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator from the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators. In 2018, they became a Project Management Professional certified by the Project Management Institute. Most recently, in February 2021, they obtained certification as a Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator from Code 3 Associates.

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Timeline

  • Chief Project Officer

    January, 2016 - present