Tara Yurkshat

Tara Yurkshat has a diverse work experience spanning several industries. Tara most recently served as the Chief Operations Officer at SPCA Tampa Bay, a position they have held since February 2019. Prior to this, they were the Vice President of Operations - Animal Welfare at Houston SPCA for almost a decade from September 2009 to August 2018. At Houston SPCA, they managed the operations of one of the largest animal shelters in the U.S., with an annual net revenue of $45 million.

Before their role at Houston SPCA, Tara held various positions at Dumb Friends League. Tara started as the Admissions Technician and progressed to become the Animal Care Assistant Manager, where they managed an Animal Care Team and implemented strategies to improve animal care and departmental goals. Tara later became the Director of Operations, overseeing direct animal and client care, veterinary services, volunteer management, and facilities. Tara was involved in national initiatives and played a key role in the development of a new facility and addition to existing ones.

Tara's earlier experiences include serving as the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer at Woodford Humane Society, where they successfully redesigned the organization's operating model. Tara also worked as an Advertising & Graphic Designer at Cromwell Advertising and a Graphic Designer at Host Communications. Tara started their career at Rutgers University as a Sports Media Relations Associate, where they provided media outlets with content and transitioned sports guides to a digital format.

Overall, Tara Yurkshat has a strong background in operations, animal welfare, and design, with a focus on organizing and improving animal care facilities and leading successful initiatives.

Tara Yurkshat completed their Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Psychology from the University of Virginia between 1989 and 1993. During the same period, they also obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Rhetoric & Communication Studies from the same university. In 2010, Tara obtained a certification as a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) from the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators. In 2011, they acquired a license as a Private Investigator from the State of Texas.