SAFE Haven for Cats, the Triangle’s leading no-kill cat shelter and clinic, is pleased to announce the appointment of Annie Schmidt as its new Executive Director, effective December 1, 2025.
Annie is an experienced nonprofit leader and capacity-building strategist with over a decade of success in strengthening organizations and advancing community well-being. Most recently, she served as Senior Manager of Field Capacity Building at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she helped state organizations nationwide grow stronger, more equitable, and more effective.
As the former Executive Director of NAMI Wake County, Annie transformed a volunteer-run affiliate into a thriving nonprofit with professional staff, expanded funding, and inclusive, evidence-based programming. Her leadership has been recognized with honors such as NAMI NC Affiliate of the Year and United Way of the Triangle’s 10 Leaders to Watch.
Annie holds a Master of Science in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida and certificates in Nonprofit and Volunteer Management from Rollins College. She has also worked with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Children’s Home Society of Florida, and the Florida Literacy Coalition. Annie is also the proud mom of two cats, Cortez and Sasha.
“I’m thrilled to join SAFE Haven for Cats,” Annie shared. “This organization’s compassion, commitment to community, and dedication to every cat’s well-being are truly inspiring. I’m honored to build on that legacy and help even more cats and people in the Triangle thrive together.”
Throughout the transition, SAFE Haven’s shelter and clinic teams remain steadfast in their mission to provide the best possible medical care, nutrition, and love to every cat in our care.
Under Annie’s leadership, SAFE Haven will continue to grow its lifesaving programs and serve as a trusted resource for cat lovers across the Triangle.
Media Contact:
Dawn Crawford
720-231-1930
dawn@bcdcideas.com
