With its executive director, Scott Howe, retiring this month, the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons announced Monday that it has hired Kimberly J. Nichols as its next top administrator.
ARF said in a release that Ms. Nichols was the successful candidate after a national search was conducted over the last nine months. She has more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit world, including 10 years with the Retreat and a recent position with the Southampton Hospital Foundation.
“The ARF board of directors feels that Kim possesses the perfect combination of experience and values to lead ARF as we reopen our new and renovated campus,” said Kathy Rayner, president of the board.
Ms. Nichols starts in the role on Monday, amid a time of considerable transformation for ARF. Its Forever Home project, a $13 million total renovation of the campus that was buoyed by a significant gift from Richard Wells McCabe of East Hampton, is nearing completion. A grand reopening celebration is planned for May 27, at which time the public will be invited to meet the new director.
Ms. Nichols “will be at the forefront of ARF’s rescue and adoption programs,” the organization said, “as well as its important work helping stray cats and its expanded training programs for dogs in the new William P. Rayner Training Center.”
She lives in Southampton with her partner, two dogs, two “formerly feral” felines, and several feathered and furry “backyard friends,” ARF said.
“ARF has a stellar reputation, a dedicated and passionate staff, a generous and committed family of donors, and board leadership that has the courage to take on big issues — all under a mission that is near and dear to my heart,” Ms. Nichols said in a statement. “It is an honor to join this team, to work with them in support of ARF’s work in improving the health, safety, and well-being of vulnerable animals.”