Becca Morris named CEO of Patty Baker Humane Society

After a nationwide search, Patty Baker Humane Society Naples announced Oct. 6 that it has hired Becca Morris as its new CEO, replacing Sarah Baeckler who had served in the role for eight years. 

PBHSN said in a press release announcing her appointment that Morris brings extensive experience in animal welfare operations, community engagement and organizational growth. Morris spent more than 12 years leading animal welfare initiatives in the Nashville area, where she developed “innovative, community-focused approaches to saving [animals’] lives and keeping pets with their families.”  

In the announcement of her new role, Morris, who holds a Bachelor of Science from Lipscomb University, said she is honored to help carry the PBHSN legacy forward and “find new ways to serve both the animals and people in Collier County.” 

“For 65 years, PBHSN has been a lifeline for animals and families throughout Collier County,” Morris said. “This organization has built something truly special, creating a culture of compassion that extends throughout our community.” 

Brad Jamison, president of the PBHSN board of directors, said Morris brings what the organization needs for its “next chapter — not just an impressive track record, but a clear vision of what animal welfare can be when you put community at the center.” 

"Becca understands that our work isn't just about the animals who come through our doors; it's about building a community where every pet has a chance to thrive. We're excited to see where she takes PBHSN next,” Jamison said. 

As director of operations and development for the Nashville Humane Association in Tennessee, Nashville's oldest pet-based nonprofit, Morris achieved a 99% save rate, 2,600 live outcomes annually and record-breaking fundraising growth. She spearheaded the creation of a community resource center that provided support to pet owners before they reached crisis, keeping more animals out of shelters and in homes.  

Morris also led the organization's emergency response efforts, coordinating disaster relief following the March 2020 Nashville tornado and December 2021 Western Kentucky tornadoes. Under her leadership, the Nashville Humane Association received the 2021 Frist Foundation Innovation in Action Award for its Pawsitive Connection program, which brought mobile pet health clinics and vital resources directly into underserved communities.  

Previously, as a special projects coordinator for Metro Nashville Public Health Department, Morris led the transformation of Nashville's municipal shelter, Metro Animal Care and Control. She spearheaded the overhaul of MACC and helped drop the shelter's euthanasia rate from 75% to less than 10% in just two years. She also played a key role in ending Davidson County's discriminatory breed ban, establishing a community cat program and building a 40-partner rescue transfer network that continues to save lives today.  

Most recently, Morris served as chief operating officer for the Tennessee Innocence Project, where she built the organizational infrastructure needed to support the nonprofit's mission of exonerating the wrongly convicted.