Columbus Humane Announces Erich Hunker As New CEO
Hunker comes to Columbus Humane after 25 years as Assistant Head of School at Columbus Academy
Columbus, OH – Columbus Humane has announced Erich Hunker as its new CEO after a multi-month, national search conducted by Adisa Group alongside the Columbus Humane Search Committee. Hunker comes to the organization with over 35 years of successful leadership in non-profit advancement, marketing, and community engagement, most recently at Columbus Academy.
Effective June 20, 2024, Hunker will succeed Columbus Humane’s long-time CEO Rachel D.K. Finney, CAWA, whose 16-year tenure will conclude at the end of June.
Initially pursuing a career in law enforcement working as a special agent in the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Hunker shifted paths toward nonprofit roles, starting at St. Paul’s School for Boys in Baltimore as Director of Alumni Relations. After serving as a volunteer at The Maryland Zoo, he was recruited to serve as their first Chief Development Officer. Hunker was later recruited again to join The Toledo Zoo as Director of Development and Marketing, where he remained for eight years before joining Columbus Academy.
In his role at Columbus Academy as Assistant Head of School, Development/External Relations, Hunker raised more than $70 million in outright philanthropic support, tripling the school’s endowment fund. Hunker also spearheaded an institutional re-branding overhaul for the school’s first-ever awareness and advertising campaign, and consistently exceeded national parent and alumni participation benchmarks during his 25-year tenure.
“Erich has the executive leadership experience, fundraising acumen, and community relationships we were looking for to drive the great mission of Columbus Humane forward in new and meaningful ways,” said Doug Buchanan, head of the board’s search committee. “Everyone at Columbus Humane is incredibly grateful for the path Rachel D.K. Finney, CAWA has laid for this organization over the last 16 years, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for Erich to take over the helm.”
No stranger to Columbus Humane, Hunker adopted a Husky-mix puppy from the organization in 2010, giving him his first glimpse into the nonprofit. Currently, Hunker serves on boards for The Dawes Arboretum and Dreams on Horseback, further exemplifying his dedication to nature and animals.
“In 2010, my family had the immense privilege of adopting a puppy from Columbus Humane, and it was then that I experienced first-hand part of the important daily impact Columbus Humane has on our community,” said Hunker. “I have been a fan of Columbus Humane since, watching the organization become an industry leader with innovative programming, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”
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ABOUT COLUMBUS HUMANE
Columbus Humane, founded in 1883, provides programs and services for animals and people in Central Ohio. Our mission is to fight animal cruelty, help animals in need and advocate for their well-being. We are a private non-profit, primarily funded by individual gifts from our community. We are the only law enforcement agency investigating reports of animal cruelty abuse and neglect in Franklin County. We are a community resource, providing subsidized veterinary care and pet food assistance to help pet families in need. We are a full service veterinary hospital teaching the next generation of veterinary professionals. We are an adoption center, caring for an average of more than 40 species per year. For more information about Columbus Humane, please visit www.columbushumane.org.
