The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is excited to give our supporters a chance to get to know Charmaine Brett in her role as our new President and CEO. Following the retirement of Doug Brooks, who led the organization with compassion and vision over the past four years, Charmaine has stepped into her new role with enthusiasm, experience, and a deep commitment to animal welfare.
Over 20 years of international humanitarian and development experience
A respected global leader in animal welfare and humanitarian response, Charmaine brings over 20 years of experience leading organizations, including Veterinarians Without Borders, Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, and Action Against Hunger.
Most recently, as Executive Director of Veterinarians Without Borders North America, Charmaine expanded the organization’s reach to over 13 countries and strengthened global efforts to improve the health of animals, people, and the environment. She has also led emergency operations in Ukraine, Turkey, and wildfire-affected regions across Canada, earning recognition for her calm, compassionate leadership during crises.
“Those years shaped so much of who I am,” says Charmaine. “It showed me how deeply connected people, animals, and the environment truly are.”
In Canada, Charmaine has championed access to veterinary care in remote and underserved communities, working closely with Indigenous partners in the North to introduce sustainable, community-based care models.
With such a wealth of experience in global humanitarian and development organizations, Charmaine is the perfect fit for the Ontario SPCA.
A glimpse beyond the office
Outside of her professional roles, Charmaine is an avid runner who also loves yoga and travel. Having lived abroad for over two decades, primarily across Africa and Asia, she credits these experiences for shaping her worldview.
Charmaine is also a mother of two wonderful children and loves spending time outdoors with her family.
“Camping, exploring, and finding new ways to enjoy nature are some of our favourite things to do,” she says.
A vision rooted in compassion and care
Throughout Charmaine’s international career, she often found herself supporting emergency response efforts including major earthquakes, wildfires and periods of civil unrest where animals were caught in the middle of crisis.
“Helping keep them safe became an incredibly meaningful part of my work,” she says. “I also witnessed firsthand the challenges of dog population management and the lack of access to veterinary care in many communities.”
Those experiences left a lasting impact on her and ultimately drew her to the Ontario SPCA.
“What motivated me to join the Ontario SPCA is the belief that everyone deserves the chance to have a furry companion in their life and that access to care should never be a barrier,” says Charmaine. “I am deeply committed to ensuring animals receive the support they need to be healthy and happy, and to helping keep pets and people together. This is the heart of our work, and I am grateful every day to be part of it.”
Join us
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society offers a wide range of rewarding career opportunities dedicated to supporting animal well-being across Ontario. If you’re passionate about making a difference for animals in need, visit ontariospca.ca/employment to learn more.
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