This award celebrates a nonprofit staff leader whose achievements have resulted in significant impact in the community.
Winner: Dr. Ellen Jefferson, Austin Pets Alive!
Ellen Jefferson has been the Executive Director of Austin Pets Alive! since 2008. Dr. Jefferson has led the charge that earned Austin the title of the largest no-kill city in the United States, saving more than 6,000 animals in 2012 alone. Under her leadership at Austin Pets Alive!, numerous, innovative life-saving programs have been created, providing a replicable model for communities throughout the country. Her staff has said that during a time when a large no-kill community seemed like a myth, Dr. Jefferson and Austin Pets Alive! proved that with innovative thinking and progressive programming, it was possible.
Greenlights' Nonprofit Excellence Awards recognize the nonprofits and individuals driving social change through outstanding achievements impacting our community. Selected by an independent panel, award winners are celebrated at Greenlights' Party for Good where they receive public accolades for their work and a $2,000 cash grant. Co-chaired by Tom and Lynn Meredith, the event raises funds to ensure nonprofits of all sizes have access to top-notch solutions and support to advance their missions and Central Texas' quality of life.
