ADL Announces Transformational Executive Appointments

The Animal Defense League of Texas (ADL) announces two “Top Dogs” to lead organizational change in support the league’s vision for the future, according to Alan Hepp, ADL chairman of the board. ADL is pleased to announce the appointment of both a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a new Chief Development Officer (CDO) who will lead operational performance management and resource development strategies as we move into our 90th year of service.

MEET THE NEW LEADERS OF THE PACK

Kenny Hill, Chief Executive Officer

Traci Gomez, Chief Development Officer

“I am thrilled to have Kenny and Traci join our team. Their collective breadth of experience and accomplishments will help us expand opportunities to serve more vulnerable pets in need,” said Alan Hepp, ADL board chair.

“Under the new direction of Kenny and Traci, we’re looking to ensure we have the right structure with the best leadership in place to support the organization’s mission and accelerate our vision for the future,” said Hepp. “Our people have always been ADL’s differentiator. So, in our executive selection process we focused on identifying people-focused, mission-driven leaders with a proven ability to build, lead and grow integrated, large-scale business strategies. These changes will allow us to expand the experience of our leadership team in key areas of the business and ensure we have the right technologies, competitive solutions, and strategic direction to enhance programs and services in defense of vulnerable pets in need of life-saving measures.”

As Chief Executive Officer, Kenny will bring his innovative, high-energy leadership style to drive strategic and organizational change that will propel ADL to be more competitive in the field of animal welfare and evolve to the next level of growth. As an out-of-the-box thinker adept at aligning strategic, organizational, and cultural needs that create a more competitive, results oriented atmosphere and culture of change and optimism, Kenny will provide visionary leadership to advance ADL’s mission.

Most recently, Kenny served as CEO and President for Goodwill Central Texas. Through strategic leadership, he guided the organization’s transformation into a culture of collaboration and inclusion. Prior to his leadership at Goodwill Central Texas, Kenny served as CEO of Victory Oilfield Technology. He implemented innovative processes and developed the organization’s first operations and financial strategic plan, including a path to go public on the OTC. His success in marketing and commercialization has been seen in major brands, including his central role in the commercial success of Dell Technologies, and corporations across a variety of industries.

“As a founder, a CEO, and an investor, I have been able to bring my expertise in investment strategies, consulting, and relationship building to help bring early-stage product ideas to market, while providing guidance and tool sets to successfully establish culture, business processes, and marketing foundations,” said Kenny. “I am excited to put my pioneering spirit into action at ADL to create a culture of transformation and growth – a culture in which we collectively consider innovative ways to ultimately end the pet overpopulation problem in our community, along with the abuse and neglect of helpless, unwanted pets through rescue, education, and advocacy. I believe that the special relationship between humans and animals can drive each of us to show love for every living creation. My ultimate vision for ADL is deeply rooted in that belief.”

Kenny and his team were recognized for his innovative work at Dell and was awarded the Inaugural Computerworld Smithsonian 21st Century Pioneer Award, “dedicated to individuals whose ideas and actions are destined to open the new frontiers of a new millennium.” His ongoing acquisition of skills and knowledge can be attributed to Michael Dell and other great leaders and innovators he worked directly with during his sixteen-year career across the Dell enterprise, and the many continuing education and coaching programs made available. These include: The Aspen Institute leadership development program, and a host of other business consulting organizations, such as Bain & Company and McKinsey.

Kenny and his wife, Kim, hail from Austin and together have four wonderful children, Liz, Drew, Rachel, and Jennifer, who collectively have cared for and loved the many dogs, cats, and other furry friends they have considered family over the years.

As Chief Development Officer, Traci will serve as a senior member of the executive leadership team with a focus on strategic direction and resource development in support of ADL’s mission. With a track record of over 23 years of extensive experience leading successful marketing, communications, fundraising and outreach efforts, Traci will maximize philanthropic support for our work.

“At ADL, we believe that animals are entitled to humane and respectful treatment at the hands of humans. Rescuing vulnerable animals and keeping pets in safe and loving homes is a moral obligation for all of us — advocates, pet owners, shelters, neighbors, and community leaders. When we unite for a common cause, we’re both saving lives and elevating our society to ensure defenseless pets receive the protection and care they deserve,” said Traci.
Traci recently served as the Chief of Development and Communications for Endeavors, where she stood up a private philanthropic program that doubled the organization’s capacity for private donations. Gomez most notably served as the former Chief of Community Engagement for the San Antonio Humane Society. During her tenure, she led the shelter’s multi-million-dollar annual fundraising campaigns for 6½ years to include the successful completion of a $10 million capital campaign effort just before her departure in 2020.

Over her twenty-three-year progressive career, she was the President and CEO at the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, where she successfully engaged and stewarded significant individual gifts and built collaborative major fundraising campaigns in support of grieving children and their families in San Antonio. Traci also served as Executive Director at the YMCA of Williamson County before moving to San Antonio, where she married her husband, Roger.

Traci and Roger are the proud parents of two sons, Jackson, and Grant, and five fur-babies: Jewels, Abby, Tabitha, Nala, and Benjamin, all of whom were rescued here in San Antonio. Traci is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology.