10 Questions for Jane Albert of Napa Humane

For the next four weeks, 10 Questions focuses on business people involved in local nonprofit agencies.

Jane Albert works with all kinds of animals at her job as Executive Director of Napa Humane, but she admits to a special affection for cats, especially redheads. “I love the temperament of an orange tabby cat. They are adorable,” Albert said. 

After years of working with animals, Albert has gained some very specific on-the-job skills. “I speak Cat as my primary language although I am competent in Dog but less so in Bunny,” Albert said.

On July 19, Napa Humane holds its annual Cause for the Paws fundraising event. Albert is pictured here with “Chairman Chow” Groth.

“He takes his job very seriously,” said Albert.

Which three people would you most like to have dinner with?

Sadly, I have lost all three of my siblings. It would be a welcome and sweet reunion around our family dinner table. Peas would be flying!

What job would you like to try/not like to try?

I’m in my dream job! I could never be a middle school teacher.

How would you characterize the nonprofit community in Napa County?

It’s a very collaborate environment in which to work. It takes all of us to get the job done. There doesn’t seem to be a feeling of competition between agencies.

I can’t live without ...

Technology. I love being of the generation that transitioned from the typewriter to Twitter!

If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?

That everyone in our community would support the work of a nonprofit organization. Yes, with financial contributions, but moreover, with their gifts of time and advocacy for the missions of the charities that accomplish so much for so many.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

When the Humane Society of Napa County & SPCA (now, Napa Humane) lost its shelter to make way for the flood project. I was hired (as a contractor) soon after to work on their already initiated capital campaign to build a new facility, but soon realized they weren’t ready to launch the next step. It was a defining moment for the organization—what would the Humane Society be if they didn’t shelter animals? We soon came to understand our role was not to do the easy work of simply building more cages, but rather the far more difficult work of keeping companion animals out of cages in the first place.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

I am an avid birder and a Lyle Lovett fan.

What’s the most significant project you’ve been involved with in your career?

I am most proud of the work I have accomplished with Napa Humane by not following a traditional course, but rather by focusing our energy on proactive programming for the welfare of companion animals. It is unique, it is effective, and, I feel, sets the course for the future of the humane movement in our Napa Valley and beyond.

What other business person(s) would you like to see featured in “10 Questions for…”

Anyone lending their talent to a nonprofit board of directors, but especially the dedicated individuals serving on Napa Humane’s: 

Belia Bennett, Raise the Bar

Jennifer Byram, Coombs & Dunlap

Diane Murphy Dunn, Crystal Cruises

Kathryn Fowler, Harlan Estate

Mark Freund, Silicon Valley Bank

Tom Fuller, Fuller & Sander Communications

Clay Gregory, Jackson Family Wines

Amy Sawday Kramer, Pacific Union GMAC Real Estate

Diane Shimshak, Judd’s Hill

Wendy Wickwire, Kapcsándy Family Winery

If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be? 

San Francisco’s AT&T Park, Lower Box 122, Row 23, Seat 18 with a cold…uh, beverage.

More from Jane Albert

How did you get into this business?

As a volunteer! I was asked to coordinate a “CPR Saturday” event for a small chapter of the American Red Cross in Butte County and I stayed involved with the organization. When the long-time director left, I was asked to submit my resume for the position. Oh, my gosh…that was 25 years ago! What were they thinking hiring a 5-year-old!

Who do you most admire in the business world?

I feel fortunate to have had several excellent mentors, beginning with my father – an accomplished businessman and a down-to-earth small-town politician. Most recently, I have been inspired by Gary Templin, the former Executive Director of the East Bay SPCA. He helped me find my voice in animal welfare as I worked to rebuild the organization and set our course for the future.

What was your childhood ambition?

To be a concert pianist. Thank goodness my mother insisted that I take a typing class in high school “to have something to fall back on” just in case that didn’t work out. 

What was your first job?

A “counter girl” at an ice cream and chocolates shop in Oroville, Calif. Unfortunately, it didn’t put me off either one.

What’s on your to-do list?

To accomplish all the things already on my to-do list.

What’s one thing Napa could do to help local business?

As a municipality, strike the (difficult to achieve) balance between supporting small business and national chains.  Done right, there is room for all.

Each Wednesday, the Napa Valley Register’s Business Focus asks “10 Questions” of a local entrepreneur or businessperson. Readers are welcome to suggest business people to be profiled. To suggest a candidate for “10 Questions” e-mail: jhuffman@napanews.com

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