Chilliwack – In the past few months, Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven has gone through plenty of controversy and most of it through social media. The board has seen a major shift during concerns over operations and competency.
In a March 25 media release:
The Board of Directors of the Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven is pleased to announce the
appointment of Bradley Gionet as the organization’s new Executive Director, effective March
30, 2026.
A resident of Chilliwack for more than 31 years, Gionet brings extensive experience in
operational and people management, leadership, governance, and fundraising. Throughout his
professional career, he has earned a strong reputation for strategic thinking, collaborative
leadership, and a deep commitment to community service.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Gionet has served the Chilliwack community in
several capacities. He currently holds the role of Vice Chair of the Chilliwack Museum and
Archives, where he contributes his leadership and governance expertise to support the
preservation and celebration of local history. He was recently awarded the Paul Harris
Fellowship Award by the Mt. Cheam Rotary Club for his support in helping Ukrainians coming to
the community, an international honour and one of the highest distinctions Rotary can bestow.
“During our executive search, it became very clear that Bradley’s management skills,
professionalism, and positive, caring nature, along with his genuine dedication to the
community, made him the best candidate,” said Katherine Lemond, President of the Board of
Directors. “The Board is confident that he will help guide the Safe Haven through this transition
period and position the organization to become the most trusted cat shelter serving Chilliwack
and the surrounding region. We also believe that Bradley can build a culture that staff,
volunteers, and members are proud to be part of.”
As Executive Director, Gionet will lead the organization’s strategic development, operational
management, and community engagement efforts as the Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven
continues its mission to provide compassionate care, shelter, and advocacy for cats in need.
From Bradley William Gionet on Facebook:
When someone close to you dies, people often say you should avoid making any major changes, decisions, or purchases for at least a year. Well, that plan went out the window.
The past seven months have brought a great deal of change into our lives, none more significant than the absence of our Mom, Wife, Sister, and Friend.
After returning to work in January, I knew it was time to look for a new opportunity professionally. I was seeking work that placed greater value on impact than income — work rooted in service to the community. As I explored different opportunities, several promising roles came my way, but while they may have been great fits for others, none truly sparked anything in me. God willing, I still have 25 working years ahead, and I have reached a point in life where I want those years to contribute to something meaningful and lasting.
Then, when I least expected it, an opportunity came along that did exactly that.
The Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven has been serving the community for nearly 25 years. It is a cat sanctuary supported by countless volunteers who pour their hearts into the organization, and staff who work tirelessly in animal care and welfare. Over the past several months, the organization has been navigating what it has described as a transition period, and I felt I had a variety of skills I could bring to support that work — none more important than a desire to serve and care for people. In this case, that means supporting and caring for the people who serve the cats. What an honour.
Next week, I will officially begin on site as Executive Director.
I bring with me many lessons learned through volunteer work, operations management, and fundraising, shaped by the privilege of working alongside some truly remarkable colleagues and mentors. I owe so much of that growth to all of you, and I hope to make you proud through the work I will be doing at the Safe Haven.
This new season brings joy. It sparks creativity. It offers purpose. And it calls me to care.
