Brad Shear

Brad Shear provides executive leadership at national animal welfare organizations, guiding strategy, governance, and community-impact initiatives. As Executive Director of Potter League for Animals, he advances humane programs, financial stewardship, and collaborative partnerships that strengthen shelters, elevate professional standards, and expand lifesaving services across diverse regions nationwide.

Brad earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, developing analytical, organizational, and leadership foundations. Academic training supported operational planning, ethical decision-making, and program evaluation, preparing him to manage complex nonprofit environments, regulatory responsibilities, and multidisciplinary teams within animal welfare institutions nationwide, in professional settings.

Brad previously led major humane organizations, including serving a decade as president and chief executive officer of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. He also directed operations for the Atlanta Humane Society, advised on statewide safety initiatives, and managed large municipal shelter systems with complex compliance and community-engagement demands.

Brad’s governance experience includes board leadership with national and regional associations, advancing best practices, fiscal accountability, and sector collaboration. He has chaired and served as treasurer for coalitions, advised industry councils, and contributed to nonprofit networks focused on policy development, innovation, and organizational sustainability, with a focus on long-term impact outcomes.

Earlier in his career, Brad managed animal shelter and animal control programs in Colorado, serving as a commissioned cruelty investigator and directing emergency response operations. This operational foundation strengthened investigative rigor, disaster readiness, and cross-agency coordination essential to effective community protection across shelters, municipalities, and partner organizations nationwide.

Through mission-driven leadership and measurable outcomes, Brad Shear continues to advance humane services, professional excellence, and collaborative progress. His work emphasizes accountability, innovation, and compassion, helping organizations strengthen capacity, improve animal welfare standards, and deliver sustainable, community-centered results across regions, stakeholders, programs, partnerships, and evolving sector needs nationwide.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Law Office of Bradley S. Shear, LLC
• Executive Director, Potter League for Animals
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Member, Maryland State Bar Association

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• Maryland
• New York (Suspended)

Education

• University of Colorado at Boulder
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges