LIHUE — Nicole Schafer Crane is stepping down as the Kauai Humane Society’s executive director to return to the East Coast following four years of service, the humane society announced.
The Kauai Humane Society (KHS) also announced that Padraic Gallagher, the former disaster program manager at the American Red Cross in Lihue, will be the new executive director. He will step into the new role on Oct. 21.
Starting on Sept. 23, Gallagher has been overlapping Schafer Crane to better acquaint himself with shelter operations and personally meet the staff in the various departments.
“I was deeply saddened to hear that Nicole was leaving KHS, and the board wish her all the very best,” said KHS board member Andrew Goode. “We will sorely miss her leadership skills, knowledge of shelter operations, humor and tireless passion for the welfare of the entire Kauai community and its animals.”
During Schafer Crane’s tenure that started in 2020, she took on the unique challenges of leading the island’s only open-intake shelter through and out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also achieved many milestones for animal welfare on Kauai, including spearheading the KHS Dog Park renovations, Disaster Preparedness initiatives, Mission Mainland and secured no-kill status for the shelter in 2020, 2021 and 2022. KHS was 2 percent short in 2023.
Additionally, the KHS transfer program flew more animals to the mainland rescue partners than any other Hawaii shelter in 2021 and 2022. She broke the KHS annual adoption record with 1,406 dogs and cats finding new homes in 2021.
Schafer Crane also introduced the Ringworm Ward to treat sick kittens, brought Greater Good Charities and cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy to the island.
She also partnered with Pacific Birds and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to enhance wildlife protection, as well as opened the Community Care Center in August 2022.
“It’s never easy when an organization loses a strong executive like Nicole, and she will be missed,” said KHS Board President Dan Giovanni.
“The KHS board believed it is critical to have continuity of leadership, and we are very pleased that Padraic, a 15-year resident of Kauai, will be coming on board and overlapping with Nicole for several weeks before she departs.”
Gallagher brings a diverse background in management, planning and customer service, with significant experience in both the nonprofit and governmental sectors. He and his wife Shannon have also served as foster parents to several of the KHS animals over the years.
Previously, Gallagher served as Disaster Program Manager at the American Red Cross in Lihue for nearly 10 years, overseeing 120 volunteers and coordinating disaster response efforts. He also collaborated with the Kauai Emergency Management Agency on mass care incidents.
Prior to this, Gallagher worked as a park ranger with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Kilauea, Hawaii. In that role, he maintained visitor records, enforced safety rules to protect guests, staff and wildlife, and provided park information to enhance customer service.
He also participated in park maintenance and public education efforts, focusing on responsible recreation and safe park activities.
“I am looking forward to this new opportunity to ensure the health, safety and happiness of our pets and their families,” Gallagher said. “I hope to build upon the great work Nicole has done the past few years.”
