SANTA CRUZ — Santa Cruz resident Meghan French has been named executive director of BirchBark, a local nonprofit dedicated to “protecting the human-animal bond through emergency veterinary care assistance, compassionate grief support, and pet-related education.”
Meghan French
French has more than a decade of experience run the non-profit world and has been hired to guide BirchBark into new phase of strategic growth focused on increasing access to services across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties.
“Meghan’s commitment to equity, community, and compassionate care makes her the ideal leader to steward BirchBark’s mission,” said Dr. Merrianne Burtch, founder of BirchBark. “Her passion for both people and animals — paired with her ability to build strong, values-driven teams — will take this organization to the next level.”
Prior to joining BirchBark, French served as Director of Development at Siena House, where she created the organization’s first comprehensive fundraising program. Now at BirchBark, French is focused on strengthening the organization’s infrastructure, expanding fundraising efforts, and growing community awareness of the foundation’s work — helping pet guardians in crisis access lifesaving veterinary care they otherwise could not afford.
“I am honored to lead an organization whose mission is rooted in compassion and connection,” French said. “BirchBark stands at the intersection of community care and animal welfare, and I’m inspired every day by the opportunity to keep families and their beloved pets together during some of life’s hardest moments.”
French lives in Santa Cruz and said she is passionate about cultivating transparent, joyful, and high-trust workplace cultures.
Founded in 2013, BirchBark provides financial assistance for urgent veterinary care through its flagship PetAid program, offers grief support for pet guardians navigating loss, and presents free educational webinars that empower pet families to share their happiest and healthiest lives with their pets. The organization serves as a safety net for low-income families, ensuring that no one has to choose between financial hardship and the life of their animal companion.
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For more information about BirchBark and its programs, visit www.birchbarkfoundation.org.