Indianapolis, Indiana – Friends of Indy Animals, the fundraising partner of Indianapolis Animal Care Services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristin Hancock as the new Executive Director, effective November 2024. Hancock will succeed Becky Honeywell, who will retire at the end of 2024 after a remarkable career dedicated to animal welfare and nonprofit leadership. Hancock and Honeywell will collaborate closely for the remainder of 2024 to ensure a seamless transition.
Hancock brings a wealth of experience in employee engagement, communications, and development. She is the founder of ICology, a member-based organization for professionals in employee engagement. Before founding ICology, she worked as an independent consultant, helping organizations improve workplace culture and communication. Hancock’s background includes key roles with nonprofits such as the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, Ronald McDonald House Manitoba, and Make-A-Wish Canada.
Since moving to Indianapolis from Canada in 2019, Hancock has been deeply involved in the local animal welfare community. She has served on the Friends of Indy Animals board, capital campaign committee, and event committee. A dedicated volunteer at Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS), she has also served as a canine companion and a training buddy for new volunteers.
“I’m honored to step into this role as Friends of Indy Animals continues its commitment to saving more homeless pets in Indianapolis,” Hancock shared. “This is a dream job for me, and I’m excited to keep working alongside the passionate people who share my dedication to this cause.”
Outgoing Executive Director, Becky Honeywell, has been a pivotal figure in Friends of Indy Animals’ growth and success. Under her leadership, the organization successfully completed its $7 million Journey Home capital campaign to help fund the new Indianapolis Animal Care Services shelter, set to open in 2026.
“It has been a great honor to work with Friends of Indy Animals and its generous, compassionate donors to complete the Journey Home capital campaign and start a new chapter for homeless and vulnerable animals in Indianapolis,” said Honeywell. “I look forward to Kristin’s tenure as she leads Friends into the future, helping save even more animals’ lives.”
Honeywell’s career spans more than four decades, including significant contributions to organizations like the Indy Chamber, Second Helpings, Planned Parenthood, and the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). Her passion for animal welfare led her to serve as Chief Development Officer at Indy Humane, and later as the Executive Director of Friends of Indy Animals.
Upon retirement, Honeywell plans to continue her advocacy for animal welfare through volunteer work, leaving behind an incredible legacy and a strong foundation for Hancock to build upon.
ABOUT FRIENDS OF INDY ANIMALS
There is a large and persistent gap between the needs of our city’s homeless animals and the funding available from the City of Indianapolis to care for them. Friends of Indy Animals exists to close that gap. Friends of Indy Animals is a separate 501(c)3 that partners with Indianapolis Animal Care Services (our city shelter) to provide financial support for emergency medical care, shelter diversion programs, training, vaccines, spay/neuter, and community cat programs. Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS), the only animal shelter in Marion County required by law to take in all animals regardless of breed, health conditions, or circumstances.