Laura McCann was recently named executive director of the Animal Rescue Coalition (ARC), a not-for-profit organization with a mission to end the killing of adoptable dogs and cats in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. McCann brings more than 30 years of legal and executive experience in the military, corporate and nonprofit sectors to ARC. In her new role, she will lead, support and guide the organization’s mission, ensure the nonprofit’s financial health, oversee resources and day-to-day operations and fulfill ARC’s mission through programming, strategic planning and community outreach.

Most recently, McCann was the founder and president of Philanthropy Partners, a firm that provides professional guidance to nonprofits, corporations and foundations. Prior to that, she served as the vice president of United Way of Greater Chattanooga. She is a veteran of the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps, where she was selected to serve as the first regional counsel to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. McCann’s career also includes employment as a litigation manager for General Electric Company and roles as compliance officer and corporate counsel in the insurance industry.  McCann replaces Mary Dietterle; the talent management company MBJ Group led the nonprofit’s search for the position.