New director for Naperville Humane Society

Anna Payton, former head of Kendall County Animal Control, has been named executive director of the Naperville Area Humane Society.

Payton also has worked as an animal control officer and humane education and public events coordinator for DuPage County Animal Care and Control, and has volunteered with humane societies and breed-specific rescues.

She received her bachelor's degree in animal sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she also was a department instructor. She received her master's degree in teaching with emphasis in humane education from Webster University.

"I am honored to be named the executive director for NAHS and excited to lead an organization that provides a variety of services for the people and companion animals in Naperville and surrounding area," Payton said in a written statement. "It is wonderful to be taking on a role where I will be surrounded by compassionate staff, caring volunteers and a passionate board of directors. Our goal is to continue to be progressive in our animal welfare efforts and in serving the local community."

Naperville Area Humane Society is a private, not-for-profit organization founded in 1979 to develop and implement animal welfare programs and services in Naperville and the surrounding area. Its goal is to protect animals and to prevent animal suffering. While providing shelter and adoption programs for homeless animals, it also strives to educate the community on compassion, respect and kindness toward all living things.

For details, visit NapervilleAreaHumaneSociety.org or call (630) 420-8989.