GO

Leadership Transitions at Catskill Animal Sanctuary: Welcoming Jacob Goings and Sam Moon

Catskill Animal Sanctuary (CAS) is entering an exciting new chapter. Amid rising challenges facing the nonprofit and animal protection movements, the Sanctuary is proud to welcome two seasoned leaders to guide us into the next era: Jacob Goings as Senior Director of Development & Communications, and Sam Moon as Executive Director.

A Time of Change

These appointments come during a pivotal leadership transition, following the retirement of CAS’s visionary founder Kathy Stevens after 25 years of service. At the same time, CAS, like many nonprofits, is navigating a turbulent economic landscape, with rising operational costs and increased demand for its services. Strengthened by these two leaders, CAS is poised to carry forward its mission of radical kindness: rescuing farmed animals, telling their stories, and inspiring a more compassionate world.

Jacob Goings: Storytelling for Justice

Jacob Goings officially joined CAS in July as Senior Director of Development & Communications. With over 20 years of nonprofit leadership, Jacob brings deep experience in advocacy, development, and compassionate storytelling. His career has been dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities, including children with disabilities, survivors of domestic violence, and senior animals.

Most recently, Jacob served at a senior dog sanctuary in Nashville, Tennessee, where he successfully led fundraising and communication campaigns to support end-of-life care for abandoned animals. At CAS, he will oversee storytelling, donor engagement, and outreach efforts, ensuring the voices of farmed animals reach far beyond the Sanctuary’s barn doors.

“What brought me to Catskill Animal Sanctuary is the belief that compassion is the first step toward justice,” said Goings. “Every animal has a story that matters. My role is to help share those stories in ways that open hearts, shift perspectives, and move people to act.”

Sam Moon: A Vision for the Future

In September, CAS also welcomed Sam Moon as its new Executive Director. With more than 15 years of experience leading mission-driven organizations, Sam steps into the role with a strong track record of building resilience and impact in times of change.

Sam previously served as Managing Director for a nonprofit focused on environmental and economic systems change, and has also held leadership roles at Animal Outlook and the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice at the NYU School of Law. Sam holds an MBA from Montclair State University, a B.S. in Management from Northeastern University, and certifications in nonprofit management and program management.

A lifelong advocate for animals and committed vegan, Sam’s leadership philosophy is rooted in empathy, presence, and collaboration, whether rolling up their sleeves in the barn, working alongside staff, or engaging supporters.

“As Catskill Animal Sanctuary steps into its next 25 years, I’m deeply honored to help lead this new chapter,” said Moon. “Sanctuaries like CAS don’t just protect animals; they help reimagine our relationship with all beings. We challenge society’s perceptions of farmed animals, tell their stories, and offer hope. In many ways, we are a sanctuary for all.”

Looking Ahead

Together, Jacob and Sam will provide the strong foundation CAS needs as it enters its next chapter. Jacob will ensure the Sanctuary’s stories inspire action and generosity, while Sam will chart the course for growth and sustainability in this ever-changing world. Both share a profound belief in the most fundamental value of CAS: that compassion is powerful enough to create lasting change. As CAS looks to the future, these transitions mark not an ending, but a beginning; one that will carry the mission forward with a renewed dedication to a more compassionate world.

About Catskill Animal Sanctuary

Founded in 2001, Catskill Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit, 120-acre refuge in New York’s Hudson Valley. It is home to over 150 farmed animal residents across ten different species. In addition to direct animal aid, the Sanctuary offers on-site tours and educational programs that advocate veganism as the very best way to end animal suffering, improve human health, and heal an ailing planet.