The Hawaiian Humane Society board of directors has named Lisa Fowler as the non-profit organization’s new president and chief executive officer, effective immediately.

Fowler, a seven-year veteran of the Society who served as director of development and most recently as director of operations, replaces Pamela Burns, who died Sept. 18 at the age of 65. Burns had been on a leave of absence for heatlh reasons at the time of her death. Fowler formerly served as executive director of the Hawaii Island Humane Society.

“Lisa was our natural and unanimous choice to continue Pamela Burns’ legacy,” said board chair Bob Armstrong in a letter to supporters this morning. “She has the vision and experience necessary to successfully lead our 134-year-old organization as our next president and CEO. In selecting Lisa, we noted her ability to understand the issues facing the organization and work productively with community leaders, donors and government officials.”