DEARBORN, April 1, 2020 –With deep appreciation for her years of outstanding leadership,
Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit (FAMD) is announcing that effective July 1, 2020, Elaine
Greene will be retiring as FAMD’s Executive Director. Kim Cross, current Director of
Development, will assume the newly-created role of President and CEO of FAMD.
In 1996, Elaine joined FAMD, formerly known as Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter, as
its Executive Director and first paid staff member. In the past 24 years, she has overseen
the organization’s growth from a staff of one to a staff of 16 full-time and 15 part-time
employees and 311 volunteers, with an annual operating budget of $1.7 million. Caring for
over 2,500 animals each year, Greene has played a central role in building the organization
from a city-run animal pound to a regional animal adoption and education center, operating
a state-of-the-art facility in Dearborn. Greene is a widely respected leader and expert in the
field of animal welfare and humane practices. Under her leadership, FAMD has saved the
lives of 100% of adoptable animals since 1999.

“My time with this group of truly dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters has been
inspiring and unforgettable”, says Greene. “I am so proud to have been part of the success
of FAMD. I have seen our organization grow from a small group of passionate Dearborn
residents to an animal welfare organization that has a reach across southeast Michigan and
many states beyond. In September 2018, we opened the MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption
and Education Center which has significantly improved and enriched the shelter experience
for the animals, staff and adopters. I am looking forward to FAMD providing the same to all
of the animals in our care by completing Phase Two of the center. Above all, my most
gratifying accomplishment is that we have changed the lives of thousands of animals. The
Friends organization has been my everyday focus for 24 years, and retiring will be a huge
change for me, but not for the organization. I am confident that Kim will do a fabulous job
and excited to see her lead FAMD to new heights.”

“Elaine has been the backbone of our organization and we are deeply appreciative of her
incredible dedication to FAMD and the growth we have realized under her leadership. In
recognition of both her commitment to our organization as well as the value she can
continue to bring to FAMD, on March 19, the board of directors unanimously voted to have
Elaine join our board. She will continue to provide expertise and mentoring to Kim and the
team as well as ensure a seamless leadership,” said MaryAnn Wright, FAMD Board Chair.

Kim Cross joined FAMD in November 2018 and has extensive fundraising, management,
and volunteer experience with several Michigan nonprofits including Michigan Humane
Society, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Michigan Animal Rescue League, and also several San
Francisco nonprofits such as San Francisco SPCA, San Francisco Zoo, and the Metropolitan
Club. She is also a seasoned business and financial expert through her leadership roles at
Goldman Sachs, Kidder Peabody, Merrill Lynch, Nantucket Multi Managers and as founder,
president and chief investment officer of Highland Capital Management in San Francisco.

“Kim has a unique set of skills and experiences from the nonprofit and financial sectors that
the board feels will serve FAMD well. The board looks forward to working with Kim to
continue to grow FAMD as a premier animal adoption and education organization, including
completing Phase Two of our capital campaign to have the entire organization under one
roof and all the animals and staff in a safe and healthy environment,” said Wright.

Check out the article in the Press & Guide