Meet the Team

Lacy Shirey

Executive Director

Lacy Shirey started with the Chesapeake Humane Society in 2008 as a volunteer and board member. She came on board as the Executive Director in April of 2012. In 2012, Lacy led the organization through its first capital campaign to purchase and renovate CHS’s current property.

Read Lacy’s Full Bio

In 2016/2017, Lacy participated in the Humane Society of the United States’ Puerto Rico Sister Shelter Program. She and a colleague flew down to San Juan to help with a transport of 200 mostly older dogs back to the stateside U.S.

Lacy graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelors in Biology. She serves on the WHRO Community Advisory Board, the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council, and the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Executive Board. She is a HSUS District Leader for her congressional district and works with local and state legislatures to improve animal welfare laws. She also organizes a monthly meetup group for environmental issues called Green Drinks.

She was a recipient of Inside Business’ Top 40 Under Forty in 2012 and recognized as the 2017 Citizen of the Year from the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council. She volunteers her time with WHRO and often volunteers for trash cleanups throughout the year. She fosters kittens, puppies, cats, dogs, and sometimes livestock for the Chesapeake Humane Society. She lives in Chesapeake with her two adopted bluetick coonhounds. She is a beekeeper and also cares for chickens and turkeys on her small farm.

Melissa Turner, DVM

Medical Director

Dr. Melissa Turner joined Chesapeake Humane Society (CHS) in 2018 as the Medical Director. Dr. Turner studied Animal Bioscience at Penn State and completed her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech.

Read Melissa’s Full Bio

Dr. Turner’s diverse medical background includes small animal medicine, large animal medicine, shelter medicine, and private practice management. She has special interests in soft tissue, orthopedic, and dental surgeries, but her true passion is for preventative care. She is a strong advocate for heartworm preventative and dental cleanings. In the short time that Dr. Turner has been with Chesapeake Humane, she has already expanded services offered to public clients and shelter pets. She finds fulfillment in treating homeless pets at CHS and from other shelters in Hampton Roads.