Amanda Hickman is passionate about helping animals find their forever homes.

From looking after animals’ physical needs to tending to their emotional and social needs, Hickman wants to ensure that all animals are well taken care of.

It is for those reasons that she was appointed on Jan. 6 as the new executive director of the Humane Society of Harford County.

Hickman came to the humane society after spending the majority of her career in public service, according to the society.. She worked for organizations including R. Brooks Mechanical, the Town of Perryville and West Lampeter Township, Pennsylvania, where her responsibilities included developing grant funding programs, event management and historic site preservation. She has drawn on her experience to further her mission of ensuring the safety of animals both at the humane society and in their adoptive homes.

Hickman said it was her love for animals that drew her to the role of executive director at HSHC.

“The bulk of my career has been in public administration, and I wanted to find a role with a nonprofit where I can focus on a mission that I could personally support,” she said. “I love all types of animals, so I felt like this is where I’m supposed to be.”

Earlier this month, the humane society experienced a parvovirus outbreak linked to a new puppy that tested positive for the virus, according to HSHC. The humane society contained the virus by temporarily pausing all dog operations and intakes, quarantining and testing its animals and sanitizing its facilities.

Hickman said the humane society has not had any new cases since the shutdown.

“We have no animals that have symptoms, so nothing new came up for that duration, which is what we were hoping for,” she said. “I think the shutdown did what it was intended to do.”

Hickman said she hopes to expand the humane society’s facilities and services.

“I’d like to ensure that we are able to continue handling the capacity that is going to be coming with the growth of Harford County,” she said. “I want to ensure that our services remain the same, if not better for the community.”

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