Leah Long

Leah Long is the South Central Regional Manager with Best Friends Animal Society, bringing more than a decade of animal welfare experience to her role. She is committed to building sustainable, data-informed programming at shelters and developing innovative lifesaving initiatives that strengthen communities. 

Leah began her career at age 13 while interning with a Chicago rescue organization, sparking a lifelong devotion to animal welfare. She later honed her skills in Atlanta as a volunteer coordinator, program coordinator, and foster director, gaining extensive experience in volunteer engagement and foster program development. In New Orleans, she expanded her knowledge further as a community cat coordinator embedded within a municipal shelter. In her current role, she collaborates and mentors shelters across the South Central region to provide customized coaching and training in community cat programs, foster programming, pathway planning, adoptions and other key lifesaving strategies. 

Leah is a seasoned speaker and mentor, she has presented regionally and nationally on animal welfare proven practices. She is widely recognized for her depth of experience in feline programming and overarching lifesaving strategies. Her expertise has supported organizations across the country in implementing impactful, community-centered solutions.