Lydia LaSalle, Executive Director for Best Friends in Utah

As the Executive Director for Best Friends in Utah, Lydia LaSalle oversees the operations of the Utah program, based out of Salt Lake City and the Mountain West Region. The Utah program includes the Best Friends Lifesaving Center in the Sugar House neighborhood of Salt Lake City and a high-volume spay/neuter clinic in Orem.

The Best Friends in Utah program is critical to achieving no-kill statewide and across the country by 2025 through direct lifesaving and providing mentorship and resources to shelters and rescue groups throughout the Mountain West region. Lydia began her career with Best Friends as a volunteer, and she has been on staff for 14 years in a variety of leadership roles.

Lydia received her master's degree in public administration from the University of Utah in 2017 and completed the Best Friends Executive Leadership Certificate program in 2020. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 18 years, focusing on strategic planning, volunteer development, human resources, fiscal management, advocacy and community outreach.. Lydia sits on multiple boards, including the Utah Nonprofit Association board. She currently lives in Salt Lake City with her four cats and two dogs.