HSBR Leadership Team
The Humane Society of Blue Ridge is led by a dedicated team working every day to care for animals, support our community and advance our mission.
Our leadership team oversees shelter operations, community programs and the services that help animals find loving homes.
Executive Director
Kristie Young
Kristie Young serves as Executive Director of Operations, bringing a strong background in business management, organization and community focused leadership. Along with her husband Jeff, she owns and operates Grumpy Old Men Brewing in Blue Ridge. In this role, Kristie oversees human resources, payroll and bookkeeping and has contributed significantly to the planning and execution of improvements to the brewery since its purchase in 2018.
Kristie and Jeff began visiting Blue Ridge in 2015. What began as a retreat quickly became a long-term commitment to the area. Prior to the move, they owned and operated a dental practice in Michigan. This experience provided a strong foundation in leadership, financial management and team support.
Family remains central to Kristie’s life. She and Jeff are parents to six children and nine grandchildren who frequently visit and enjoy time in the mountains.
Kristie has a lifelong love of animals and shares her home with two cats and four dogs, including two active Australian Shepherds and two rescues who enjoy going on long hikes on their property in Mineral Bluff.
Kristie has been involved with the HSBR Adoption Center and Thrift Store since 2020, beginning as board secretary and later serving as bookkeeper. She now serves as Executive Director of Operations, where she focuses on supporting staff and volunteers, strengthening organizational systems and ensuring the continued care of animals and the community they serve.
Director of Development
Amanda Glass
Amanda Glass brings more than two decades of experience in fundraising, marketing, and business development to her work with nonprofits, including the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer’s Association. At the heart of her career is a deep commitment to giving back and helping organizations build meaningful, lasting impact in their communities.
An avid animal lover, Amanda has spent over 20 years volunteering and fostering dogs and cats. She is passionate about creating pathways for animals to find safe, happy homes and for people to experience the life-changing bond that comes with adoption.
Outside of her nonprofit and rescue work, Amanda is a certified yoga and fitness instructor and personal trainer. She finds balance through movement, music, and time outdoors, whether she’s singing, hiking, or exploring nature. Her energy, compassion, and dedication to service make her a valued part of the HSBR community.
Shelter Operations Manager
Angela King-Arotin
Angie King-Arotin is originally from Asheville, North Carolina and has called Georgia home since 2016. Though she has lived in several places over the years, the mountains have always drawn her back, making North Georgia the perfect place to settle and build a life.
Angie’s professional background is wide-ranging and hands-on. Her career has included building equipment for the U.S. Navy, programming television mainboards, working in medical offices, providing home healthcare with a focus on geriatrics, and supporting individuals through adaptive behavior development and cognitive social skills training. Through every chapter, her love for animals remained constant and ultimately led her to the Humane Society of Blue Ridge.
A wife and mother, Angie has spent years volunteering with rescue organizations and fostering animals in need. She currently shares her home with ten dogs, including foster fails, dogs saved from euthanasia lists, and three adopted from HSBR. Her home was chosen with her dogs in mind, and her life centers around family, community and caring for the animals who depend on her both at home and at work.
Thrift Store Manager
Kim Lewis
Kim Lewis serves as Thrift Store Manager and brings both lifelong compassion for animals and extensive business experience to her role. After relocating to Blue Ridge from New England, Kim began volunteering at the Humane Society thrift store in February 2019. As a longtime customer, she was inspired by the dedication of the volunteers and their shared commitment to supporting animals through the store’s mission.
Kim’s passion for animal welfare began early. She grew up helping her mother with trap, spay and neuter feral cats in their small town in upstate New York, an experience that shaped her appreciation for hands on care and community involvement. When asked to join the thrift store team as assistant manager, Kim welcomed the opportunity to put more than 25 years of business ownership experience to meaningful use.
In January 2025, Kim was honored to be selected as Thrift Store Manager, a role she continues to approach with gratitude and dedication. She values working alongside a committed team and takes pride in contributing to an organization where everyone is working toward the same goal of helping animals in need.
She lives in Blue Ridge with her husband and their three cats, two rescued and one feral named Oscar.