AVMA Humane Award goes to Oregon shelter head

Portland, Ore. - 5/8/08 - Sharon Harmon, executive director of the Oregon Humane Society, is expected to receive the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Humane Award.

Nominated by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), Harmon beat seven other candidates based on her commitment to animal welfare. She's had 26 years of experience in animal-shelter management and is known for her "unique ability" to train and motivate volunteers and staff, OVMA officials say.

Harmon is credited with the recent construction of a 66,000-square-foot animal shelter and Animal Medical and Learning Center, a cooperative venture with Oregon State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

The annual AVMA Humane Award recognizes non-veterinarians for their efforts to advance animal welfare through leadership, education, advocacy and project development. The presentation ceremony will take place in July during AVMA's annual convention in New Orleans.