Muttville Founder Sherri Franklin Retires

This month, Sherri Franklin, who founded Muttville in 2007, will mark her 70th birthday by retiring as Chief Executive Office of the nonprofit. Chief Operating Officer Laurie Routhier will become the new CEO. 

“I’ve learned so much from starting and growing Muttville. Now I am mentoring other animal organizations on the ins and outs of running a successful organization, spreading the gospel and magic of Muttville everywhere!” said Franklin. 

Muttville, located on Florida Street, has helped more than 13,500 dogs aged seven or older find homes. With its own veterinary clinic, the organization provides necessary medical care before a pet is adopted. 

“It’s been a wonderful thing, to see people share their compassion, kindness, time, and energy with older dogs,” said Franklin.

During Franklin’s tenure, Muttville greatly expanded its staff, budget – now more than $8 million a year – donor and volunteer base and the number of dogs it accepts for placement. 

According to Franklin, Routhier is the perfect person to become CEO, partly because of Routhier’s 12 years of service as Muttville’s COO. 

“On top of that, I’ve known Laurie for 25 years. We served together for six years, from 1999 to 2006, on the Animal Control and Welfare Commission for the City. Laurie is highly motivated to make Muttville even bigger and better than it is now,” said Franklin.

Routhier served on the Animal Control and Welfare Commission from 2002 to 2010. She worked at the San Francisco Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals from 1999 to 2014. 

“I am very excited to become Muttville’s new CEO. Going forward, we plan to save more dogs here in Muttville and (share) what works so more lives can be saved elsewhere. At the same time, we are going to expand our education and community programs because lasting change depends on engaged people.” said Routhier. “When you tap into everything your community has to offer, you can accomplish so much.”