Longtime Potter League Director to Retire this December

MIDDLETOWN, RI—M. Christie Smith, the executive director of the Potter League for Animals for nearly 35 years, is retiring this year.

Smith, when she leaves work one final day this December, will leave behind a state-of-the-art shelter and community of staff and volunteers who pour their souls into saving, caring for and connecting animals with human beings.

She departs after a remarkable tenure during which she built up the Potter League for Animals’ reputation as a model shelter in terms of its practices, fundraising capabilities and role as an important community resource focused on animal welfare.

“I love the Potter League,” Smith said in prepared remarks. “I love it for the staff and volunteers who every day put their hearts on the line to help animals and their people. I love it for the residents of our community who care deeply and join us to educate and protect. I love how Enriching Lives has become our mantra.”

High on Smith’s list of achievements was the construction of the league’s facility at 87 Oliphant Lane in Middletown. It’s ultra-energy efficient, earning Gold LEED certification (the first animal shelter in the country to do so) and one can only imagine the delight the league’s 1929 founders would feel if they were alive to see it. Founded in 1929 as the Newport County League for Animals, Virginia Potter, Mary van Beuren and Emma Norman had a vision to care for sick, lame, overworked and mistreated animals.

The first shelter opened in 1931 on Harrington Street in Newport. Upon Potter’s death in 1958, she left a bequest on condition the league carry the name of her late husband, Robert Potter.

Potter, van Beuren and Norman were women of vision, and Smith will be remembered for not just carrying on the mission, but expanding it. Along with her day-to-day duties, Smith has been an advocate for animals, an oft-sought expert for advice and information about best practices in the humane treatment of animals, and an important voice for the regional animal sheltering and fostering community.

Smith said she did not work alone and the successes are based on the combined efforts of many.

“I’ve been privileged to work closely with many deeply ethical and effective people in Newport County, around Rhode Island, and across the nation who share my commitment to animals,” she said. “Today, the Potter League thrives and is ready to continue to lead change. I’m proud that we are reaching out to help pet parents and caregivers to ensure that all animals have access to basic veterinary care, and that human families learn to meet animals’ complicated emotional and physical needs. I’m proud of the Potter League’s national reach that enables the newest and best practices in animal welfare to be brought back to Rhode Island. And I’m proud that we have accomplished all of this without ever losing sight of our dreams while always knowing there is still more work to do!”

Replacing Smith will be difficult. She leaves big shoes to fill, said Mary Edwards, president of the Board of Directors.

“It is because of Christie’s efforts that our organization is well-loved and highly respected by so many in the community and beyond,” Edwards said. “She will be dearly missed. Filling her shoes will not be an easy task but the Potter League is well-positioned for continued growth and success with a solid foundation, committed staff and volunteers, and the many friends and donors who generously give their time, talent and treasure to ensure the well-being of the thousands of animals who come to the Potter League each year.”