The Erie Humane Society (EHS) is entering a new chapter of leadership with the appointment of Joe Lang as executive director. Lang will officially step into the role on August 13.

Lang brings over three decades of experience in media, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement.

Since 2021, he has served as development director at Lakeshore Community Services, managing donor relations, grant writing, fundraising initiatives, and event planning. Before that he spent nearly 20 years as program director and operations manager at Next Media/Connoisseur Media, helping to launch three new radio stations and expand revenue.

“Joe is bringing an incredible amount of energy, ideas and experience to this role,” said EHS Board President Jennifer Gornall. “We couldn’t have found a better person to lead the Erie Humane Society into this exciting new phase of its 133-year history.”

Lang’s professional background also includes stints in sales, promotions, and on-air roles at local radio and television outlets. He remains a familiar voice on 94.7 Bob FM, where he hosts weekend afternoon programming.

His hiring follows the departure of former executive director Nicole Leone, who was terminated late last year following an internal investigation that revealed misuse of organizational funds for personal expenses. That lawsuit is still ongoing. 

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead an organization that has provided such a critical service to community for so many decades” Lang said. “This is a passion first and a profession second for all of us, and I can’t wait to get started”

Lang and his wife, Sue, have long supported animal rescue efforts and have fostered many animals through the years.

They adopted their dog, Nelson, through the Erie Humane Society.