ABN Member Spotlight: Young-Williams Animal Center CEO Jeff Ashin

As CEO of Young-Williams Animal Center (YWAC), Jeff Ashin says his job starts with people.

“I set the tone and culture of the organization, in conjunction with our board, and help guide it through the transition from a quasi-governmental agency to a true 501(c)(3) not-for-profit.”

Jeff said mentoring his leadership team is a top priority. “I am inspired by our people – their passion and commitment.”

The CEO also focuses on educating the community about animal overpopulation. Under his leadership, YWAC has significantly reduced the number of strays and surrendered pets through advocacy and comprehensive spay/neuter programs.

Jeff came to YWAC in 2012 after 37 years in the healthcare industry. The Southern California native said he always wanted to be a veterinarian. Instead, he began his career in the human healthcare field as an operating room technician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.  He advanced quickly and was appointed to a CEO position at the hospital, just shy of his 30th birthday.

Jeff served as a healthcare CEO throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Ohio, and finally in 2008 as the CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital and the CEO of the Metro Division of Mercy Health Partners in Knoxville.

After retiring, Jeff said he began looking for an “encore career.”

YWAC was the perfect fit because it combined his extensive business and administrative acumen with his love for animals.

Jeff resides in Hardin Valley with his wife Becky, Vice President of the Advanced Center for Orthopedics at UT Medical Center, along with their three dogs Sadie, Jake and Boomer.  Jeff has 3 children Heather, Robin, and Collin along with two grandchildren Dylan and Harrison. In his spare time Jeff enjoys travel, golf, cars, guitars and motorcycles and he is an avid NASCAR fan.

Learn more about adopting a pet, making a donation or volunteering at YWAC on their website, www.young-williams.org.