Staff Members

Meet the Administration Staff of the SPCA of Central Florida

Barbara Wetzler
President
Barbara@OrlandoPets.org

Barbara Wetzler, Executive Director of the SPCA of Central Florida, has worked in non-profit and business development since 1978. Wetzler joined the SPCA in 1996 and currently oversees its facilities in Orange and Seminole Counties.

Under Wetzler's leadership, the SPCA of Central Florida has achieved many successes. She spearheaded the mergers with the agencies in Seminole and Osceola Counties; the capital campaign that provided the agency's Orlando, and subsequently its Sanford, facilities with much need renovations and expansions; and the development of programs to help pets, individuals and families in need. As a result, the agency has seen a significant increase in the number of adoptions and spay/neuter surgeries and a subsequent decrease in euthanasia.

Prior to joining the SPCA of Central Florida, Wetzler worked in an acute care hospital and the corporate headquarters of the hospital's system, a major university, an entrepreneurial business college, and United Way. She has extensive experience as a consultant and is certified as a Senior Human Resource Professional (SPHR). Since 1994, Wetzler has served on the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Greater Orlando.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wetzler received her Master's degree from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. She is the proud mother of three happy and successful children, 2 daughters and 1 son. Many cats - former shelter, former strays, and fosters - call Barbara's house their happy home.

James A. "Jake" White
Senior Vice President, Communications and Technology
Jake@OrlandoPets.org

Jake brings a unique mixture of right-brain/left-brain activity to the management team. Initially joining the team in February 1997, Jake manages several areas: Communications, Media relations, Investigations, Education and Technology.

Jake may be heard on the Orlando airwaves and is seen on most Orlando news stations. He also uses his talents as the Emcee at all SPCA of Central Florida events.

Making Orlando home in 1991, Jake received his MBA in Management and a BA in Studio Art (rounding out the left and right side of his brain). His studies and work have taken him to Spain, a Walt Disney World internship, United Way, Boy Scouts of America and Florida Hospital.

Jake currently is a member of the Orange County / City of Orlando Funds Distribution Team. He has been a Rotarian, served on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals of Central Florida, served as an Orange County Advisory Board Member, the Associate Board for the Orlando Science Center and has a rich history (including performing) at the Orlando International Fringe Festival.

“The greatest gift you could give anyone is inspiration.” stated Jake. "By inspiring our teams, we are able to teach 70,000+ students each year, effectively solve animal wellness issues, create award winning websites and positively reach most people in our community."