Today we’d like to introduce you to Tam Singer.
Hi Tam, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in England and immigrated to the United States in 2002—a move that felt natural given my multicultural roots. My mother is Indian, my father half Austrian, and the spirit of exploration has always been part of my story.
I built a successful career in corporate recruiting, but my true passion emerged when I began volunteering in animal welfare.
Witnessing the plight of chained dogs in Nashville and the widespread neglect and euthanasia at that time ignited a lifelong commitment to change. For years, I balanced a full-time corporate role, family life, and running a small nonprofit because helping animals was the work that truly lit me up.
In 2017, I followed that passion fully and joined Great Plains SPCA as COO. A year later, I stepped into the CEO role. Since then, we’ve expanded outreach programs, strengthened financial stability, and transformed our culture. Today, Great Plains SPCA is recognized as one of the leading shelters in the Midwest.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Animal welfare is full of emotional challenges, tough decisions, and constant change. When I arrived, one of the biggest hurdles was shifting the workplace culture and reimagining what high-quality care looked like for both pets and staff. Anytime you change long-standing practices, you meet some resistance.
Over time, we were really able to prioritize mental wellbeing for our shelter animals, investing in behavior support, enrichment, and calmer environments. We also invested just as heavily in our people, creating opportunities for growth with internal promotions, professional development, and continuing education.
That commitment has paid off. We now have remarkable staff longevity, which is rare in this field, and a healthier, more positive culture that shows in the way our animals thrive.
We’ve been impressed with Great Plains SPCA, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Great Plains SPCA is built around an obsessive focus on care. The care for the animals, care for the staff, volunteers, guests, and care for the donors who make our life saving work possible. We’re known for providing compassionate, comprehensive support to pets in need, and creating an environment where both animals and humans feel respected and valued.
Brand-wise, I’m incredibly proud of our values and standards. Our shelter is exceptionally clean, our animals receive individualized attention, and our staff bring a level of positivity and professionalism that visitors often remark on. That consistency of care is a core part of who we are.
We also stand out for our advocacy and innovation. One of my proudest achievements was our role in eliminating the pit bull ordinance in Overland Park. Internally, we offer an inclusive parental leave policy (including paying birth parents 60% of their salary for six months) something that is almost unheard of in the non-profit sector. It reflects our belief that caring for people is just as important as caring for pets.
For readers, I’d want them to know that Great Plains SPCA is a community resource, a voice for animals, and a place where compassion leads every decision we make.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My best advice is to stay curious. Some of the most meaningful, mentoring relationships in my life came from simply being open to learning from people who see the world differently than I do. Don’t look only for someone who has your same path or style, Look for someone who challenges your thinking, broadens your perspective, and helps you grow in ways you didn’t expect.
Networking becomes much more natural when you lead with genuine curiosity and a willingness to listen. That mindset has served me well throughout my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.GreatPlainsSPCA.org
- Instagram: @GreatPlainsSPCA
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatPlainsSPCA
