Our Team

Meet Our Leadership Team

Lesley Rogers, Executive Director

Lesley has been surrounded by animals throughout her life and they have played a major role in shaping her values. 

She has two Cairn terriers, Ruby and Xander, as well as an older cat Sophie, and new kitten Gusto! 

Lesley’s knack for problem-solving and her ability to foster collaborative relationships have been integral to her success over the past 34 years as a leader in the New Brunswick public service. 

She is passionate and seasoned when it comes to advocacy and dedicated to improving the lives of animals across this province. 

It should be no surprise that Lesley and her four-legged crew love watching the Wizard of Oz!

Bernadette MacFarlane, Office Manager

In Bernadette’s world, animals are a part of everything she does. No matter if it’s a cat or a dog, she loves them both because they all have different personalities just like people. Cheeka, her 17-year-old Chihuahua, and Cali, her grand-dog, were both adopted from SPCA shelters.

She’s been the NBSPCA’s sole admin for 13 years, and she sees all the staff as family. Dedicated to protecting animals, no task is too big or too small when it comes to lending a helping hand.

Her downtime is spent with her family and grandchildren, and she loves going to the Summer House on the beautiful Miramichi River. Turner and Hooch is her favorite movie.

Julie McLaughlin, Director of Development

Julie found her calling in fundraising by accident after staying home to raise her two children for 8 years. Prior to joining the NBSPCA team, she worked for a non-profit organization that provides free mental health services to youth and young adults. 

Julie is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), a prestigious accreditation that demonstrates her expertise in the field of charitable giving and donor relations. This background, combined with her lifelong passion for animals, makes her the purrfect fit for her role at the NBSPCA

At home, Julie enjoys the constant companionship of two dogs and two cats. Much to her dismay, clothing covered in fur is also a permanent fixture in her life. But Julie wouldn’t have it any other way — animals have been a big part of her life since she was a child, and she is dedicated to being a voice for those in need. 

In her spare time, you can find Julie curled up with a cat and a good book or walking her dogs in the woods.
 

Don Metcalfe
Chief Animal Protection Officer

Don Metcalfe has over 31 years of policing experience, including 29 years with the Saint John Police Force. Don began his policing career in Woodstock, New Brunswick, serving there from 1994 to 1995

He attended the University of New Brunswick, studying Physical Education with a major in sciences, before shifting his career path and graduating from the Atlantic Police Academy in 1993. Throughout his policing career, Don served in a variety of roles, including community policing, major crime investigations, traffic enforcement, drug enforcement, and as a sergeant overseeing traffic, patrol and support services operations.

Don is a devoted husband to his wife, Susan, and a proud father to their two children, Dawson and Haley. A lifelong dog lover, Don and his family share their home with their Airedale Terrier, Baxter. He has a deep passion for animal welfare and protection. 

Jennifer (Jenn) Tenant
Deputy Chief Animal Protection Officer

Jenn joined NBSPCA after a 16-year career with the Ottawa Police Service where she served as a Patrol Officer for 6 years and 10 years with the Forensic Identification Section. Jenn has significant leadership experience and was promoted to Sergeant during her time on the force. Previously, Jenn worked inside the provincial court system for 8 years with the Attorney General of Ontario. 

Jenn grew up in Hull, Québec where her family was involved in dog breeding. This love of animals has been a central part of Jenn’s family life and has continued to include family dogs, competing in western equestrian events with her children and 4 horses, and running a farm. 

Her goal is to advocate for the humane treatment of all animals and to share her love and passion by working with stakeholders and the community to ensure all animals are treated and cared for.

Norman

Norman was abandoned by his owner and rescued by an NBSPCA officer who brought him to the Charlotte County SPCA.

He was later adopted by NBSPCA HQ and has settled in nicely.

Norman is kind, good-looking, loyal and vocal.