Carmine DiCenso has had a long and distinguished career in animal welfare and human services, and has been recognized as a leader and innovator.  In August 2016, he was named executive director at Dakin Humane Society, where he oversees all aspects of the organization’s work at its two locations in Leverett and Springfield, MA.  Dakin has more than 50 employees and nearly 800 volunteers who shelter, treat and foster more than 20,000 animals annually. 

Prior to that he was executive director for the Providence (RI) Animal Rescue League.  Carmine was also a program director at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), and a manager at the Animal Rescue League, both of Boston.

He has served as a board member of the New England Federation of Humane Societies and the Ocean State Animal Coalition in addition to acting as the Rhode Island State Representative for the Humane Society of the United States Companion Animal Advisory Council. Carmine currently serves on the board of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.

Having earned a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Suffolk University, Carmine initially focused his career on human services, but was soon drawn to the animal welfare industry, where he was able to draw from his experiences to strengthen the human-animal bond issues that animal welfare faces.  He believes that working closely and respectfully with people is the best way to help animals in need, and dedicates his efforts to this principle.