Director

Betsy Stix joined the Board of Directors team in late 2024. She is a lifelong teacher of human development, yoga, English, French, and former mayor of Ojai, California. Also a lifelong animal advocate and dedicated vegan, she has volunteered over the years for humane societies, PETA, the World Wildlife Fund, and animal rights activist Henry Spira. She was also the first paid employee of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, where she and her sister opened a cafe to benefit the Sanctuary.

While mayor, Betsy moved the ball forward significantly in terms of animal rights by leading the charge to make Ojai the first city in the United States to ban the breeding of breathing-impaired dogs and cats and the second city in the U.S. to ban glue traps. The City Council also passed a rights of nature ordinance and an animal liberty rights ordinance during her tenure. She looks forward to continuing to serve her community and the planet (including all the animals!) and is so happy to be on the Humane Society of Ventura County Board. She currently shares her home with two HSVC alums, Harry (terrier mix) and Amelia (calico cat).