Franny Gerthoffer

August 2026 Issue
Photography by Lindsay Pettinicchi Photography, LLC

 

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Current Town: Hilton Head Island

Career: Executive Director (20 years), Hilton Head Humane Association

Family: Husband, Bob (Gert) Gerthoffer married for 36 years
Pets: Luna and Loki, both huskies, both shelter dogs!

Passion: Spending quality time with my family, finding fun and
adventure in everyday moments, and living each day with gratitude
for the many blessings God has given me.

Franny, you are a hero for animals in the Lowcountry. When did you realize being an advocate for animals would be your life calling?
I'm not sure exactly when it all began because it feels like it was always part of who I am. Helping an animal in need came as naturally as breathing. Even as a young child, I was drawn to dogs that were tied up alone in backyards. I would visit them whenever I could, spending time and giving them the attention they deserved. If a stray cat appeared in the back alley of our neighborhood, I made it my mission to find its home.

Looking back now, I realize my passion for helping animals took root during those carefree grade school years, when we spent our days outdoors until the streetlights came on. Those long afternoons gave me endless opportunities that almost always led me to animals.

Another early memory of acting on that instinct was in high school where I took full advantage of my position on student council by turning our meeting room into a temporary holding area for rescued puppies and litters of kittens. It was absolutely not permitted, and I'm sure the nuns would have had plenty to say about it. (So, let me be the first to confess now!)

Advocating for animals isn’t something I chose; it’s something that has always been woven into me. What started as an instinct to help, grew into a lifelong passion.

Where did you grow up and what was your favorite childhood pet?
I grew up in Pittsburgh, where there was always a dog in our home. My father had a reputation for bringing home stray dogs he found along the way. His routine was almost always the same: he would leave the dog on the back porch for my mother to discover while we were at school, knowing full well that she would never turn it away. Before long, each one became a beloved member of our family.

My father didn't stop with dogs, either. He also had a knack for rescuing other animals, and I remember always having rabbits around as well. Still, the dogs were always my favorite and are what I remember most vividly from my childhood.

If the animals could describe you in 3 words, what would they say?
How about your employees, volunteers?
The animals: Protective, Determined. Unwavering. They know I will stop at nothing to keep them safe, give them a chance, and fight for the life they deserve.

My employees would probably describe me as: Demanding. Supportive. Committed. I believe in leading with high expectations because I care deeply about both our mission and the people carrying it out. My leadership is rooted in tough love, I will do anything I can to help my team succeed, but I also challenge them to be their best.

Our volunteers would likely say: Understanding. Authentic. Appreciative. Before becoming the director, I spent years as a dedicated volunteer. I understand their perspective, respect the time and heart they give, and never forget that our organization is stronger because of their commitment.

Hilton Head Humane Association is celebrating 50 years.
What are you most proud of since your tenure?
What I'm most proud of isn't a building, a program, or even a milestone, it's the culture we've built together over the years. I've had the privilege of watching employees and volunteers grow alongside the Hilton Head Humane Association. Many have dedicated years, even decades, of their lives to this mission. They've developed professionally, taken on new challenges, and become extraordinary advocates for animals. That kind of commitment doesn't happen by accident. It comes from a shared understanding that we're all here for the same reason.

From the very beginning, I've believed that every decision we make must answer one simple question: "Is this in the best interest of the animals?" If the answer is yes, then that's the path we take, even when it's difficult. Everyone who joins our organization learns that this work isn't about personal recognition or individual agendas. Those of us who choose to give our time, talent, and hearts to this mission understand that we come second, the animals always come first.

Running an animal shelter means leading with both grit and grace—head and heart.
How do balance the two?
I often say that I lead with my heart privately and my head publicly, and that's probably the best way to describe how I balance the two.

My heart is what brought me into this work. It's what keeps me awake at night thinking about animals we couldn't save, celebrating every adoption, and reminding me why every life matters.

But running an animal shelter requires more than compassion. Publicly, I have to lead with my head. Every decision has to be made with the long-term health of the organization in mind whether that's managing limited resources, making difficult operational decisions, supporting my team, or ensuring we're helping as many animals as possible. Sometimes the hardest decisions are the ones that allow us to save even more lives in the future.

It's not about choosing between heart and head; it's about knowing when each needs to lead. My heart gives me purpose, and my head gives me perspective. Together, they've allowed me to help build an organization that is both deeply compassionate and sustainable, because the animals deserve nothing less.

Can there be a Franny without Hilton Head Humane Association?
My retirement is just around the corner, and as I reflect on the path that brought me here, I am filled with gratitude for the people and animals who have shaped my life. It has been a privilege to witness the compassion, resilience, and dedication of those who work every day to give animals a second chance. My hope is that this work continues to grow, that more animals experience kindness instead of neglect, and more people answer the call to serve those who cannot speak for themselves. If I have contributed, even in a small way, to creating a better future for animals, then I will consider my life's work truly meaningful.

Who has been one of your biggest personal supporters?
As I begin this next chapter, I do so with profound gratitude for my husband, whose unwavering support throughout my career, quiet strength, and selfless dedication have been instrumental in every success I've had.  While my name may have often been associated with this work, he has been the silent hero behind the scenes. Together, we carry with us the belief that there will always be compassionate people willing to continue this work, ensuring that great things keep happening for both the animals and the people who so faithfully care for them.

What are you currently “ROARING” about?
You can hear me roar about the power of collaboration. No single organization can solve the challenges facing animal welfare alone, but together we can accomplish extraordinary things.

I'm excited about continuing to strengthen our partnerships throughout the region, sharing resources, knowledge, and innovative ideas so that more animals receive the care and second chances they deserve. The future of animal welfare isn't about working in silos; it's about building a network of compassionate people and organizations committed to a common purpose.

It’s also about bringing more dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate individuals to the table. Whether they're employees, volunteers, board members, donors, or community partners, every person has something valuable to contribute. The next generation of leaders and advocates will carry this mission forward, and I want to help create an environment where they
can thrive.