Caring for Animals, Supporting People: Meet Jesse Fletcher
Watch Episode 38 of
The Max Loves Midland Show
Coming this Wednesday 04/29/26!
Jesse Fletcher, In Her Own Words:
“I’m Jesse Fletcher, and I serve as the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Midland County.
I’ve spent my whole life in the Great Lakes Bay Region. I grew up in Bay City, lived in Saginaw, and now work in Midland. This region has always been home to me, and in many ways, it’s shaped who I am. Growing up, I always had a heart for helping people, and I was drawn to creativity. I loved dance and theater, and for a while, I thought that might be my path. But in high school, I found marketing through DECA, and something clicked. I loved the idea of connecting people to something bigger than themselves.
After graduating, I found my way into nonprofit work pretty quickly. It just felt right. I’ve always wanted to be part of something that makes a difference, and nonprofits gave me that opportunity. Over the years, I’ve been able to blend marketing, events, and leadership into a career that’s really about building relationships and supporting communities. I spent several years at the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, where I grew into leadership roles and developed a deeper understanding of how communities work together. But I eventually realized I missed the direct impact, which led me to United Way in Midland.
Coming into Midland, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had a sense of what the community might be like, and I wasn’t sure how I’d fit in. But from the very beginning, that perception was completely flipped. I felt welcomed, supported, and included in a way that meant a lot to me. It didn’t take long before Midland started to feel like home.
About 3.5 years ago, I joined the Humane Society. At the time, it felt like a bit of a leap. My background had always been in human services, and while I had always loved animals, I didn’t have professional experience in that space. But once I got here, I realized very quickly that this work is just another form of human service.
Our mission will always center on animals, making sure they are safe, healthy, and placed in loving homes. But there’s a deeper layer to it. The animals we care for are often part of someone’s stability, companionship, and wellbeing. That connection between people and animals is incredibly powerful. It’s something I’ve seen firsthand, and it’s something we’ve worked hard to highlight more intentionally as an organization.
Over the past few years, we’ve evolved in how we tell that story. We’ve leaned into the human side of our work, from supporting mental health through the companionship animals provide to engaging young people through programs like Midland Youth Promoting Animal Welfare. We’ve also strengthened partnerships with other organizations because this work doesn’t happen in isolation. Whether it’s collaborating with other shelters or connecting with local partners, it really is a community effort.
As a nonprofit, everything we do is made possible by community support. That’s why initiatives like Give Local Midland are so important to us. It’s a 24-hour giving day, but the impact lasts far beyond that day. Through our endowment fund, we’re able to support programs that help families keep their pets, especially those who might not otherwise be able to afford services like spaying and neutering. That kind of support creates long-term stability for both the animals and the people who love them.
This work comes with challenges. It’s demanding, and there are days that are harder than others. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every adoption, every volunteer who shows up, every donor who gives, it all adds up to something meaningful. It’s a constant reminder that so many people care deeply about this work.
When I think about the future of Midland, I keep coming back to the idea of belonging. I want this community to remain a place where people feel welcome and supported. I want us to keep building on that sense of connection and continue showing up for one another. If we can do that, if we can keep leading with care and compassion, then I think Midland will continue to grow into a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Do you have a Midland County story you would like to tell that aligns with our vision?