Lisa Horn has been picked to lead the West Sound Animal Shelter as its new executive director, the nonprofit announced Monday.

Horn will start her new job Dec. 3. Officials at the organization said she was selected from a field of more than 50 applicants.

“With Lisa’s background in education and her organizational skills, I feel confident her enthusiastic personality … will result in establishing the West Sound Wildlife Shelter becoming a national leader in the evolving field of wildlife rehabilitation,” said Gayle Seyl, president of the shelter’s board of directors.

West Sound Wildlife Shelter, located near the Bloedel Reserve, operates in a 10-year-old shelter and provides injured, orphaned and sick wild animals a second chance at life. The organization also promotes the well-being of wildlife through public outreach, education and involvement.

The shelter treated more than 1,000 animals in 2011 and presented educational programs to 5,000 people in Kitsap County.

Horn comes to her new position from the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center in Suquamish, where she has been the director of early learning for the past six years.

At the learning center, Horn was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization and oversaw programs for 160 children.

She has a master’s degree in education from the University of Phoenix and is currently working toward her doctorate’s degree in organizational leadership.

Shelter officials said Horn and her daughter are passionate animal lovers, and they currently have three cats, five dogs,  two guinea pigs, a rabbit, six chickens, a horse, a cockatiel and a pink parakeet at home.

Outgoing executive director Kol Medina announced his departure as executive director of the West Sound Wildlife Shelter in July. He left to join the Kitsap Community Foundation as its executive director.