SPCA’s new president brings business expertise to animal rescue
Jon Scott Santy, Board President of the SPCA of Brevard ,with “Layla” one of the SPCA’s dogs available for adoption right now.
Take the business acumen of a highly successful real estate broker and CEO and mix it with generous portions of love for animals and the desire to help at-risk pets. The result is Jon Scott Santy, newly elected president of the SPCA of Brevard.
The principal broker and CEO of Atlantic Group Real Estate in Cocoa Village, Santy has been recognized by Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, a global consortium of distinguished luxury property brokers, and also holds the record for the highest residential real estate sale in Cocoa history.
An avowed animal lover, Santy is excited to put the business skills he has gained in the real estate industry to work to further the SPCA’s mission of animal rescue and pet owner education.
“He is one of our strongest advocates in the community,” said Susan Naylor, executive director of the SPCA of Brevard.
When it comes to animal rescue, Santy walks the walk. He has often fostered shelter animals in his home to give them a break. His four previous dogs were rescues, including Mowgli, who was the victim of horrific abuse and neglect. Diamond and Daphne, the current canines who share his home, also arrived with significant health and psychological issues. They arrived via Space Coast Frenchie Rescue, a nonprofit that finds homes for a breed known for more than its share of health issues. Both dogs have significant — and costly — special needs. Diamond was a backyard breeder dog who was discarded after she yielded eight litters of puppies in her five years of life. Daphne was another breeder dog, surrendered to rescue due to severe spinal deformity, visual impairment, behavioral issues and a concern about possible hydrocephalus. The considerable emotional challenge of loving creatures beset with health problems and possibly shortened lifespans did not deter Santy from falling in love with them and providing them with a forever home.
“Jon has opened his heart and home to dogs who came from heartbreaking circumstances, giving them the love, patience, stability and care they needed to thrive,” said Space Coast Frenchie Rescue founder Ashley Pedersen, who counts Santy among her treasured volunteers.
Susan Naylor, Executive Director, and Jon Scott Santy, newly appointed Board President of the SPCA of Brevard.
Santy’s love for helping animals in need is tempered with the realization that for rescue groups to thrive, they must be financially able to provide food, shelter and medical care for the animals in their care. His real estate team consistently donates to humane groups, including Salty Dog Rescue, Kitten Angel Rescue, the SPCA and Space Coast Frenchie Rescue. People also benefit from their generosity through donations to the Friends of the Children’s Advocacy Center, Friends of Children of Brevard, Toys for Tots and Aging Matters. He channeled his inner 007 at the Friends of the Children’s Advocacy Center’s James Bond Gala, raising $25,000 with the help of friend Susan Moore.
With the SPCA, Santy is helping Naylor with a variety of fundraising opportunities and major initiatives. A win-win for the SPCA and the community will be Wagmore Playcare, scheduled to open in November on the currently unused first floor of the SPCA’s administrative building at 425 Cheney Highway in Titusville.
Jon Scott Santy, Board President of the SPCA of Brevard, with “Agent” one of the SPCA’s cats available for adoption right now.
“The goal was to create a sustainable source of revenue to support the animals in our care,” Naylor explained. “Jon has been instrumental in building board support and has been a valuable resource as we navigate the many details involved in opening a new business.”
The facility will provide North Brevard dog owners with a trusted option where their animals can enjoy both physical and mental exercise. The SPCA, which relies on donations and receives no government funds, will gain a reliable income source to help underwrite the costs of caring for animals until a good home is found for them.
“This venue will directly benefit the programs of the SPCA,” Santy said.
Following Wagmore’s opening, Santy, Naylor and the SPCA board’s next goal is to launch a mobile spay/neuter program to bring affordable services directly to local residents who may not have transportation.
“There is a significant need for accessible, low-cost spay/neuter services throughout the county, and we want to help close that gap,” Naylor explained.
Santy feels blessed to have been given the opportunity to help homeless animals.
“The SPCA is near and dear to my heart,” he said. “I feel privileged to serve with such an incredible board of directors and such an extraordinary staff and passionate volunteers. The SPCA truly makes a difference for animals.”
Santy encourages the community to join him in supporting the SPCA of Brevard with their time, talent and treasure. For more information, visit SPCABrevard.com.
