Fast Company announced its sixth annual Best Workplaces for Innovators list, honoring organizations and businesses that demonstrate a commitment to developing innovation.
Best Friends Animal Society came in at No. 26 for creating, in partnership with Southern Utah University, a first-of-its-kind professional education program that covers the principles of lifesaving animal services.
Above: The leaders involved in the innovative educational partnership that earned Best Friends Animal Society being ranked as #26 on Fast Company’s Sixth Annual Best Workplaces for Innovators include: (L-R) Melynda Thorpe, SUU Assistant Vice President, Workforce & Educational Opportunity; Mindy Benson, SUU President; Julie Castle, Best Friends Animal Society CEO; and Aimee Charlton, Best Friends Animal Society National Director Learning Advancement. Photo courtesy of Best Friends.
The 2024 Best Workplaces for Innovators list ranks 100 winners from a wide variety of industries. This year’s winners completed an application that addressed questions about projects, investment, company programs, and workplace culture. Fast Company editors evaluated every application and conducted additional research to generate a score for each company.
“Not only is it exciting to be recognized by Fast Company - one of the world’s leading voices on innovation in technology and leadership - it also validates our belief that we must be scrappy, nimble and collaborative to save the lives of dogs and cats in America’s shelters,” said Julie Castle, CEO, Best Friends Animal Society. “When you get smart people together, who really care about something, that’s where the magic happens.”
Best Friends and Southern Utah University have pioneered university-endorsed online learning in the animal services profession. Their collaboration offers a range of educational opportunities from short courses and certificates to comprehensive programs and degrees, establishing clearer standards and career pathways within the field.
“Innovation is a global priority that cuts across all industries, and this year’s list reflects that diversity,” says Brendan Vaughan, editor in chief of Fast Company. “The top ten features four companies headquartered outside of the U.S. and includes representatives from technology, advertising, finance, biotech, pharmaceuticals, ecommerce and the nonprofit sectors.”
Learn more about Best Friends Animal Society at bestfriends.org
Learn more about Fast Company at fastcompany.com
