WEST KENNEBUNK — The board of directors of the Animal Welfare Society announced the retirement of Steve Jacobsen this morning.

Jacobsen, who served as the organization’s executive director since 1995, has stepped down to pursue other retirement opportunities that have recently become available, according to a prepared statement from AWS.

In the past 20 years, AWS has seen significant growth and has an annual budget of more than $1.5 million. More than 30 employees and hundreds of active volunteers maintain the daily operations of the facility, which includes a spay/neuter clinic, feral cat and barn cat housing, youth humane education programming, dog obedience classes and an active animal transport program. AWS provides services for more than 3,600 homeless animals annually.

AWS is the contracted shelter for 21 municipalities in York County and has an active membership and role with the York County Emergency Management Agency. AWS has also provided assistance in establishing four dog parks in southern Maine, according to the nonprofit.