(Portland, OR) -- The Oregon Humane Society and the Willamette Humane Society are merging into one organization. Officials say the merger will be effective July 1st and take up to two years to complete. Sharon Harmon will continue to be the President and CEO of the Oregon Humane Society. Harmon says the challenges of operating the last two years has accelerated the need to be innovative and to find new ways to be financially sustainable. The groups will maintain shelters in Portland and Salem.