CCHS Executive Director Resigns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2004

HEADLINE - - - - HUMANE SOCIETY DIRECTOR RESIGNS

(Urbana, IL) The Champaign County Humane Society today announces the resignation of Executive Director Dr. Steve Notaro. Dr. Notaro served the Humane Society for 12 years. The Board of Directors appreciates all of his work and wishes him success in his future endeavors. The Board responded to Dr. Notaro's resignation by appointing a search committee to identify and hire a new executive director as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the Board appointed Harriett Weatherford as Interim Director while the Humane Society searches for a permanent replacement. Harriett Weatherford graciously offered to assist during this transition. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization. Before retiring, Weatherford spent a career in management for the University of Illinois. She also volunteered for the Humane Society and once served on the Board of Directors. She is also a former president of the Champaign County Humane Society.

In no way does this change alter the Champaign County Humane Society's dedication to the well-being of people and animals through adoption programs that match needy animals with loving families. The shelter is a temporary home for animals like cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and others that need love, food, care and medical attention.

From meager beginnings on Highway 10 in Bondville, the shelter expanded and relocated to its current home on East Main Street in Urbana. The shelter relies on the charity of the greater Champaign-Urbana community. Thousands of hours are donated annually by animal-loving volunteers. They foster animals until they are ready for adoption, walk them and groom them. Some of them train dogs. Some help socialize cats. Others help in the lab and with the shelter's fundraising events. The Board of Directors is humbled and grateful for this overwhelming charity. The continued support from community volunteers, shelter staff and members of the Humane Society enable the organization to achieve its mission by promising a very bright future for our animal companions. Our goal is to continue this historic engagement with volunteers and the greater community to serve the well-being of animals as well as the people in and around Champaign-Urbana.

The Champaign County Humane Society will maintain its commitment, services and normal operations during the search for a new executive director. The organization is committed to furthering communication among community members and other organizations to promote the well-being of animals. We will work diligently to expand service and to achieve these initiatives. Board Member Bruce Kelso can be contacted for any more information regarding this announcement.

Talking Points

Q: Why did Dr. Notaro resign?

A: He felt at this time it was best for the organization and wishes to pursue other interests. The Board of Directors of the Champaign County Humane Society sincerely thanks Dr. Notaro for his service and wishes him success in his future endeavors.

Q: Do you have a replacement or interim person in mind to fill the position?

A: The board has asked Ms. Harriett Weatherford to act as Interim Director. She is highly qualified and is retired from the University of Illinois where she worked in different levels of management. Harriett has many years of service as a volunteer and was a past President of the Board of Directors with the Humane Society. The Board of Directors has appointed a search committee comprised of key staff and board members to identify and hire an Executive Director as soon as possible.

Q: When will Ms. Weatherford assume the position?

A: The Board has asked Ms. Weatherford to be available during the transition period beginning Saturday, August 7, but her actual starting date will be Monday, August 9. Our main concern is to prevent any interruption in services for residents of this community. Board members will be working closely with Ms. Weatherford, the Shelter Manager, and staff to make the transition as easy as possible.

Q: What will Ms. Weatherford be paid?

A: We are evaluating an equitable pay for her interim service.

Q: What shortfalls might happen with a change in leadership?

A: Ms. Weatherford and the board are working to identify key areas that will need to be addressed immediately. We plan to address the initial operational needs of the shelter like the budget, payroll, current grants, animal control contracts, personnel, licensures, and building maintenance. We want to make sure that the day-to-day activities are maintained and there is no delay in service. We are grateful to Harriett for her willingness to assume this role.

Q: You mentioned the budget and the animal control contracts, does this decision by Dr. Notaro have anything to do with the recent criticism by County Animal Control and other groups regarding CCHS practices and procedures?

A: No. We want to work with these groups to find the best possible solutions for the animals, the organizations, and the staff of these organizations. The Champaign County Humane Society is committed to furthering communications among community members and organizations for the well-being of animals. We will work diligently to expand our service abilities and promote these initiatives.

Q: Are you a no-kill shelter?

A: No we are not a no-kill shelter. To be a no-kill shelter requires resources we do not currently hold. These are areas that the Board will evaluate as we move forward.

Q: Do you think that other staff will resign as well?

A: We don&Mac226;t know what other staff might decide to do, but as a board we are doing our best to help the Interim Director and key staff to move through this transition period. We hope our common concerns for the animals will sustain our collective efforts.

Q: What effect will this have on the community?

A: There should be no delay in services and staff and the board will do their best to maintain the standards, policies, and practices currently in place. Hours of operation and current services provided will remain unchanged.

Q: How are staff members handling the news?

A: We have ensured staff that we plan to move forward with Ms. Weatherford as Interim Director. Board members met with key staff members to announce this change. We are relying upon the staff to help us identify the immediate needs.

Q: Who should be contacted during the transition period?

A: Bruce Kelso is the Board Liaison and after Saturday, Ms. Weatherford can be contacted.

Press Release