Today, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington confirms the resignation of Kay Speerstra, Executive Director, effective March 31, 2010.
“We thank Kay for her service to the League and wish her the best,” said Joanne Del Toro, President of the Board of Directors.
This announcement was posted on the AWLA website and e-mailed to AWLA volunteers about two hours ago.
With a single step, the AWLA Board has dramatically improved the prospects for Arlington’s homeless companion animals. It’s now possible — even realistic — to imagine AWLA managing one of the country’s most effective animal shelters and matching the standard set by organizations like Tompkins County SPCA, Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, and the Nevada Humane Society.
The critical ingredients have long been here: funding, facilities, an engaged and compassionate populace, and a wealth of dedicated and experienced animal-rescue organizations that can serve as partners and sources of talent.
What’s vital now is recruiting an Executive Director for AWLA who can communicate the vision — that Arlington County should set the national standard for the compassionate treatment of wildlife and homeless companion animals — and marshall a team of committed employees and volunteers to make that happen.
As it searches for a new Executive Director, AWLA’s Board should solicit suggestions from long-established DC-area rescue organizations, from successful local peers like Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA and Richmond SPCA, and from the leading national organizations committed to progressive animal sheltering, like Maddie’s Fund and the No Kill Advocacy Center.
With the right leadership, AWLA can realize its potential and help the country’s best shelters chart the way forward in the years ahead.
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Sic Semper Tyrannis. This post is dedicated to Spike.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I think this is great news! A fresh start is what they have needed there for some time. They need a new ex. director who will come in and clean house. Not that everyone should go, but I would guess that some would, if they can’t grasp a new mind set. Hurray for the animals!
Excellent News! Just a few more Managers need to go. The Animal Control Department needs to be re -vamped. Re-organized and Re-Constructed with a New “Chief” and “Deputy Chief”. The shelter is on it’s way to a Bright, New Beginning. Congratulations Awla Hawk!