Two finalists selected for top Manatee County animal services job

MANATEE -- Two finalists have been named for the top Manatee County animal services position.

Sarah Brown, executive director at the Humane Society of Pinellas since April 2011; and Suzanne Fuqua, executive director of the Humane Society of Sedona in Arizona through June, are the finalists.

"I think the opportunity is there to get somebody with a fresh perspective and someone who can see the bigger picture," said Bob Smith, public safety director, of both finalists being from outside Manatee County. "That is always a benefit in cases like this, and having an idea of how things work in other jurisdictions."

Finalists will be brought in for interviews the week after Christmas, Smith said. They plan to select a chief by the end of the year, he said.

The start date would depend on how long it would take to move to Manatee County, Smith said.

The county received 76 applications to lead the at-times controversial division.

Joel Richmond, animal services interim chief, applied but was not a finalist. Richmond was appointed interim division chief after Bill Hutchison retired this fall. After the new chief is selected, Richmond will return to his previous position as enforcement supervisor, Smith said.

Richmond was one of at least two applicants now employed by Manatee County government. The other was Peyt Dewar, a code enforcement officer.

Background on two finalists

The finalists have strong backgrounds, Smith said.

"Through the interview process, both gave ideas for improvement and we are very excited," he said.

Brown's application stated her objective is "looking for an opportunity as a leader in animal welfare to bring an organization to its full potential."

Fuqua's application stated her objective is "to find an animal welfare job that makes a difference for animals and their people while keeping the public safe."

Brown's application describes her as "a progressive leader with experience in both managed no-kill and open admissions sheltering."

Fuqua, who left the Humane Society of Sedona after the "board of directors changed and direction of shelter changed," lives in Santa Fe, N.M. Fuqua has also been director of behavior and training at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter.

Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024. Follow her on Twitter@Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 7:18 PM with the headline "Two finalists selected for top Manatee County animal services job ."