Humane Society of Manatee County searches for new executive director

BRADENTON -- After nearly four years at the helm, Amy Van Dell is no longer the executive director of the Humane Society of Manatee County.

The board of directors made the decision to terminate Van Dell, according to Marsha Forrest, the board president.

Forrest said the board "decided that sometimes as an organization grows, it needs new leadership and that's kind of where we are at."

Nov. 19 was Van Dell's last day as executive director.

"It was my pleasure to lead the Humane Society of Manatee County through four years of tremendous growth, culminating with the opening of the new Pet Health Center, a much needed community resource," Van Dell, who began as executive director in December 2011, said Monday in an email. "I wish them well in their search for a new executive director who will hopefully continue the progress and programs in place at HSMC."

The nonprofit, located at 2515 14th St. W., has formed a committee to find a new executive director, Forrest said.

"We are actively seeking applicants now," she said. "We do plan on closing that search mid-January."

While a local person would already know the community, Forrest said they are not opposed to hiring someone from out-of-state.

"We are open to everything, so if it's the right candidate, it could be from another state," she said. "We want to find the right candidate that agrees with the mission and can take that mission with the vision of the board. ...The Executive Director Search Committee is confident we will find someone that will lead our organization in continuing to make an impact on our community, whether local or national."

The executive director's salary is "negotiable and will be determined when a top candidate is chosen," Forrest said, adding that the committee will make a recommendation to the board, who has the final decision.

When asked whether there was any concern with the lull between executive directors, Forrest said she didn't want to comment further.

"We just want to focus on the organization and the mission and our programs versus any one particular person," Forrest said. "We have a very dedicated, competent staff who will continue to operate the shelter and clinic to the fullest capacity while we continue our search for an executive director."

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

This story was originally published December 21, 2015 at 4:54 PM with the headline "Humane Society of Manatee County searches for new executive director ."