Shelter Board Addresses Future

By Kimberly Lenz Saturday, March 20, 2010

The Heritage Humane Society Board of Directors has addressed its firing of shelter director Dana Cheek, calling her termination the result of a bad fit with the organization.

The firing has alternately frustrated supporters who questioned mixed signals from the board, and lifted shelter supporters who launched a Facebook page demanding Cheek's termination.

Cheek was hired in November 2009 after a lengthy, national search that brought 100 applicants. An HHS search committee composed of five board members recommended her She'd led the Norfolk SPCA for seven years and brought experience as a CPA as well.

Peggy Scholley, president of the HHS Board of Directors, sent a statement Friday explaining Cheek's sudden dismissal on March 16.

"Though Ms. Cheek has an unquestionable commitment to the care of companion animals, the Board regretfully concluded that this particular employment relationship was not a good fit," the statement said. "The Board thanks Ms. Cheek for her service to the shelter and wishes her the best in any future endeavors."

But Cheek's firing came just six days after the HHS board provided what Scholley said was "a statement of support" of Cheek. That statement was read by the HHS Auxiliary's representative to the board at the Auxiliary's regular meeting March 10.

Scholley said she could not comment on specific reasons for Cheek's termination, but explained that Cheek was terminated by the executive committee of the board on the afternoon of March 16, with the action ratified by the full board at its regularly scheduled meeting that same evening. A Facebook page called "Save Our Shelter" proclaimed the firing several hours before the board met, and called on HHS supporters to attend the meeting and urge the board to hire back several employees who had either quit or been fired. The page, which has since been taken down at the request of the HHS board, also claimed Cheek and woman she'd hired were "the only ones that need to go" because they'd "destroyed the shelter."

In the statement, the HHS board called for a return to civil engagement:

"Heritage Humane Society relies heavily on the time, efforts and financial support of the volunteers, donors, Auxiliary members and community at large. All of us are passionate about animal welfare but the Board urges everyone to refrain from using rumor and disparaging comments in pursuit of that goal. The Board is calling on everyone in the HHS family to engage in civil discourse that reflects well on the shelter and to rededicate ourselves and our energies to the compassionate and professional care of companion animals at the Heritage Humane Society."

Also in the HHS statement, the board laid out its plans to "focus its full attention on what actions are needed to ensure that the shelter operates smoothly and without any interruption in service to the community."

The plans include:

• To review staffing needs at the shelter and fill vacancies as soon as possible.
• No other staff terminations are planned. Continued employment at HHS will be determined, as it always has been, by job performance, adherence to approved policies and guidelines, and a commitment to animal welfare.
• To form a Search Committee in the immediate future and launch a search for a new executive director.
• To ensure that the shelter has a reliable source of consistent pet food.
• Under the leadership of the Board’s Veterinarian representative, Dr. Mark Mangelsdorf, to ensure that all of the animals entrusted to the Society receive the health care and medications that they require.
• To reconvene as needed in order to determine what further actions or initiatives are required by the Board.