No Need for a National Search; HHS Chooses Bledsoe

By Desiree Parker Thursday, August 19, 2010

The Heritage Humane Society’s Board of Directors has decided to keep Interim Director Robin Bledsoe on as Executive Director for the next two years.

“Robin brings a keen insight into the need for social awareness and has been instrumental in helping us refine the role the Society needs to play in the community,” said Board President Peter Gore. “As essential as the human-animal bond is to developing and maintaining a happy and healthy society, it is imperative that HHS position itself as the promoter of this cause through its unique position within the community.”

The HHS agreed Tuesday night to extend Bledsoe's term. The board appointed Bledsoe to the post on an interim basis back in April, when the board terminated its contract with former director Dana Cheek due to allegations of mismanagement from patrons and volunteers. At that time, members stated they'd undertake a national search for a permanent replacement.

In addition to directing the shelter’s day-to-day operations, Bledsoe will be responsible for furthering the relationships between the three localities served by the HHS and its board, staff, volunteers, HHS Auxiliary and the shelter’s animals.

Bledsoe is currently president of B & D Capacity Builders, LLC, a management consulting firm. From 2006 to 2008, she was the executive director of Avalon: A Center for Women and prior to that, spent six years as executive director of Colonial Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Williamsburg.

She has also served as chair of the nonprofit division of the United Way of Greater Williamsburg, currently serves on the James City County Storm Water Management Advisory Board and the Governor’s Advisory Board on Child Abuse & Neglect. In 2007, she received the Commonwealth of Virginia Leadership Award. She is a graduate of University of Washington and Villanova University, where she earned a Masters Certification in applied project management.