Related
It's been a brief but tumultuous tenure for Susan Russell, chosen to lead the Animal Care and Control Team, or ACCT, last October following a national search. There were staff vacancies, a controller's report accusing her predecessor of mismanaging funds, and in May, an outbreak of kennel cough that forced a shutdown in adoptions and most intakes.
Deputy managing director Joana Otero Cruz says all that overshadowed what Russell was doing to try to improve the shelter.
"She worked to lead the organization with enhancing policies and protocols," Otero Cruz said.
Cruz says the search for a new director will begin immediately.
Russell was not available for an interview but said in a statement it was a rewarding experience despite the challenges.
“While there have been some challenges, together we have also had many successes. I was proud to be a part of ACCT’s first Gala, and to increase of live release rates — more than 90 percent for dogs and roughly 88 percent for cats in the first half of 2019," Russell added.