New Leader At Connecticut Humane Society

By DEBRA BOGSTIE

Updated 6:51 PM EDT, Thu, Jul 29, 2010

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The Connecticut Humane Society officially introduced its new leader Thursday morning. Gordon Willard is taking over as executive director. The change comes four months after the charity's former president and board chairman, Richard Johnston, was forced out.

Willard comes to Connecticut from Florida and has 26 years of experience working with animal care agencies. He now faces the tough task of getting the troubled charity back on track.

"I'm really pleased to be here," said Willard during a news conference at the charity's Newington headquarters. "It's an honor to come to an organization that has 129 years under its belt."

Willard takes over as the charity struggles to move past the controversy that grew over the past year, stemming from Johnston's leadership style, treatment of animals, and spending habits.

Under Johnston's command, workers voted to unionize late last year. Also, current and former workers formed the Coalition for Change, speaking out about staffing cuts, increased behavioral euthanasia, and working conditions. They also raised concerns about Johnston's spending habits, including his use of donations to buy alcohol.

The Connecticut Humane Society faced other scrutiny as well. OSHA fined the charity after inspections uncovered several workplace violations. The Attorney General's office and state lawmakers continue their own investigations.

In an interview, Willard said any remaining problems will be addressed. "You look at what they're looking at and you say, 'Is it valid, and is it important, and does it need to be fixed?' Then, if the answer is it's valid, it's important, and it needs to be fixed, you fix it and you get it off the plate."

Willard also pledged to have an open door policy and listen to the concerns of workers.

"They're not here to get rich. They're here to work and they're here because they have the right belief. I want to work with these people, that's why I'm here," said Willard.

The Coalition for Change released a statement saying it "was pleased to learn that the Connecticut Humane Society has hired an experienced shelter executive with an excellent reputation for creating positive change as its new Executive Director."

The charity received about 100 resumes for the job.

Willard officially takes over August 5.