MENDOCINO COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICE
NEWS RELEASE
Ukiah, California… February 8, 2016
COUNTY APPOINTS INTERIM ANIMAL SHELTER MANAGER
On Wednesday, February 10, 2016, Mary Jane Montana will assume the role of Interim Animal Shelter Manager at the County’s Animal Shelter in Ukiah. Ms. Montana, who has over 20 years of experience with government and non-profit organizations, and most recently served as the Executive Director of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (SPCA) of Clear Lake. The SPCA closed its doors on January 31st due to the retirement of their volunteer veterinarian, and a dramatic drop in donations as donors have focused their charitable efforts towards those impacted by the Valley Fire. Ms. Montana has also served in multiple positions with the County of Lake, including Chief Building Official and then nine years as Planning Director.
Stacey Cryer, Health and Human Services Agency Director states, “Ms. Montana’s experience at the SPCA, as a leader in local government, and her personal love for animals will provide Mendocino County a stable and experienced presence at our Shelter, while we review our operations and look to the future. Our shelter has many staff and volunteers that are both dedicated and passionate, and selflessly give for our animals. I trust Ms. Montana will provide a fresh and energetic presence in the shelter and provide assistance to the County with refocusing on improvement of shelter operations, while the Board of Supervisors considers any long term changes.”
Ms. Montana notes that, “I am no stranger to the issues facing Mendocino County’s Animal Shelter and I understand that it is in need of a stabilizing presence over the next few months. I look forward to using my experience in caring for animals, both personally and through the SPCA, to strengthen the shelter in a way that all of us can be proud of.”
For more information, please contact the Mendocino County Executive Office at (707) 463-4441.