JC Animal Shelter Director Accepts New Position, Leaving Jackson Co. in April

With much reluctance, the Jackson County Board of Supervisors has confirmed that Diane Robinson, the County’s Animal Shelter Director, has accepted a position as Director of Operations with Atlanta Humane Society’s Mansell Campus. Robinson notified the Board of her decision on Monday, noting that this was not something she had been seeking out and that it is going to be hard to leave.

“This has been the most difficult professional decision I have had to make,” says Robinson. “Over the past 10 months I have been fortunate to have had tremendous support from the Board of Supervisors, and the community has truly been awesome. But this is an opportunity for personal growth I could not turn down.”

Robinson will remain the Shelter Director for at least two more months. During this time she plans to continue to work on ways to improve shelter services affecting the health and safety of animals, the public’s experience, and the new director’s ability to successfully step into the position. Some of the goals she hopes to accomplish before she leaves are to update the ordinances, hire a veterinarian, and further develop some of the newly implemented programs and services including:

•Foster Program
•Volunteer Program
•New Adoption Coordinator position and organized adoption events
•Affordable Micro-chipping Service
•Vaccinating and Worming animals on intake and throughout their stay (5-in-1 booster, Bordatella and deworming)
•Improved cleaning techniques
•Improved database for tracking info about shelter animals
•Improved relations with rescue organizations (locally and nationwide)

“It’s hard not to recognize the positive changes Diane has made in such a short time,” says Board President Barry Cumbest. “We sincerely appreciate all that she has done to get us moving in the right direction, and although this is very unfortunate for us, we understand her decision and wish her well in Atlanta.”

In order to ensure a smooth transition, the Board will begin the hiring process in February with a goal of hiring someone before Robinson leaves. Her predecessor will need to be ready and able to step in and keep the shelter moving in a positive direction.