After more than four months of controversy and questions over the future leadership at the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA, the nonprofit’s board announced in mid-May that embattled former CEO Angie Gunter was out and a new interim executive director would take the helm while a search for Gunter’s permanent replacement is underway.
“Together we will work to ensure the wellbeing of our staff and continue to provide the highest level of care to the animals entrusted to us,” said SPCA board chair Jenn Corbey in the May 19 statement announcing the hire of Sue Friedman, the former executive director of the Jefferson School Foundation and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association.
The change in leadership was welcomed by members of the CASPCA Concerns Facebook group, made up of former SPCA staff and volunteers who’d publicly alleged a hostile work environment under Gunter and poor conditions for the animals at the shelter.
“We are very pleased that finally, after all these months, hundreds of staff, volunteers, community members, called for the change and it was finally heard,” said Sarah Lloyd in an interview on Charlottesville Right Now.
Despite that relief, Lloyd said she and other former volunteers were still concerned about the shelter’s future and whether a reconciliation between the administration and the CASPCA Concerns group members would ever be possible.
“iI’s been made abundantly clear that we’re not welcome back,” said Lloyd, mentioning social media posts by current SPCA staff.
“We would love to come in and help rebuild,” she said, expressing hope that Friedman would foster a welcoming environment and greater transparency around operations.
In a joint interview with Corbey on Charlottesville Right Now on May 26, Friedman suggested that could be possible under certain conditions.
“Everyone and anyone who understands and supports and aligns with our vision and mission is welcomed because the nonprofit needs as much support as they can get, both in human support and of course in financial and other supports,” she said. “And so I think the key there is going to be, can we be convinced, can, can it be confirmed that the vision and mission of the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA is what is at the center of everyone’s job and everyone’s volunteer time here at the shelter.”
Friedman offered her phone number (434-979-5959 ext. 312) and her email (sfriedman@caspca.org) and urged former staff and volunteers who wish to return to contact her for a conversation.
Listen to the interview with Jenn Corbey and Sue Friedman here.
Listen to the interview with Sarah Lloyd here.
