By Kayla Bruch

P.A. SPCA looking for fresh start

Dec 20, 2014 | 2:01 PM

The release of the SPCA’s newly hired executive director is not going to distract its board of directors from positive aspects of the organization, according to its president.

The organization recently hired Dave Young as its new executive director, but unfortunately the position didn’t work out and they are once again looking to fill the position.

“The SPCA has fantastic, long-term dedicated employees…that provide wonderful services to the animals and to the community,” said Joleen McCullagh, the board’s president.

Young started working for the organization on Monday Dec. 15th and was released by the board on the 19th.

“Thursday morning I was released from the contract and it was a decision by the board,” he said. Young said he was given no reason for his dismissal. “No cause and…the board has the right to do that, so it’s a board decision and I respect that.”

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McCullagh said they are not able to discuss individual cases involving former employees. 

“The board of directors is tasked with making decisions and taking action that they feel is in the best interest of the organization and that’s what they do,” said McCullagh.

The SPCA is currently interviewing new candidates for the position and McCullagh said they will make a decision on who to hire when the time is right.

“We’re hopeful and confident that we’ll find the right person for the organization,” she said.

SPCA release not related to Prince Albert Exhibition Association

It has been quite the whirlwind for Young over the past few months.

James Wilm is the interim manager for Prince Albert Exhibition Association on an acting basis. Wilm said Young worked for the association for 12 years as the general manager.

And despite rumours, Wilm said the situation at the association and the recent dismissal at the SPCA are not related.

“His contract was up on November the 30th, we did not renew his contract,” he said.

Wilm said Young did nothing wrong.

“The board…just felt that they wanted to take a look at some new direction and the best way to seek the new direction was maybe look at possibly somebody else in the management position.”

The association is currently looking for a new general manager and Wilm said the committee will know when they’ve found the right match.

“We want to make sure that we get the right person in place that’s going to have the knowledge and the ideas that will be able to carry forward in the direction that we think it should be going,” he said.

Young insists he has no hard feelings towards either organization and he has no specific plans moving forward.

kbruch@panow.com

On Twitter:@KaylaBruch1