MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)- The Grand Strand Humane Society has seen a lot of turnover in the last few months, and now the group has a new executive director.
Four executive directors have resigned in the past three years. Jessica wnuk is the latest to take on the role and is bringing new ideas to the table.
Wnuk started at the Grand Strand Humane Society in 2012 working in isolation kennels. She quickly moved up to clinic staff then moved her way into administrative roles. She helped relocate animals to out of state rescues and started their foster program
“I started our foster program because we get so many orphaned kittens and puppies, especially during the summer months and those were the most critical patients. They were the ones getting sick and not doing well in the shelter,” said Wnuk.
Wnuk wants to grow the shelter’s community outreach program, keep more pets in their homes , and help with overpopulation.
“Getting into communities where they may not have access to vaccines and help spaying and neutering their pets, and helping with food. Sometimes all people need is food to keep their pets in the home,” said Wnuk.
Wnuk takes over the top spot after several months of turmoil with 3 board members resigning and disagreements over management practices. The Grand Strand Humane Society oversees a 1.2 million dollar budget that includes 230,000 taxpayer dollars. The city of Myrtle Beach was asked to step in and will conduct a 24 thousand dollar study into the shelter’s operations.
“We’re looking forward to it and we welcome any reviews that can help us improve our animal care and everything from the ground up. All of our protocols and policies,” said Wnuk.
Wnuk said she and her team are here for one reason.
“Everyone that’s here is here for the right reasons and here to improve the lives of the animals here in the shelter and also the lives of the animals in our community,” said Wnuk.
The City of Myrtle Beach also asked for an audit from the humane society.They still need one more city appointed board member and the city is actively looking to fill that spot.
