June 2013, Animal Shelter leadership met to identify the department’s top goals and priorities.
Three major objectives emerged:
- Improve Leadership Team cohesion and communication;
- Promote accountability throughout organization; and
- Create a positive, motivating and gratifying culture for all.
Next, the leadership secured feedback from staff, partner rescue groups, and the Shelter’s extensive volunteer group through meetings, emails and phone calls during a two month period.
Developed from that feedback were the initial elements of a strategic plan, including short and long term attainable objectives; mission, vision and values statements; and a draft code of conduct to establish expectations.
During planning, issues moved to the forefront, such as the need for additional staffing/support; expanded low-cost spay/neuter program; and x-ray machine, among others. Immediate support came from the Board of Supervisors and County Executive’s office to remedy these issues.
The Animal Shelter leadership will continue to meet and also develop a communication plan for timely information sharing, and follow-up meetings with staff, rescue groups, and volunteers will be scheduled for continued feedback opportunities.
