MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Humane Society’s cat shelter has a new director — Anne Hess was hired by the board of directors at its meeting Oct. 22.
Board chairwoman Carole Jarvis said the board is hoping Hess can help the humane society be a little more visible in the community.
“Her charter from us is to get out into the community, engage the businesses, look for fundraising opportunities and really be the face of the shelter,” Jarvis said. “That’s a role we really haven’t filled very well in the past, so we’re really looking to expand the director in that direction.”
Hess, who has a financial background, will basically function as the shelter’s marketing/PR person.
“We have people who are technical, as far as doing medical procedures and things like that,” said Jarvis. “Office manager [and interim director] Heather Posey. I feel like Anne can handle our customer service needs. It’s going to be a new direction for us. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Hess said she is looking forward to working with the shelter staff and the community.
“I’m going to be more in the media. I will make an effort to keep the community informed,” she said. “I’m going to be out in the community drumming up members and business and things like that.”
An animal lover all her life, Hess has two dogs and two cats at home. She and her husband of 30 years, David, have one grown daughter.
Contact Pamela Schehl
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