Humane Society already searching for new leader
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Chris Konetski
JANESVILLE — Rock County Humane Society Board President Debra Mills is confident it won't take long to hire a new executive director to replace Chris Konetski, who said she was fired Monday morning.
"I'd guess in today's economy that won't take long with multiple applications," Mills said Monday afternoon.
Advertisements to find a replacement for Konetski were placed Monday in two local newspapers plus on the Humane Society of America's Web site, Mills said.
Konetski led the local non-profit organization on South Arch Street for 15 years and said she didn't see the firing coming.
"I was a little dumbfounded, I must admit," she said.
"Sometimes I get so busy with things at the shelter, I wasn't aware that my direction and the board's direction wasn't on the same path," Konetski said.
Konetski said she arrived at work by 7:40 a.m. Monday, and two board members arrived a half hour later.
"It took about five minutes," Konetski said of the firing process.
Konetski said she was told board members weren't happy with her performance and that her management style wasn't what board members were looking for with the shelter going into a new direction.
"They're not comfortable with my management style any longer," Konetski said.
Mills would not confirm Konetski's firing.
"That's confidential information. She's just gone on to pursue other interests," Mills said.
Mills said the humane society's 18 staff members were informed Monday of Konetski's departure.
"They were surprised she was not going to be here any longer," Mills said.
Jim Hurley, humane care officer supervisor, said he was appointed as interim shelter manager.
Mills said the humane society is in good hands.
"We're adequately covered, have lots of plans we'd like to accomplish and look forward to moving forward. All of the board members have stepped up to assume duties," she said.
When Mills was asked about Konetski's accomplishments during her tenure, she said she was not the best one to outline them.
"I'm a new board member and (have only been) president for a short time," she said.
Konetski, too, didn't want to discuss any of her accomplishments.
"I have some paperwork I have to look over regarding my termination. I'm hoping the decision they made serves the shelter as well as I've tried to," she said.
"I believe what they're doing is in the best interest of the shelter and I'm prepared to live with that."
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