Best Friends Appoints Gregory Castle Interim CEO
KANAB, Utah (Monday, July 13, 2009) - Best Friends Animal Society today announced that Gregory Castle, one of the original founders of the southern Utah-based animal welfare organization, has been named interim chief executive officer by the Best Friends Board of Directors. Castle will hold the position until the completion of a national search for a permanent CEO, which is now underway.
"Because we recently extended the search for a permanent CEO, we felt that this appointment would be in the best interests of the organization, and therefore, also in the best interests of the animals in our care," said John Fripp, board president. "Gregory has graciously accepted the position and will serve until a permanent CEO is hired and in place."
One of the founders of Best Friends Animal Society, Mr. Castle works mostly with the Community Programs and Services Division of Best Friends. He also travels throughout the country and occasionally abroad consulting with organizations and individuals on animal welfare issues such as reducing euthanasia rates, resolving feral cat issues, developing coalitions and working with governments to help the animals.
In 2000, Castle created "No More Homeless Pets in Utah," an organization that led a statewide coalition of animal welfare and rescue organizations, animal control officers, veterinarians, and animal lovers. Through aggressive spay/neuter, adoption, and public awareness programs, the coalition contributed to a large decrease in the number of animals euthanized in Utah each year.
He also initiated Utah's Week for the Animals, now in its 15th year. The week includes educational and public awareness programs, special discount spay/neuter services, pet adoption fairs, and public service awards. Supported by the Utah governor's office, Utah's Week for the Animals has become a model for cooperative efforts in the humane community throughout the country.
Gregory grew up in England and is a graduate of Cambridge University with a master's degree in philosophy and psychology. His background includes extensive administrative and accounting work for nonprofit human services and church organizations.
For more information contact:
John Polis
Best Friends Animal Society
435-644-2001 ext. 4858
johnp@bestfriends.org
Barbara Williamson
Best Friends Animal Society
435-689-0200
barbara@bestfriends.org
