Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, December 16, 1993 TAG: 9312160171
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Shelter Committee of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has voted to reinstate the position of executive director, filling the job temporarily with the shelter's former special-events coordinator, Al Alexander.
The committee is an arm of the board that determines operational procedures for the shelter. The decision to reinstate the position did not require full board approval, Board President Steve Davidson said.
"For us to go forward as an organization and to have the impact on the community in a way we would like to, it is very difficult for us to operate without an executive director," Davidson said.
But the move has been viewed by some as a demotion for Shelter Director Tammy Javier in retaliation for her support of what had been labeled a board "takeover" attempt and for her vocal opposition to the controversial Boar Walla Hunting Lodge, an exotic-game preserve near Covington.
Javier has been shelter director for four years.
"We knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that there would be retaliation," SPCA member Waine Tomlinson said. "And we knew there was no more likely target than Tammy."
Davidson, though, says there will be no change in Javier's position or pay. The executive director, however, will act as her supervisor, he said.
Davidson says he is "confounded" by the characterization of the committee's decision as punitive.
"How is it we're being punitive? We're trying to help the woman; trying to help her with things she feels so strongly about."
Javier was considered for the interim position but "her qualifications aren't anywhere near Mr. Alexander's," Davidson said.
Alexander, 56, has a background in management - in part, teaching management with the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense. He was hired by the SPCA six months ago as special-events coordinator.
Wednesday, Alexander applauded the committee's efforts to reorganize without sacrificing jobs.
"What company in this country hasn't reorganized out of necessity?" he said. "These folks are completely reorganizing without anyone losing their job or anyone taking a reduction in pay. That is extremely commendable."
The executive director's position was eliminated several years ago for financial reasons. Javier's title of shelter administrator was changed then to shelter director, in part to meet a contractual requirement, Davidson said. The SPCA's contracts with the five municipalities it serves requires that the organization have a shelter director to serve as a liaison, he said.
Davidson said the SPCA's financial shape has improved. For that reason, reinstating the executive director's position was deemed appropriate, he said.
Alexander will report directly to the board and be "in a position to deal with municipalities and take care of some other duties," Davidson said.
Javier said she wouldn't find out what her new duties will be until today. Asked if she thought her responsibilities would be reduced, she said, "I'm sure they will."
Javier declined to comment on the committee's reasons for reinstating the position.
"I have some thoughts but I just can't comment on it," she said.
Alexander will serve as interim executive director for a minimum of two months, Davidson said. Alexander will have an opportunity to apply for the position when the board seeks to fill the position permanently, he said.
by CNB