Interim director named for embattled Irvine animal center

In the latest step aimed at resolving operational discord that has come to light recently at the Irvine Animal Care Center, the City Council this week hired James “Rick” Greenwood as interim director of the shelter while the city searches for a permanent administrator.

Greenwood, an adjunct professor at the UCLA School of Public Health, has held several executive administrative positions and served on many health-related advisory boards. He has a Ph.D. in microbiology from UCLA and an undergraduate degree in zoology from UC Riverside.

“I’m here for the animals,” Greenwood said when he was introduced at Tuesday’s council meeting. “I’ve donated money to lots of animal groups, rescued a lot of animals.”

Greenwood will be charged with marshaling Animal Care Center staff, volunteers and donors in the wake of a firestorm of criticism of the center’s leadership from former staff members and volunteers in November. Animal advocates said the center had strayed from its mission statement of progressive animal care and adoption policies by carrying out unnecessary euthanasia.

The complaints led to formation of a City Council ad hoc committee to investigate. The scrutiny resulted in the resignation last month of center director Michelle Quigley. Chief veterinarian Lawrence Kosmin was replaced in December.

Not all shelter workers believe that conditions were as bad as critics expressed. Four speakers stepped forward at Tuesday’s meeting to defend the previous administration.

“Our staff is wonderful, every one of them,” said Barbara Behrens, a volunteer for more than a year. “I was so hurt with all the articles I’ve seen in the paper. I could not believe the things I read.”

Crystal Nettles left her staff position last summer after more than four years. She said the volunteers and former staff members who complained were among a small but more vocal group of shelter workers, noting that current staff members are prohibited from speaking to the media about the controversy.

“The center has lost a great administrator,” Nettles said of Quigley, “and rather than support her and the staff, you’re listening to a very small group of people that complained about everyone and everything since they started volunteering.”

After the meeting, Greenwood said: “It’s very hard, on some issues, to get consensus. The idea is to get this to where it’s inclusive and the volunteers feel like they’re doing good things, the donors feel like it’s going to a good cause and the staff feels appreciated.”

Greenwood’s tenure began immediately. He will serve on a three-month contract for $99,000. He said he wants to help the permanent director get off to a “running start” when that person is hired.