A longtime animal rescue worker will take the helm at the Animal Welfare Alliance’s regional no-kill animal shelter, which opened early this year.
Jessica West of Poplar Bluff has been named executive director, according to a press release from AWA. West is a former member of AWA’s Board of Directors.
West replaces Navy veteran Paul Healy of Poplar Bluff, who recently stepped down as shelter director to spend more time with his family.
“We owe Paul Healy a big thank-you for helping us to get up and operating,” said AWA President Marge Van Praag. “Our shelter is the first of its kind in this area since the region was settled in the mid-1800s. So, our initial six months have been a steep learning curve for all of us. We feel confident that Jessica will be able to build on the good foundation Paul gave us and help guide us into the future.”
West has worked in customer relations and service most of her life. She has held a variety of jobs in Poplar Bluff and St. Louis, including data analysis, hospital risk management, manager of accounts receivable, and administrative positions at assisted living and group home organizations. She was educated in Poplar Bluff and Neelyville and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix.
West said she often dismayed her parents by coming home with stray dogs or cats when she was a youngster.
As executive director of the AWA Shelter, West says she “hopes for the day when our shelter will no longer be needed because every animal will have a home and all pets will be spayed or neutered.”
Besides rescue work, West’s other passion is her family. She has two children, Lily and Alex, who “keep me young and make every day a new adventure,” she said.
AWA’s shelter is located at 1904 S. Westwood Blvd. In Poplar Bluff, in the former Hillcrest veterinary clinic. The public is invited to visit by appointment or on weekdays between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
For an appointment — or to sign up as a much-needed volunteer — call 573-840-0664.
In addition to running its shelter, AWA spends up to $2,200 a month on programs. With the cooperation of Poplar Bluff’s animal control officers, AWA helps provide vaccinations for puppies in the city shelter. The organization also provide $50 vouchers for qualifying pet owners to help with spay/neuter costs.
Since beginning operations in 2009, AWA has spent more than $120,000 helping to spay/neuter area cats and dogs.