Following denied appeals with the State of Ohio in regards to unemployment, the Animal Shelter Society is now speaking to the abrupt departure of the former executive director which was followed just over a month later by the resignation of the assistant director.

On June 12, former Executive Director of the Animal Shelter Society, Inc. sent a resignation via email to the board informing the members of his immediate departure due to “extreme circumstances” that he cites in his resignation.

Due to Murray appealing his denied unemployment, the board was not previously able to discuss the situation. All of Murray’s appeals were denied.

Murray cited an employee harassment case, lack of information and a hostile work environment that lead to an “extreme amount of stress and anxiety.”

Animal Shelter Board President Stephanie Hill said the harassment situation was in regards to two employees, neither of which were Murray, and Murray took care of the situation.

“He had made me aware of it, consulted legal counsel and he walked through the steps on how to handle that. He did everything right,” Hill said. “It was a non-issue. It was taken care of, employee was disciplined and there have since that time been no further issues.”

In the resignation email, Murray cited a date in which the board was approached about the issue and provided with additional information — information that Murray said he was never provided in order to address the employee and conduct proper interviews.

Hill said the employee that approached her about the issue communicated concerns regarding the board’s knowledge of the situation. She then followed up with Murray to again go over his notes and ensure that everything was handled correctly, which Hill said it was.

Despite the harassment situation, Hill said some issues arose when the board became concerned with some financial aspects of the shelter and day-to-day operations throughout the year.

“So, we had begun asking him (Murray) some questions and kind of working through that process. That’s our job, that’s any board’s job, and Mr. Murray did not like that,” Hill said. “He did not like being questioned, unfortunately. And so, at the end of the day, he left. I think just, he didn’t want to deal with answering to his bosses, and he cited that as a reason why he left.”

Toward the end of his resignation, Murray states “I have never left a position without notice but these are extreme circumstances.”

He also ended the letter by saying that it was a “very sad day” and he would miss working with the board and the animals.

“It was with a heavy heart that I resigned 6 months ago. I continue to wish only the for the shelter and its employees. I am surprised that the board continues to discuss this issue and I hope they will move on in serving the homeless animals of our community. There are many ways to lead any organization and leading the shelter takes determination, compassion, focus and a desire to serve the community,” Murray wrote in a statement to Y-City News.

Murray added that the board reviews all the financials on a monthly basis and had the option to make changes at any point.

After Murray’s departure, former Assistant Director Russ Denny was named that interim executive director.

On July 23, Denny announced his resignation via email stating that he would depart on Aug. 7.

“My reasons can only be described as personal reasons which I do not wish to discuss. You have my full commitment for the next two weeks to ensure a smooth transition. I want to help with setting up a new schedule for our new hours of operation and the new website to name a few,” Denny’s resignation states.

Tuesday, the shelter released a statement addressing the resignation saying it was “disappointed” by the duo’s departure.

“However, the resignations were accepted as significant disagreements regarding the overall management of the organization arose between the Board and the Executive Director and Interim Director,” the statement reads.

It goes on to state that the board remains focused on the mission of the shelter and takes its obligations to its donors and the community seriously.

The board has begun an application process for a new executive director and is looking to finalize a candidate for that position at the beginning of the year.

Hill said despite allegations circling the community, there was not an increase of resignations amongst employees at the shelter during 2019. To her knowledge, she said three employees resigned this year, in addition to Murray and Denny, and all three employees cited moving away from the area as their reason for departing.

“There’s a rumor in the community that we have all these employees that are quitting. That is not true,” Hill said.

Additionally, the shelter’s staff veterinarian will be departing from the shelter Friday. While the vet is resigning, operations are still ongoing and will continue after her last day as the board has plans to use multiple contract vets rather than one staff vet, Hill said.

While she did not want to speak for the current veterinarian, Hill said she believes the woman is leaving the shelter to pursue other interests.

Denny declined to comment for the story.