The head of Red Deer & District SPCA has retired in the midst of a major build.
Monte Greenshields, executive director for the organization since June of 2004, said in a press release issued by on Tuesday that he wants to get to know his grandson and to look at “life’s other opportunities.”
The retirement is to take place immediately, said board chair Kristi Volk. She said the board was caught by surprise, but will start recruiting immediately. In the meantime, remaining staff, board members and community volunteers are well-equipped to oversee fundraising and construction of their new $4.2 million building, said Volk.
The SPCA has been building a facility next to its aging animal shelter at 4505 - 77th Street. Construction of the 12,300-square-foot building is expected to be finished this fall.
In his statement, Greenshields says he is leaving the organization in good shape.
“Red Deer and District SPCA has experienced tremendous changes and success in the past several years. The health of our guest pets has never been better and we have the staffing working the best it has ever been,” he says.
Greenshields originally came to Red Deer in 2001 to become executive director of United Way, replacing Delta Rempel. He was previously employed at the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary.