Their Vision
The Humane Society of Ventura County was seeking an energetic, compassionate, and knowledgeable Executive Director to lead the organization in partnership with the Board of Directors.
Since 1932, the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) has served the animals and people of Ventura County through ordinary and extraordinary circumstances, including multiple wildfires. Located on an idyllic 4.4-acre site in Ojai, the shelter provides safety and security for domestic animals with the goal of finding their forever homes. HSVC services include a robust adoption process, low-cost vaccine and spay/neuter clinics, emergency shelter, humane education presentations, and more. HSVC is the only organization in Ventura County with Humane Officers who investigate cases of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect. As an independent 501(c)(3) this organization has an annual operating budget of $2.2 million.
Our Strategy
NGA recognized that senior-level nonprofit executives are in high demand and that the job market is very competitive. In partnership with the Board President and Vice President, NGA rapidly defined the position description, prioritizing the most critical elements. After agreement on the search strategy, NGA posted and monitored the position on sites most likely to attract high-quality candidates and utilized the NGA network.
NGA actively encouraged high-caliber candidates to apply, and 163 applications were received. All applicants were acknowledged and screened, with the most promising being invited to a phone and/or virtual interview with the NGA team. The top three candidates were recommended to HSVC, which provided a two-tier selection process involving a site visit and a panel interview with senior staff.
Once the HSVC leadership selected their top candidate, NGA conducted the reference checks, assisted in creating the offer, and acknowledged those not selected for the position.
Success Together
The Board President offered the position to the top candidate, who accepted less than five months from the start of the Executive Search. The new Executive Director held Meet & Greet sessions with staff and is currently providing strategic leadership for the Humane Society of Ventura County. If, for any reason, the selected candidate leaves the employment of HSVC within the first six months, NGA will repeat the search with no additional fee.
“Netzel Grigsby was wonderful to work with. They interviewed us about our needs, and from there were able to locate qualified candidates from which we made our decision. The support of NGA was awesome.”
- Sheila Kane McCollum, Board President, Humane Society of Ventura County
