History Repeats Itself
IndyHumane has again crippled itself. Dedicated volunteers and staff have brought attention to leadership deficiency.
Star reporter, John Touhy reports:
This reminds us of the past challenges of IndyHumane (then The Humane Society of Indianapolis) when Martha Bowden was hired in 2002. Bowden bullied, fired existing staff (had some escorted off the property by sheriffs) and banned dedicated volunteers. Her administration killed animals just because, not to mention created financial turmoil. This was perhaps one of the darkest periods in the history of indyhumane. Amazingly she survived a painful six years until she “stepped down” in 2008.
Booted from governance
Who saved IndyHumane from the devastation of Martha Bowden? Bowden’s exit was facilitated by the leadership of then board member David Horth. Horth moved to act when he acknowledged Boden’s insult to the agency (morally and financially), the growing public distrust and the voices of the animal welfare community.
Horth guided the agency toward the recruitment of John Aleshire. Mr. Aleshire was able to navigate the blemished indyhumane out of rough seas and successfully lead the agency for 9 years. Order and trust had been restored. He succeeded by embracing transparency, team building, inclusivity of staff decision making and authentic compassion. This restoration by Horth and Aleshire was accomplished because they respected the damage done when poor leadership lacks these essentials.
Reward for Horth who saved the agency and regained the public trust for IndyHumane? He is booted from the agency governance. His 17 years of experience in an industry little understood by board members who are outsiders to the ministry meant little.
An executive board with little-to-no knowledge of institutional history and/or industry awareness can do little to protect the agency’s reputation and from repeating past mistakes.
A new CEO, Donna Casamento is hired. Per linkedin she has held 6 animal welfare positions prior to arriving at indyhumane. The duration of each position ranges from 1 – 2.7 years, an average 1 year 8 months per position.
One cannot help but wonder how much the search for this candidate cost in donor dollars? Who on the executive committee made this decision to contract a person with this track record? And what directors decided to terminate Horth?
Fast forward
The documentary “Saving Charlie – The Shelter Without Humanity.” Speaks to the present challenge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyWSepkQues Since this production, the exodus of volunteers, staff and board members continues and the quality of life for at-risk animals is suffering.
A message to the indyhumane BOD
Since Horth’s departure, IndyHumane again cannot be trusted to act in the best interest of the animals that pass into a facility that should be a refuge. Donors beware.
Hiring and retaining Ms. Casamento was (and is) a mistake, Removing Horth was a mistake. Learn from it. Poor leadership of this agency has a damaging effect that cascades exponentially, more than your naivete can imagine. Instead of doing nothing, act. Your name is on this. As a director you own this and you can fix it. Is there a David Horth amongst you?
A message to IndyHumane donors
Move to ACT (dba Indy’s Voice 4 Animals) has long advocated recognition and support of the small animal rescue organizations in central Indiana. They are options if you feel IndyHumane is not delivering on its mission.