Longtime Maui Humane Society CEO Jocelyn Bouchard has decided to take a job on Oahu and will be leaving the Maui nonprofit in a few months, MauiTime learned this morning. Bouchard, who has been MHS CEO for the last decade (she joined the nonprofit shelter 20 years ago), will be taking over as Director of Operations for the Hawaiian Humane Society on Oahu.
“I’m leaving May 1,” Bouchard told me by phone this morning. “But we will be [moving] back and forth. We have a home here.”
Bouchard also emailed me her official statement on her departure:
“It is with mixed feelings that I announce my resignation as CEO of Maui Humane Society. I have been offered a truly wonderful opportunity with the Hawaiian Humane Society on Oahu that will challenge me and enable me to learn new skills while still allowing me to do what I love…the advocacy and protection of animals. After much consideration and soul-searching, I have decided to accept the position. Despite my excitement at what the future holds I will sincerely miss the Maui Humane Society and all the people associated with it. It has been my honor and privilege to work at the Maui Humane Society for 20 years, serving as the CEO for this amazing organization for over 10 years now. I credit the success and growth of MHS to all the people involved with this organization–board, staff, volunteers, donors, adopters. EVERYONE has played a major role in making the Maui Humane Society what it is today. I am confident that MHS is in good hands with its current leadership and will continue to grow and do amazing things long after I am gone. The Maui Humane Society will always have a special place in my heart. A hui hou!”
The MHS board of directors also released a written statement on Bouchard’s departure:
“We were surprised to receive Jocelyn’s resignation, but we understand that she has taken a position with the Hawaiian Humane Society that offers her more responsibility and potential for career growth. Jocelyn has been a steadfast leader for the Maui Humane Society these past ten years, and our agency has seen tremendous growth under her guidance. She is highly qualified and respected in the animal welfare industry on a national level, and we were fortunate to have her at the helm of MHS for this long. We will miss her. Maui’s loss is Oahu’s gain.”
The Maui Humane Society has served as a nonprofit shelter for homeless dogs and cats since 1953. Located in Pu’unene, the shelter handles (on average) about two dozen animals every day. Though they adopt out thousands of dogs and cats every year, the shelter also euthanizes 5,000 or so animals every year.
Photo of Bouchard courtesy her Facebook page
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