Montgomery Co. Animal Shelter Director Resigns

From The Office of County Judge: It is with great regret that the Office of County Judge announces the resignation, effective April 14, of Montgomery County Animal Shelter Director Charles Jackson. “I am disappointed to see Charles leave, but I would never hold any employee back from pursuing a great opportunity,” said County Judge Craig Doyal. “We wish him the very best.” “Charles has done excellent work in his time at the shelter, helping to implement many policies and procedures that ultimately will lead to a stronger, more effective animal shelter that operates efficiently as possible,” Judge Doyal said. “Mr. Jackson sent us a resignation letter, which is attached, and explained to us that his resignation is simply to pursue a great job opportunity that was presented to him,” Judge Doyal said. According to our Human Resource Office, Mr. Jackson has an excellent work history with the county, and his personnel file contains no issues.

Judge Doyal has directed the Human Resource Department to launch a robust national search again, so that the county will have a chance to interview the absolutely best internal and external candidates for the job. A politically-oriented blog has raised a number of issues in the public domain that need to be addressed. An employee recently terminated by Mr. Jackson approached the office of county judge with a host of concerns. Likewise, other animal advocates approached the office with similar concerns. Their concerns were sent to Mr. Jackson, and then Judge Doyal and Chief of Staff Jim Fredricks met with Mr. Jackson to discuss the concerns Friday, March 24.

He addressed those concerns, and it was determined there was no need to take any other actions. According to Judge Doyal, Mr. Jackson was at no time ever pressured by this office, nor was any discipline ever contemplated. Charles Jackson offered the following comment: "On March 24, 2017, I had a meeting with Jim Fredricks and Judge Craig Doyal. During that meeting we discussed accusations that had been made against me and the shelter by former employees and members of the community. At no point was I accused of any impropriety by Mr. Fredricks or Judge Doyal. I did not feel intimidated or coerced to resign. This meeting had no bearing on my decision to leave Montgomery County Animal Shelter." Judge Doyal said: “Any suggestions that this office attempted to discipline or intimidate Mr. Jackson are completely false.

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