The Hampshire County Commission voted Tuesday to offer Crystal Connolly the full-time position of animal shelter director following a competitive application and interview process.
President Egglazer reported that a three-member committee—consisting of the president, the sheriff and the clerk—reviewed five applicants, interviewed three and developed a set of about 15 questions for finalists. The committee recommended Crystal Connolly, who has been serving in an acting capacity since the prior director retired.
Commissioner Bridal moved to approve the recommendation; the motion carried. President Egglazer clarified that the county would “offer her the position” because Connolly had not yet formally accepted. Commissioners discussed drafting specific performance goals and timelines for the new director; one commissioner volunteered to help draft three- and six-month performance expectations.
The nut graf: The commission chose to fill the vacant position after a subcommittee review and interviews, and it asked staff and committee members to work with the new hire on short-term performance benchmarks once she accepts the offer.
Commissioner Mance thanked the subcommittee for its work and said he trusted their recommendation. Commissioner Brill concurred and thanked committee members for their time. The commission recorded the motion to offer the position and signaled unanimous support.
The commission also noted that, should Connolly accept, the committee would work with commissioners to set expectations for the shelter within the coming months. No salary or contract terms were announced during the meeting; commissioners indicated that the position would be within the existing shelter budget and that further administrative steps—offer letter, acceptance and any onboarding—would follow normal personnel procedures.
An attendee later offered to help draft performance goals; the commission accepted that offer and said it would coordinate drafting with committee members and the clerk.