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Board names new public health officer and animal services director after closed session
Summary
Following a closed session, Riverside County announced unanimous appointments of Dr. Jennifer Chavinsky as public health officer and Mary Martin as animal services director; the board also heard public comment urging animal shelter changes and no‑kill strategies.
After meeting briefly in closed session, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors reported unanimous appointments to two senior positions: Dr. Jennifer Chavinsky as the county’s next public health officer and Mary Martin as the director of Animal Services.
The board’s reported action followed public input earlier in the meeting from animal‑welfare advocates who pressed the supervisors to pursue a no‑kill strategy and to accept operational guidance from Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Peggy Crowley and Sharon Bancro Pietro Malone asked the board to cancel a previously discussed $2.5 million contract and to implement proven no‑kill practices; they said Palm Springs had successfully reduced euthanasia rates with different policies.
County staff reported the closed‑session outcomes in open session. The public statement listed hourly rates attached to the positions: $208.71 per hour for the public health officer and $110.58 per hour for the animal services director. The board offered congratulations in open session and indicated staff will follow up with transitional steps and briefings for the board on animal services operations and shelter metrics.
What happens next: County staff and the incoming directors will coordinate onboarding and report back to the board on animal shelter operations and any proposed program changes.
