Dutchess County SPCA Board Announces Appointment Of Executive Director

Plus, New Board President & Secretary Are Appointed

Hyde Park, NY: The Dutchess County SPCA (DCSPCA) Board announces the appointment of its Acting Board President, Monica Scrivner, to the role of Executive Director, effective March 1st, 2026. The role of Executive Director serves as chief executive and administrative officer of the no-kill shelter (which is not associated with the ASPCA).

Scrivner—a resident of Highland, NY—joined the Board of the DCSPCA in January 2025 and became its Acting Board President in August 2025. 

Scrivner has worked in the financial sector for more than 20 years. She specializes in team leadership, financial strategy, and change management.

The DCSPCA’s current Board Secretary, Samantha Turk, will be stepping into the role of Board President, while Board Director, Kellie Mee, will step into the role of Secretary. 

Speaking today, Samantha said: “We’re thrilled to share the news of Monica’s appointment with our staff, volunteers, and the Hudson Valley community today. In the short time Monica has been with the organization, she has worked closely with the team to implement stronger financial controls and redevelop community relations. 

“Anyone who has seen Monica in the company of an animal knows she’s 100% dedicated to ensuring the very best outcome for them. Without doubt, she is uniquely qualified to manage the DCSPCA’s continued growth.”

Turk continued: “Together, we’re looking forward to continuing our work with our community, local officials, and neighboring shelters to prioritize animal care and safety in the Hudson Valley.”

Scrivner added: “I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me to become the Executive Director of the Dutchess County SPCA, an organization that has been close to my heart for many years. Having grown up in Dutchess County, adopting several beloved animals, and forming lifelong friendships through this mission makes it especially meaningful to continue serving our community and the animals we love in this new capacity.”

From January to March 2026, Scrivner will transition into the Executive Director role in a volunteer capacity. 

The DSPCA offers vital animal care services to the community. In addition to shelter and adoption services, it offers a safety net program for residents experiencing an emergency temporarily preventing them from caring for their animals, a pet food pantry for those experiencing food insecurity, a low-cost community clinic, and a retention program that helps animals stay with their families, thus avoiding the need for animals’ surrender.

DCSPCA 2026 Board:

Board Leadership

Samantha L. Turk, President

Shelley Simmons-Bloom, Vice President

Kellie Mee, Secretary

Patrick Gartland, Treasurer

Directors

John Bartlett

Charles Fells

Kyle Steller

Steve Turk

For media inquiries contact Shelley Simmons-Bloom at shelley@positivitycommunications.com. 

About the DCSPCA:

Founded in 1871, the DCSPCA (636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538) is one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the United States. Our mission is to protect and care for animals in need, advocate for their well-being, and strengthen the human-animal bond through adoption, education, and community support services. As a no-kill shelter, we are committed to ensuring that every animal entrusted to us finds a safe, caring, and permanent home. DCSPCA is not affiliated with the ASPCA and is an independent charity, funded almost entirely by private donations.