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DIRECT RELEASE FROM LOUISVILLE METRO ANIMAL SERVICES
Louisville Metro Animal Services promotes Interim Director Ashley Book to Director role
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 18, 2023) – Louisville Metro Animal Services is welcoming a new director - but turning to a familiar face.
Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Tuesday the hiring of Ashley Book. Book has been with Metro Animal Services since the summer of 2017 and the Interim Director since May of 2020.
Ashley Book has more than six years of animal shelter experience and has additionally served as a veterinary assistant. Book was born in Louisville and holds a master’s degree in applied industrial and organizational psychology from Colorado State University. Book is also an Army Reserve veteran and served proudly during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
“My experience before and during LMAS has shown me how amazing our community is and how compassionate the citizens of Louisville are to their pets and our rescue animals,” said Book.
Book says her first order of business is to find ways to help citizens keep their pets during these times of uncertainty.
Book has a great passion for animals and currently has three dogs, two of which were adopted from LMAS; Atticus, Radley and Charles Baker Harris.
Book replaces Ozzy Gibson who was named Director in 2016. Gibson was moved in 2020 to lead numerous departments during the previous administration serving as a Chief. He is currently serving as the Interim Parks Director until a permanent director is hired. Mayor Greenberg has stated that Ozzy will be in another Metro Government leadership role to be announced at a later date.
“Ashely has done a remarkable job under difficult times the past three years. I am sure she will continue to build upon the success we have had since 2016,” Gibson said. “I am very proud of the work that we accomplished on my watch! Many thanks to Friends of Metro Animal Services, all the staff at LMAS, volunteers, fosters, community partners, elected officials and the Harshaw family”.
Stephanie Gumm, Chairman of Friends of Metro Animal Services, also praised Book’s appointment. “Ashley’s appointment to this position is a testament to her skills and experience. LMAS was extremely fortunate to have Ozzy at the helm and we are thrilled that the position is being handed over to someone of Ashley’s knowledge and deep compassion for animals,” said Gumm. “Ashley will bring a high level of enthusiasm and commitment that will allow LMAS to serve and benefit the community for years to come.”
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About LMAS: Louisville Metro Animal Services operates the city’s only open intake shelter. The Harshaw Family Foundation Animal Shelter opened in 2020, creating one campus for all metro animal-related services. In addition to animal control, licensing and microchipping, LMAS offers free adoptions for certain shelter pets through the Pay It Forward Program, that is supported by the non-profit Friends of Metro Animal Services and public donations.
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