The Dawson County Humane Society announced the appointment of a new shelter director on Monday.

Jason Hutcherson is the former general manager and vice president of Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain.

"My goals for the shelter are to increase awareness, promote education on humane treatment of animals, and to find as many forever homes for our shelter animals as we can," he said.

Carolyn Bowen, society president, said Hutcherson brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new position.

"We were impressed with Jason's background and felt that he would be an ideal fit for our shelter needs," she said.

Hutcherson holds a bachelor's of science degree in zoology from Auburn University.

He also has extensive expertise in animal care and business management, making "him uniquely qualified to assume the new post," according to Bowen.

Bowen also announced that longtime employee Dezeree Habgood has been named the shelter's new manager of animal care and welfare.

"After six years of hard work for the shelter, Dez continues to provide a multifaceted and significant role in animal care," Bowen said. "Her personalized TLC for the dogs and cats has been the guiding light in many of our success stories of sick and injured animals."