PUHI — A year after taking the helm as head of Kauai Humane Society, Executive Director Scott Pisani has handed in his resignation, and he’s keeping the reason under wraps.
“There were a lot of factors in my decision, but it was 100 percent my decision,” Pisani said. “I’m really proud of the work that we’ve done in the past year, and this is the best decision for me and my family.”
KHS’s board of directors is proud of Pisani’s progress, as well, according to board president Diann Hartman.
“We look forward to continuing to serve the community,” Hartman said.
Pisani came on board in early November 2016 following the retirement of former director Penny Cistaro. He joined KHS from a post as vice president of field operations and animal experience at the Arizona Humane Society and has a background in animal welfare.
When he joined the organization, his goal was to find ways to reconnect KHS with the community and forge partnerships between the animal welfare-centered groups on the island.
Making strides in that community connection is one of his biggest successes, Pisani said.
“The community has responded to our Home for the Holidays program, supported our transfer program, increased foster capacity and came out for our recent MASH sterilization clinic,” he said.
Reducing euthanasia rate for dogs and tamed cats by 482 animals, or 33 percent, is another win in Pisani’s book, he said, despite the challenge of an 18 percent increase in the intake of animals — from 3,099 to 3,648.
Pisani will be at KHS through Nov. 23, when board treasurer Orrie Skomoroch will take over as interim executive director while a search begins for a new director.
Skomoroch was interim chief operating officer for the Kikiaola Land Company before her retirement and has experience in the role of KHS interim executive director from a stint about seven years ago.
“I look forward to offering leadership for the team at KHS and ensuring KHS’s mission is carried out by providing valuable animal welfare services for our community,” Skomoroch said.
As for Pisani, he’s not leaving the island and is working on developing the next steps of his life.
“My wife, Christina and I love it here,” Pisani said.
Pisani said he understands that the community is curious about the factors surrounding his resignation, but doesn’t want to go into details.
“I have enjoyed the last year,” Pisani said. “I didn’t expect to come here and only do this job for a year. It was a difficult decision to make and there were a lot of factors I had to take into consideration.”
