The Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is in the process of replacing board president April Lownes-Hostler, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported today.

Lownes-Hostler, 57, resigned in November after 20 years on the shelter’s supervisory committee. The SPCA confirmed the resignation on Wednesday in a statement, The Inquirer said.

“Montgomery County SPCA is reconstituting its Board of Directors as part of a comprehensive and ongoing effort to advance our mission,” the statement said.

Lownes-Hostler, who served as the shelter’s spokesperson during a tumultuous fall, did not respond to The Inquirer’s request for comment and her replacement was not immediately named. The shelter is expected to provide updates in the coming weeks, the article said.

“We know this has been a difficult time for MCSPCA employees and other critical stakeholders, but we’re confident we’re going to emerge stronger and more committed to our mission than ever before,” she said in a statement on behalf of the board.

Carmen Ronio, the Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) executive director since 2000, stepped down from his role in October.

Lownes-Hostler announced the appointment of interim executive director Tracie Graham following Ronio’s resignation. A national search for a permanent director is underway and the shelter remains open for adoptions, the article said.

“MCSPCA leadership is working collaboratively with regulators through this transition,” the SPCA said in its statement Wednesday. “We invite any interested families to visit during regular hours to meet with loving animals in need of homes.”

For updates, you can visit Demand Change at Montgomery County SPCA‘s Facebook page.

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