Dubuque Regional Humane Society names new director

A Dubuque nonprofit is welcoming a new leader.

Dubuque Regional Human Society announced Monday its current executive director, Noelle Chesney, is leaving her position and is being replaced by Bob Citrullo.

“Bob brings a comprehensive and accomplished background in animal welfare, with noteworthy successes in both operational management as well as fundraising. His strengths and leadership align well with our next strategic focuses and priorities, and we are excited for him to build upon and further the impactful work that Noelle has begun,” said humane society Board Chair Amy Wagner in an email to the Telegraph Herald.

Citrullo has 17 years of experience in the animal welfare industry and moved to Dubuque from the East Coast, he said in an email to the TH. Having previously lived and worked in Iowa, he said he is excited to be back working in the state’s animal welfare industry.

“In my past experience here in Iowa, I had met many wonderful people and witnessed how supportive they are of animals. I wanted to be part of this type of community again and to help make a difference in the lives of animals and people,” he said.

Citrullo started Monday and Chesney is set to depart Nov. 29. She has served as executive director since 2021 and is relocating to Santa Fe, N.M., with her family, according to a press release.

Chesney said that throughout her few years in the position, she is most proud of executing a strategic plan that included development and support programs for staff and volunteers as well as low-cost spay and neuter clinics.

She said she hopes the community sustains support for the organization, and added that Citrullo is a great fit for the executive director position.

“Bob has prior experience I expect will feed well into the organization he inherits and to which he will bring his unique and new talents and perspectives for DRHS’ next chapter,” Chesney said in an email to the TH.

Wagner praised Chesney’s leadership and said her implementation of the strategic plan during her tenure laid a strong foundation for future priorities to be executed.

“We look forward to continuing to serve our wonderful community by continuing to connect homeless animals with caring families, implementing positive solutions to manage and reduce the stray population and ultimately supporting animals in need,” Wagner said.

Citrullo said he will evaluate the organization’s processes and plans to make recommendations if needed to improve and expand operations.

“I believe strongly in saving animals’ lives and supporting the people behind the animals. I would like to position this organization to be even more of a resource for the Dubuque community,” he said.