Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The Executive Committee of the Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection (RCACP) has appointed Melinda Rector as executive director, effective March 14, according to a Roanoke County release. Current Interim Executive Director Mike Warner will continue in a reduced capacity as special projects manager and support Rector during the transition.
Rector began working with the RCACP in June 2017 as Director of Operations. Prior to joining the RCACP, she served as Business Coordinator for Roanoke County’s General Services Department. Rector worked for the county for nearly 36 years, taking on increasing levels of responsibility.
“I’m excited to step into this role and continue building on our lifesaving programs while helping more families keep their animals in loving homes,” said Rector. “We’re fortunate to have a dedicated staff and strong rescue partners working together to support animals across our community.”
Current Executive Committee Chair and Botetourt County Administrator Gary Larrowe said, “RCACP plays an important role for our region, and Melinda brings both institutional knowledge and a genuine passion for animal welfare. We’re confident her leadership will continue strengthening RCACP’s impact across our community.
Warner joined the RCACP in July 2017 as interim executive director.
“I’m proud of what our team has accomplished over the past eight years to help our homeless animals,” said Warner. “This has been a rewarding opportunity for me, and I’m confident Melinda will continue moving it forward.”
The RCACP serves the City of Roanoke, the Counties of Botetourt and Roanoke, and the Town of Vinton and is an open-intake facility. The center receives between 4,000 and 6,000 animals annually. The RCACP operates a foster program, dog training initiatives to improve adoptability, a pet food pantry, and partners with adoption centers and rescue organizations. The center also hosts an Adventure Dog program that allows residents to take adoptable dogs on day-long outings.
