Jessica Terry was named the new director for the Chilton County Humane Society after Scott Missildine resigned on June 4.

Terry said on Friday her first week on the job has gone smoothly and she is fortunate to have an encouraging staff and supportive board behind her.

“Everything is getting done and so far things have gone really well,” Terry said. “We adopted three cats out yesterday so our adoptions are going well and I think I am adjusting quickly.”

Terry previously worked for three years at the humane society under former director, Joe Murphy from 2008-2011.

A Maplesville native, Terry, 23, went to work as a veterinary technician at the Calera Animal Hospital in 2011 and was given the opportunity to return to Chilton County.

“I am really fortunate and thankful to be able to come back and work in the area that is my home,” Terry said. “I think that made the transition a lot easier for me.”

Humane society board president Jenny Millwee said the board found out Missildine was planning to serve in active duty in Afghanistan in August several weeks ago and started searching for someone to fill Missildine’s position while he was away.

Originally, Millwee said the plan was to have Terry serve as an interim director while Missildine was away in Afghanistan and upon his return he would have a job at the humane society.

Millwee said Missildine disagreed with hiring Terry and decided to resign during the June 4 board meeting.

“He turned in his keys and walked out of the meeting,” Millwee said. “We were all very surprised.”

Since Missildine resigned by his own will, Millwee said Terry was named the director and

Missildine will not have a job at the humane society when he returns.

“I think Terry will do a good job,” Millwee said. “The folks seem to like her and from what I have seen the employees at the shelter really respect her. She seems to be very mature and has a good idea for how everything operates and most of all she is dedicated to helping these animals.”

Missildine started working at the humane society in December 2012 after working at the Prattville/Autauga Humane Society as co-director and with the Montgomery Humane Society as a volunteer coordinator, administrative assistant and humane deputy.

In a letter dated June 6, Missildine addressed the Chilton County Commission to inform them of his decision to resign.

“I am departing by my own choice and wish nothing but the best for the animals in the care of the Humane Society,” Missildine wrote said in the letter. “It has been a pleasure working with the Chilton County Commission and I don’t feel I can say ‘thank you’ enough for the financial support you have promised in regards of animal services.”

Missildine went on to write that Chilton County is moving in a better direction due to the actions made by the commission and the commission “has shown they can make a positive, effective difference when given the appropriate opportunity.”

Missildine could not be reached for comment on Friday.