The Auburn Valley Humane Society has dismissed its president and CEO and brought in an experienced nonprofit leader to guide the organization through a transition period, the group announced Friday.

The AVHS Board of Directors said it terminated Phil Morgan after an investigation and review of concerns raised by employees and the public (read our most recent coverage here). Morgan is no longer affiliated with the organization.

To oversee restructuring, AVHS retained Jeff Boyd, executive director of the Yakima Humane Society, as executive consultant. He will work with Katrina Megrath, the organization’s CEO of Operations and Animal Care, who was hired in spring 2025.

“I have stepped in to support AVHS because their mission resonates deeply with me, and they are located right in my backyard,” Boyd said in a statement. “I have seen firsthand how vital their work is to the community, and I am honored to lend my experience to help them navigate this transition.”

Boyd is expected to serve in the role through the end of the year. He said his goal is to leave AVHS with “a clear and actionable plan that supports long-term sustainability, boosts team morale, and builds trust across the organization and within the community we serve.”

Board Chairperson Alexis Singletary said the organization is “tremendously grateful to Jeff and the Yakima Humane Society for their overwhelming support and commitment to helping animals and families in Auburn.”

She said the board is enthusiastic about the future of the organization under Megrath and Boyd’s leadership.