Best Friends Animal Society today announced that

Gregory Castle, one of the original founders of the southern Utah-based animal welfare

organization, has been named interim chief executive officer by the Best Friends Board of

Directors. Castle will hold the position until the completion of a national search for a

permanent CEO, which is now underway.

“Because we recently extended the search for a permanent CEO, we felt that this

appointment would be in the best interests of the organization, and therefore, also, of the

animals in our care,” said John Fripp, board president. “Gregory has graciously accepted

the position and will serve until a permanent CEO is hired and in place.”

One of the founders of Best Friends Animal Society, Mr. Castle works mostly with the

Community Programs and Services Division of Best Friends. He also travels throughout the

country and occasionally abroad consulting with organizations and individuals on animal

welfare issues such as reducing euthanasia rates, resolving feral cat issues, developing

coalitions and working with governments to help the animals.

In 2000, Castle created “No More Homeless Pets in Utah,” an organization that led a

statewide coalition of animal welfare and rescue organizations, animal control officers,

veterinarians, and animal lovers. Through aggressive spay/neuter, adoption, and public

awareness programs, the coalition contributed to a large decrease in the number of animals

euthanized in Utah each year.

He also initiated Utah’s Week for the Animals, now in its 15th year. The week includes

educational and public awareness programs, special discount spay/neuter services, pet

adoption fairs, and public service awards. Supported by the Utah governor’s office, Utah’s

Week for the Animals has become a model for cooperative efforts in the humane

community throughout the country.

Gregory grew up in England and is a graduate of Cambridge University with a master’s

degree in philosophy and psychology. His background includes extensive administrative

and accounting work for nonprofit human services and church organizations.