Jennifer Gfeller will be the new director of the Junction City – Geary County Animal Shelter.

Her hiring was announced on Monday by members of the Geary County Commission.

Commissioner and Animal Shelter Board Chair Florence Whitebread said Gfeller will begin work on October 15.  “I think she will have a true interest in it because she is from here and has family here. I think when you get local people that are working with local facilities you have more of a buy-in with what goes on.”

Gfeller fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Lisa Junghans in July.

Forsha Poole will serve as the assistant director for the shelter.