The Humane Society of the Black Hills has hired a new executive director whose strengths include business skills and experience caring for animals with health emergencies.

Steve Hawley, 45, starts work Wednesday. He leaves a position as business manager for the South Dakota Department of Transportation's Rapid City region. Hawley also has worked as an assistant on weekends in the emergency room of the Animal Clinic of Rapid City.

"Steve was judged to be the most qualified candidate for this job, and we were very pleased with his experience with animals," said Gary Johnson, president of the Humane Society's board of directors.

Hawley replaces Phil Olson, who resigned from the position in April. He will oversee a staff of 23 full-time and part-time employees and numerous volunteers, and run a nonprofit organization with an annual budget of about $750,000.

The Humane Society shelters lost and stray animals, helps to find them adoptive homes, responds to calls about stray animals and educates the public about the need to spay and neuter animals, among other responsibilities.

Its work is supported by contracts with local government, gifts from donors, government grants and other sources.

Hawley was born in Sturgis, and his family had a ranch at Union Center, where he grew up working with animals. He served 20 years in the Army, including work in supply, which helped him gain budgeting experience, he said. He has been stationed in Oklahoma, Korea, Albania, Kosovo and Germany.

He lives in Owanka, where he has horses, dogs, cats, ferrets, roosters and more.

Hawley went to school at National American University, originally studying to become a veterinary technician but changing to a degree in applied management.

He applied for the Humane Society position eagerly.

"This job gives me an opportunity to do two things I love," he said.

On the Net:

www.blackhillshumane.org