CEO Nelson Made $189,000. A Year At PSPCA, Reported To Have Volatile Temper

Pennsylvania SPCA chief steps down

By Gail Shister

Inquirer Staff Writer

The short and controversial reign of Howard Nelson, chief executive of the Pennsylvania SPCA, officially came to an end yesterday.

In a unanimous vote, the 14-person PSPCA board accepted Nelson's resignation, effective immediately. Nelson, 45, formerly head of the Washington Humane Society, joined PSPCA in March 2007.

His departure came exactly one week after he shocked the board with his sudden decision to resign, citing health reasons and "an environment no longer conducive to my success or the success of the organization."

Nelson had no formal contract. As a compromise with the board, he agreed to take an unspecified leave of absence. One-year board member Beth Ann White, 43, a former banker, was named interim chief executive.

She will continue in that role until a permanent replacement is named, said Kevin Feeley, a spokesman for the board. Nelson, who was paid $189,000 a year, will receive a severance package. The terms were not disclosed. More...