Call for the resignation of OMHS board members
The Issue
Our dedication to the Ocooch Mountain Humane Society (OMHS) is driven by our unwavering commitment to its mission and long-term success. We, a passionate group of dedicated volunteers and supporters of OMHS, have become deeply concerned about the current direction in which the organization is heading under the leadership of its problematic board members. Following an incident in which threats of arrest, termination, legal action, or a combination thereof were made after a link to the organization’s public 990 tax form was posted online in an effort to provide transparency for donors and supporters, the coalition made the decision to retain legal counsel to help ensure accountability, fairness, and protection for those advocating in good faith. It is with hope for positive change that we are calling for resignation of the following individual board members to ensure that the values and mission of OMHS are preserved and that transparency is prioritized:
-Diana Marshall, acting president
-Linda Symons, secretary
-Karen Augustyniak, treasurer
-Jane Muller
-Roxanne Klubertanz
We believe the action of threats after making public information easier to locate can:
-Expose the organization to retaliation claims
-Signal intent to suppress legally required transparency
-Create reputational risk
-Discourage compliance‑oriented behavior
-Place the organization at odds with donor, regulator, or public expectations
OMHS has been a beacon of hope for countless animals in our community, providing shelter, care, and a chance for a better life. However, recent actions—or lack thereof—by the board members have raised alarm among those of us who hold OMHS dear. We have witnessed a deviation from the organization's mission and observed a concerning opacity in decision-making processes. These issues threaten the very essence of OMHS and undermine the hard work of staff and volunteers, compromising the welfare of animals that rely on us. We believe this deviation began after the board expressed displeasure with the shelter aiding in a large scale hoarding situation in fall of 2025.
Transparency and accountability are fundamental to any thriving organization. Yet, our attempts to engage with the board about these issues have been met with resistance, leaving us with little choice but to seek a change in leadership. We believe in the potential of OMHS to be a model organization, one that is open about its goals, dedicated to its mission, and transparent with its supporters and the community it serves.
By calling for the resignation of board members, we hope to initiate a shift towards a more inclusive leadership approach, one that aligns with the core mission and values of OMHS. This is not just about correcting the course of the organization, but about honoring the trust that the public and our community place in us to care for vulnerable animals.
We appeal to all who share our vision for a transparent and mission-driven leadership at OMHS to support this call. By signing this petition, you stand with us in advocating for the animals who depend on us and for the future of OMHS as a respected and transparent organization.
Please sign this petition to request resignation who are holding our organization back from positive growth and momentum.
UPDATE, May 14, 2026:
OMHS recently adopted revised bylaws on May 13, 2026 (6 days prior to our annual meeting), that were drafted with the assistance of a third party as part of an effort to formalize the organization’s governance structure. During the drafting process, an initial version included provisions that would have allowed members to remove board members through a formal process. That provision was not included in the final version ultimately approved by the Board of Directors.
Under the adopted bylaws, governance authority and oversight of OMHS operations, services, and shelter management rest solely with the Board of Directors. The revised bylaws also give the board authority to determine and adjust the number of board members serving at any given time. In addition, the adopted bylaws renew the terms of existing board members without a vote of the membership.
In the interest of transparency, it is important for supporters, members, volunteers, and donors to understand how these governance changes affect organizational oversight and decision-making within OMHS.
The shelter manager, who is currently the sole paid employee, has indicated their intention to resign unless the injustice to the members of the organization is rectified. In addition, a large majority of volunteers—estimated at approximately 90–100%—have also expressed plans to step away from their roles.
If these departures proceed as anticipated, the shelter could be left with a critical gap in daily care capacity, potentially affecting the ongoing care and wellbeing of approximately 140 cats currently in residence.
At this time, no clear or publicly communicated plan has been shared by the Board of Directors to address continuity of care or staffing needs in the event of these combined departures.
UPDATE, 6/23/26:
June 15, 2026: The Catalyst
Shelter Manager Terminated: The Board of Directors terminates the shelter manager for an unknown reason, who was the organization's sole employee responsible for animal care, intake, adoptions, and veterinary coordination.
Volunteers and Staff Excluded: Immediately following the termination, the manager and long-term volunteers are required to leave, and the facility's locks are changed.
New Volunteer Admittance: Board members stand at the entrances while new, unfamiliar volunteers are admitted to the shelter. No public plan for animal care is communicated.
Days 1–4: The Communication Blackout & Rescue Refusals
Isolation of Donors and Members: Long-term volunteers, donors, and members are completely shut out of the shelter.
Turned-Away Assistance: Several rescue and shelter partners offer to transfer cats into their programs to ease the transition and reduce the shelter population. Long-term volunteers offer their time and intimate knowledge of the cats' medical and dietary needs.
Board's Initial Response: The Board initially ignores these offers, eventually replying to partners and volunteers with a blanket rejection stating their help is "not needed" and shifts are "covered."
Contradictory Recruiting: Despite turning away experienced volunteers, board members reportedly approach unknown community members to recruit them, stating the shelter is "such a mess" and needs help.
Euthanasia Concerns: Concerns arise that the Board has contacted an outside shelter known for high euthanasia rates to potentially transfer cats from OMHS (which previously maintained an almost 100% save rate).
June 20, 2026: Day 5 (Rising Expenses & Animal Welfare Crisis)
Financial Concerns Mount: The community questions the allocation of OMHS's $1.2 million in assets (per the 2024 IRS Form 990). Reports indicate that donor-supported funds are being diverted, with legal and consulting fees already exceeding $30,000–$40,000.
Reports of Cat Deaths: Information surfaces that three cats have died within a five-day period while in the shelter's care (compared to only seven losses to chronic illness in an entire year under the previous manager).
Carly's Euthanasia Confirmed: It is later confirmed by Board members Diana Marshall (Acting President) and Karen Augustyniak (Treasurer) that two cats were euthanized last week. One is identified as Carly, a beloved 15-year-old sanctuary resident who spent most of her life at OMHS. The circumstances surrounding these deaths remain undisclosed.
June 22, 2026: Day 7 (Call for Board Resignations)
Demands for Accountability: One week after the firing, there is still zero public communication regarding intake, adoptions, or a long-term care plan.
Screening Concerns: Reports emerge that an individual with multiple aggressive criminal charges—who falsely claimed to an adopter to have veterinary experience—is now operating as a core volunteer inside the shelter.
Call for Immediate Resignation: Declaring the situation an "animal welfare emergency" driven by personal conflicts, supporters officially call for the immediate resignation of the entire OMHS Board of Directors:
Diana Marshall (Acting President)
Linda Symons (Secretary)
Karen Augustyniak (Treasurer)
Roxanne Klubertanz
Jane Mueller
Kayla Williams
381
The Issue
Our dedication to the Ocooch Mountain Humane Society (OMHS) is driven by our unwavering commitment to its mission and long-term success. We, a passionate group of dedicated volunteers and supporters of OMHS, have become deeply concerned about the current direction in which the organization is heading under the leadership of its problematic board members. Following an incident in which threats of arrest, termination, legal action, or a combination thereof were made after a link to the organization’s public 990 tax form was posted online in an effort to provide transparency for donors and supporters, the coalition made the decision to retain legal counsel to help ensure accountability, fairness, and protection for those advocating in good faith. It is with hope for positive change that we are calling for resignation of the following individual board members to ensure that the values and mission of OMHS are preserved and that transparency is prioritized:
-Diana Marshall, acting president
-Linda Symons, secretary
-Karen Augustyniak, treasurer
-Jane Muller
-Roxanne Klubertanz
We believe the action of threats after making public information easier to locate can:
-Expose the organization to retaliation claims
-Signal intent to suppress legally required transparency
-Create reputational risk
-Discourage compliance‑oriented behavior
-Place the organization at odds with donor, regulator, or public expectations
OMHS has been a beacon of hope for countless animals in our community, providing shelter, care, and a chance for a better life. However, recent actions—or lack thereof—by the board members have raised alarm among those of us who hold OMHS dear. We have witnessed a deviation from the organization's mission and observed a concerning opacity in decision-making processes. These issues threaten the very essence of OMHS and undermine the hard work of staff and volunteers, compromising the welfare of animals that rely on us. We believe this deviation began after the board expressed displeasure with the shelter aiding in a large scale hoarding situation in fall of 2025.
Transparency and accountability are fundamental to any thriving organization. Yet, our attempts to engage with the board about these issues have been met with resistance, leaving us with little choice but to seek a change in leadership. We believe in the potential of OMHS to be a model organization, one that is open about its goals, dedicated to its mission, and transparent with its supporters and the community it serves.
By calling for the resignation of board members, we hope to initiate a shift towards a more inclusive leadership approach, one that aligns with the core mission and values of OMHS. This is not just about correcting the course of the organization, but about honoring the trust that the public and our community place in us to care for vulnerable animals.
We appeal to all who share our vision for a transparent and mission-driven leadership at OMHS to support this call. By signing this petition, you stand with us in advocating for the animals who depend on us and for the future of OMHS as a respected and transparent organization.
Please sign this petition to request resignation who are holding our organization back from positive growth and momentum.
UPDATE, May 14, 2026:
OMHS recently adopted revised bylaws on May 13, 2026 (6 days prior to our annual meeting), that were drafted with the assistance of a third party as part of an effort to formalize the organization’s governance structure. During the drafting process, an initial version included provisions that would have allowed members to remove board members through a formal process. That provision was not included in the final version ultimately approved by the Board of Directors.
Under the adopted bylaws, governance authority and oversight of OMHS operations, services, and shelter management rest solely with the Board of Directors. The revised bylaws also give the board authority to determine and adjust the number of board members serving at any given time. In addition, the adopted bylaws renew the terms of existing board members without a vote of the membership.
In the interest of transparency, it is important for supporters, members, volunteers, and donors to understand how these governance changes affect organizational oversight and decision-making within OMHS.
The shelter manager, who is currently the sole paid employee, has indicated their intention to resign unless the injustice to the members of the organization is rectified. In addition, a large majority of volunteers—estimated at approximately 90–100%—have also expressed plans to step away from their roles.
If these departures proceed as anticipated, the shelter could be left with a critical gap in daily care capacity, potentially affecting the ongoing care and wellbeing of approximately 140 cats currently in residence.
At this time, no clear or publicly communicated plan has been shared by the Board of Directors to address continuity of care or staffing needs in the event of these combined departures.
UPDATE, 6/23/26:
June 15, 2026: The Catalyst
Shelter Manager Terminated: The Board of Directors terminates the shelter manager for an unknown reason, who was the organization's sole employee responsible for animal care, intake, adoptions, and veterinary coordination.
Volunteers and Staff Excluded: Immediately following the termination, the manager and long-term volunteers are required to leave, and the facility's locks are changed.
New Volunteer Admittance: Board members stand at the entrances while new, unfamiliar volunteers are admitted to the shelter. No public plan for animal care is communicated.
Days 1–4: The Communication Blackout & Rescue Refusals
Isolation of Donors and Members: Long-term volunteers, donors, and members are completely shut out of the shelter.
Turned-Away Assistance: Several rescue and shelter partners offer to transfer cats into their programs to ease the transition and reduce the shelter population. Long-term volunteers offer their time and intimate knowledge of the cats' medical and dietary needs.
Board's Initial Response: The Board initially ignores these offers, eventually replying to partners and volunteers with a blanket rejection stating their help is "not needed" and shifts are "covered."
Contradictory Recruiting: Despite turning away experienced volunteers, board members reportedly approach unknown community members to recruit them, stating the shelter is "such a mess" and needs help.
Euthanasia Concerns: Concerns arise that the Board has contacted an outside shelter known for high euthanasia rates to potentially transfer cats from OMHS (which previously maintained an almost 100% save rate).
June 20, 2026: Day 5 (Rising Expenses & Animal Welfare Crisis)
Financial Concerns Mount: The community questions the allocation of OMHS's $1.2 million in assets (per the 2024 IRS Form 990). Reports indicate that donor-supported funds are being diverted, with legal and consulting fees already exceeding $30,000–$40,000.
Reports of Cat Deaths: Information surfaces that three cats have died within a five-day period while in the shelter's care (compared to only seven losses to chronic illness in an entire year under the previous manager).
Carly's Euthanasia Confirmed: It is later confirmed by Board members Diana Marshall (Acting President) and Karen Augustyniak (Treasurer) that two cats were euthanized last week. One is identified as Carly, a beloved 15-year-old sanctuary resident who spent most of her life at OMHS. The circumstances surrounding these deaths remain undisclosed.
June 22, 2026: Day 7 (Call for Board Resignations)
Demands for Accountability: One week after the firing, there is still zero public communication regarding intake, adoptions, or a long-term care plan.
Screening Concerns: Reports emerge that an individual with multiple aggressive criminal charges—who falsely claimed to an adopter to have veterinary experience—is now operating as a core volunteer inside the shelter.
Call for Immediate Resignation: Declaring the situation an "animal welfare emergency" driven by personal conflicts, supporters officially call for the immediate resignation of the entire OMHS Board of Directors:
Diana Marshall (Acting President)
Linda Symons (Secretary)
Karen Augustyniak (Treasurer)
Roxanne Klubertanz
Jane Mueller
Kayla Williams
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Petition created on May 7, 2026