LOUISVILLE, Ky. — UPDATE: Ozzy Gibson was named LMAS' executive director in January 2024, but in June, he was appointed to serve as TARC's executive director.
After the director of Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) resigned after less than a year, a new permanent and interim director was chosen in January. In the months since, Metro Government has had a change of course.
Kevin Trager, press secretary for the Mayor’s Office, said Adam Hamilton will serve as interim director of LMAS starting Jan. 19.
Trager said Hamilton is a "longtime" LMAS employee, joining the department in 2005 as an animal control officer. He has served as the animal control supervisor since 2007. He also participates in animal welfare checks and does public outreach and education about local ordinances related to animal services.
Hamilton was planning to serve as the interim director until Ozzy Gibson, the current interim executive director of the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), transitions out of his role later this year. Trager said once that transition was complete, Gibson was going to serve as the permanent LMAS director.
According to officials, Gibson has more than three decades of experience working in local government, first as a police officer and then in leadership roles with LMAS, Public Health, Public Works, Fleet & Facilities, and Louisville Parks and Recreation.
He previously served as LMAS director from 2016 to 2019 before becoming the interim chief of public safety for Metro Government.
The current director, Ashley Book, is stepping down to pursue other opportunities outside of Metro Government, but officials said she plans on remaining engaged with LMAS as a volunteer.
Now that Gibson is moving to TARC, city officials said it will continue to search for a permanent director.
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