The Haines Animal Rescue Kennel has a new executive director and a new animal control officer working out of its Small Tracts Road shelter.

Executive director Nicole Swensgard moved to Haines in May, when she learned of the opening.

She moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to Alaska in 2000. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in natural resources management at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. While in the Interior, Swensgard, 34, made trips to Haines.

She said she applied for the job because of her “obvious love of animals,” and because Haines is “exactly” where she wants to be, she said. “I also hope to become more integrated into the local community.” In addition, she likes the idea of working for a nonprofit organization.

“HARK is dedicated to finding appropriate homes for unwanted and homeless animals, continuing to provide low-cost spay and neuter services, and providing outreach education to the public regarding responsible pet care and training,” she said. “I wanted to be a part of that.”

Her experience with animals includes handling sled dogs and volunteering with the Yukon Quest in Fairbanks. In her youth, she volunteered on farms, caring for a variety of animals. She also worked at a pet day care in Cincinnati.

In Fairbanks, she also worked in air quality, and most recently, for Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District, providing outreach to landowners and farmers in Fairbanks’ North Star Borough.

Animal control officer Madeline Nicholl hails from Victoria, Australia. Most recently, she lived in Gainesville, Fla. with her husband, who plans to visit at the end of the summer.

She spent the past two winters in Haines, as part of the Help Exchange program for travelers interested in farming. She also worked as a sled dog handler with Jim Stanford and volunteered with the Yukon Quest her first winter in town.

Nicholl graduated as a veterinary nurse in 2012 from Victoria University in Australia, and worked in veterinary clinics there.

She grew up caring for donkeys, alpacas and sheep on a farm.

She was browsing the Haines Community Website in Florida when she saw the position opening. “Ever since I first visited, (Haines) has always been in the back of my mind.”

Nicholl, 23, said that she hopes to find good homes for pets in need. She said that she hopes to keep HARK a reliable source for people who need help seeking veterinary care for their animals.

Nicholl started work July 7.