The Dawson County Humane Society installed a new executive board of directors during its June 3 meeting.

Carolyn Bowen will serve as president for the next two years. Virginia Matteson was selected as vice president and Andrea McKenzie as treasurer.

Bowen, a technical project manager and engineer, said she is excited to take on the role and looks forward to being a part of the organization as it moves forward.

"Plans are in place to build a strong education program, refine some business processes, re-vamp the Web site," she said.

The new board also hopes to increase the shelter's number of volunteers and supporters.

"Our volunteers are so very important to us and there are many ways that people can volunteer their time," Bowen said.

Volunteers are continuously needed to walk dogs, pet the cats, do laundry and administrative duties, among others.

Matteson would also like to see the shelter's volunteer base, including the foster pet program, expand.

Matteson began volunteering at the shelter about five years ago and has fostered dozens of kittens to prepare them for adoption.

"I am proud to be involved with this beautiful shelter," she said. "We will continue to actively recruit more board members to bring new energies, business experience  and creative problem solving to our organization."

Bowen said the board's newly-elected treasurer fits that picture.

McKenzie is a certified public accountant with 10 years experience in public accounting, specializing in audit and tax of nonprofit groups.

"We are so lucky to have her on this board," Bowen said.

McKenzie and her husband have lived in Dawsonville for about five years. She is a graduate of Auburn University.