After a year marked by tragedy and controversy, District Dogs, a doggy day care and grooming facility, has announced a shift in leadership with the appointment of Tina Leone as its new CEO. This change comes in the wake of a catastrophic flood at the company's Northeast location on Rhode Island Avenue, which resulted in the death of ten dogs, and has subsequently led to litigation with eight dog owners filing a lawsuit. The incident, which occurred last year on August 14, continues to haunt the company as the new leadership takes the helm.
Tina Leone, who brings over two decades of economic development and management expertise, was the former CEO of the Ballston BID in Arlington, a role that involved fostering growth in a 25-block area comprising commercial and residential entities, District Dogs expressed strong confidence in Leone's capabilities to revitalize the company's reputation and steer them towards a brighter future despite the challenges of the past, Leone’s introduction to the role was covered by DC News Now on Wednesday.
Jacob Hensley, the founder of District Dogs, will transition to Executive Chairman of the Board, focusing predominantly on business development and the expansion of the franchise as stated in a report by WUSA9. The gravity of the calamity that occurred nearly a year ago was compounded by surveillance footage which showed water rising to the halfway mark of the two-tiered kennels, where dogs were trapped during the flash flood – the ensuing legal battle and scrutiny continue to cast a shadow over District Dogs’ operational practices.
In her new capacity, Leone expressed enthusiasm about her role and the path ahead for District Dogs. "What truly excites me about joining District Dogs is the opportunity to work every day alongside dedicated people who share my deep love for dogs," said Leone, according to her enthusiasm matched with her professional background, appears to be in tune with the direction that District Dogs is aiming to take in the aftermath of a period that saw not only the tragic flood but also another incident where a dog under the company's care at the Navy Yard location passed away after being hit by an employee on February 16, as detailed by WJLA.
Leone has set her sights on reconstructing District Dogs' community programs, events, and day-to-day operations which may help to navigate the company through the turbulence of its recent history and forward into a chapter marked by recovery and renewal.
