Gary Skiba, a six-month employee in the animal protection division of the La Plata County Humane Society, has been appointed to head the division.

Skiba replaces Jon Plata, who retired after 12 years in the position.

Skiba, a wildlife biologist, worked for the state Division of Wildlife, now Colorado Parks and Wildlife, for 24 years. He also is a member of the La Plata County Wildlife Advisory Board.

“I want to continue to improve our group’s professionalism and increase our use of technology to make our jobs more efficient,” Skiba said in a statement.

daler@durangoherald.com