WENATCHEE — Interviews begin this week for a handful of candidates vying to be the next Wenatchee Valley Humane Society director.

A three-person selection committee plans to interview four or five candidates, said committee member Brian Walker. He refused to release their names, but said all but one are local.

The selection committee will forward its recommendations to the agency’s 12-member board of directors, who will conduct second interviews, Walker said.

“Right now we’re looking for the temperament of the individual,” Walker said. “Somebody who loves and cares for animals with a passion and appears to have the skills necessary to manage an organization.”

He said he expects a director will be hired by the end of the year.

Interim director Stephanie Manriquez said she will be one of the interviewees.

In late August, the 12-member board appointed Manriquez, then board president, to lead the agency part time until a permanent replacement is found.

“I enjoy it so much,” Manriquez said last week at a kitten adoption table at Petco. “The people are great to work with. ... I’m excited at the possibility.”

Former director Brian Metcalf resigned for personal reasons in May after 18 months on the job. Manriquez has declined to elaborate on his reasons for leaving.

Rachel Schleif: 664-7139

schleif@wenatcheeworld.com