Tammy Ven Dange had her first day at work on Monday, and has promised to use the next 90 days to listen to the board, meet with staff and connect with the ACT government and unions.

After two years working in an IT-finance role at NASA headquarters and four years active service in the military, Ms Ven Dange arrived in Canberra in 2006.

She said she had three main goals to achieve in the position, which she described as a dream job.

"To help with some of the staff morale things, to help with the financial sustainability of the organisation - because we are a charity and we are very dependent on the community - … and finally for us to build and eventually occupy our new home [in Symonston].''

Ms Ven Dange brings business experience to the role, running an ACT consultancy company, and said she would rely on others for their animal-welfare expertise.

"I'm a pretty bad biology student," she said. "I'm much better in business - that's why they've chosen me for this job, my proven leadership and management background."

The RSPCA ACT launched investigations last year after nine staff made written complaints to the governing council in September about issues including underpayment, staff welfare and management style.

Jane Gregor, who has served as interim chief executive since Michael Linke's departure in November, said staff morale had improved.

"I think we're all starting to work together as a team," Ms Gregor said.

An unfair-dismissal claim lodged by former animal-welfare executive Glenn Howie - sacked in relation to the release of confidential information and criticism of Mr Linke - is due to be heard by the Fair Work Commission next month.

ACT president Louise Douglas said there had been no directions for the new chief executive on how to improve the work environment.

''We have confidence in her people skills and positive commitment to help the staff to do the best job they can and shine,'' she said.

Ms Ven Dange - an Australian-representative dragon boat racer in her spare time - has been appointed for three years.