National Director of Learning Advancement

• Sep 2018 - Present

As the Director of Learning Advancement with Best Friends Animal Society I lead a team of high performing educational and instructional design professionals in the creation and implementation of the first national Executive Leadership Certification program for animal services leadership around the nation as well as the development and implementation of certificate programs at all levels. The focus is on leading change to implement and promote proven lifesaving and public safety policies and programs for the purpose of eliminating the killing of pets in animal shelters. There’s also a focus on strengthening existing leader’s skill sets and developing programs to assist talented leadership from other fields and disciplines interested in making the transition into animal welfare and services leadership. Show less

Midwest Region Director

• May 2017 - Sep 2018

Led the No Kill efforts in the Midwest Region working strategically with communities and organizations to end the killing of pets in animal shelters throughout the Midwest by facilitating lifesaving programming, policies, procedures and partnerships. Killing homeless pets is socially unacceptable and morally reprehensible for most people as a solution. I worked with communities throughout Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia on ending the killing of homeless pets as a form of population control. My role was facilitative and consultative in working with animal services professionals, volunteers, non-profit organizations and communities at large on implementing best practices designed to increase the live outcomes of pets in their communities. We worked closely with leadership and community advocates to foster relationships, problem solve, build and create alliances and collaborative relationships that result in maximized live outcomes for each community. Show less

Adjunct Professor

• Jul 2020 - Present

Director of Animal Services

• Jun 2015 - Jun 2017

I served as the Chief Animal Services Officer for the City of Austin. Austin is committed to creating a sustainable model for communities dedicated to best practices and innovative animal welfare policies and programs. How we treat animals in our society is indicative of the overall health of a community and Austin is one of the best places to live in the nation. We worked closely with animal welfare stakeholders, volunteers, full and part time professionals on board at the Animal Center, national organizations and city leadership to address the opportunities and challenges of creating a safe and humane community. Show less

Animal Shelter Director

• Oct 2012 - Jun 2015

Directed the operations and personnel management of a municipal animal shelter serving a population of 1.2 million residents in a 400 square mile jurisdiction with an annual intake between 4,000 and 5,000 pets. • Led Fairfax County to becoming the largest jurisdiction in the United States with live release rate above 90% (96% in 2014) • Implemented new programs including shelter dog play groups, humane education, low income spay and neuter services and expanded the trap-neuter-return program • Serves as the chair of the National Capital Region Animal Shelter Collaborative • Graduate of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Center for Police Leadership and Training - Leadership in Police Organizations • Launched nationally recognized social media program reaching a quarter million people weekly • Spearheaded the elimination of breed-restrictive adoption policies, resulting in an increase in adoptions of pit bull type dogs from 20 in 2012 to 180 in 2014 • Directs the largest community-based spay and neuter program in Virginia • Responsible for fiscal oversight, compliance with state and county regulations and implementation of strategic initiatives • Manages county fiscal allocations, donation funds, and grants • Supervises 30 professional staff members, including shelter and county wildlife staff • Facilitates collaborative relationship with an appointed animal services advisory commission • Work closely with the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, helping double revenue in just one year • Oversaw a $16 million renovation and reconstruction of the animal shelter. • Directs strategic planning process for Animal Services Division • Work routinely with Animal Control Commander and 30 animal control officers • Oversee the county Wildlife Management Program to include county wildlife plan • Presents at national conferences on best practices in animal welfare Show less

Park Director

• Oct 1989 - Oct 2012

For nearly 25 years I lead a variety of parks and recreation facilities and programs for a CAPRA accredited and Gold Medal organization. I lead strategic planning and leadership programs and was on the CAPRA accreditation team. I improved programs, cost recovery and community involvement in every position that I held. I was adept at team building, mentoring and garnering the support of elected officials, the business and civic communities. I was known for innovation and visionary changes that resulted in increased and diversified revenue streams as well as public-private partnerships. Show less

County Executive Intern

• Oct 2002 - Apr 2003

Responsible for initiating and developing specific programs during six-month assignment working with county agency staff. Conducted research, prepared issue papers, developed and presented recommendations to county leadership. • Member of cross-functional project team recommending development options for a 2,400-acre parcel of land formerly used for Lorton Correctional Facilities • Facilitated and participated in the Fairfax County strategic planning process • Member of "Strengthening Neighborhoods and Building Community" charter team working to improve communities by building cross-county partnerships Show less

Progam Manager

• Aug 1989 - Oct 1989

Developed a comprehensive recreation and education program for school-aged children in three local communities in suburban Chicago. Coordinated logistics with schools, transportation companies and parents. Developed the curriculums and activities. Developed a comprehensive recreation and education program for school-aged children in three local communities in suburban Chicago. Coordinated logistics with schools, transportation companies and parents. Developed the curriculums and activities.

Manager of Revenue Facilities

• May 1987 - May 1989

Managed operations and promotions of recreation facilities in suburban Chicago including two outdoor swimming pools, ball fields, indoor ice rink and soccer arena. Generated a 32% net increase in revenues. Oversaw the first significant renovations to the facilities. Managed operations and promotions of recreation facilities in suburban Chicago including two outdoor swimming pools, ball fields, indoor ice rink and soccer arena. Generated a 32% net increase in revenues. Oversaw the first significant renovations to the facilities.

Owner

• Oct 1984 - May 1987

Established and operated a commercial property management company. Managed rent collections, leasing, maintenance, and renovations. Established and operated a commercial property management company. Managed rent collections, leasing, maintenance, and renovations.