NACA Board of Director Elections

Meet Your 2024 NACA Board Candidates:

Anna Payton – Administrator, Will County Animal Protection Services, Ill
Angela Miedema – Director of Animal Services, County of Volusia, FL
Sarah Hock – Executive Director, Joint Animal Services, WA
Chris Lutgen – Senior Animal Control Officer, Lake Havasu City Police Department, AZ

Dr. Christina Avila – Animal Control Supervisor, City of Perris, CA
Alexis Pugh – Director of Lifesaving Programs, Best Friends Animal Society, USA
Kathy Duncan – Director, National Programs, Humane Canada

Chris Lutgen

Senior Animal Control Officer, Lake Havasu City Police Dept.

Arizona

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Hello! My name is Chris Lutgen and I am the Senior Animal Control Officer for the Lake Havasu City Police Department in Arizona. I have been in animal control for 14 years, and with my current agency for 10 1/2 years. When I joined my current agency we had 2 full time officers and reported to a Police Sergeant. Over the years, I have been able to show the value that animal control has brought to the department and the community. In 2023, I was promoted to Senior Animal Control Officer to supervise 3 full time officers. It has been an honor to grow this unit to where it is today. I am grateful that our Chief of Police sees the value of having a well trained and dedicated animal control staff. In March 2024, I was elected Vice President of the Arizona Animal Control Association. I am humbled to be elected by my peers here in AZ for that responsibility. I am now asking for your vote for a seat on the board of directors for NACA. I am looking forward to helping those agencies across the country in getting the support that they need. I know from experience that getting guidance and support from the outside is often the key to success. NACA has done a great job supporting all of us in the Animal Welfare field and I would like to help further expand the work that is done. I thank you for your time and consideration. Stay safe

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Kathy Duncan

Director, National Progams, Humane Canada

Canada

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Kathy Duncan has worked in the Animal Care, Control and Welfare field for over 30 years in Ontario, Canada. She started as an Animal Control Officer and has held various roles in both non-profit Humane Societies/SPCAs as well as open admission municipal animal shelters. Kathy is currently the Director, National Programs with Humane Canada, Canada’s national voice for animal welfare.

She was a member of the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer’s Association of Ontario for almost 20 years and a member of the Association of Shelter Professionals of Ontario (ASPO; formerly the Association of Animal Shelter Administrators of Ontario (AASAO)) for almost 30 years. She served as a member of the board of directors with the AASAO for over 17 years, 12 of those she served as President/Chair of the Board.

Kathy has been actively involved in various provincial working groups including the Animal Welfare Task Force over the course of her career. She has been a member of the Province of Ontario’s Rabies Advisory Committee since 2019, and is passionate about bringing improvements to animal sheltering and animal welfare. She is excited about the chance to bring that passion to the National Animal Care and Control Association, particularly it’s Canadian members.

Kathy, along with her husband Paul, is the proud parent to two young adult children, and three Bouvier des Flandres dogs.

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Anna Payton

Administrator, Will County Animal Protection Services

Illinois

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Anna Payton is the Administrator of Will County Animal Protection Services and an adjunct professor at Aurora University in the Human Animal Studies department. Anna Payton was most recently the Director of Aurora Animal Care & Control. Prior to that she was the Executive Director for Naperville Area Humane Society and the Director of Kendall County Animal Control.

Anna earned her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her master’s degree in teaching with emphasis in Humane Education from Webster University. She has been in the animal welfare field for over 20 years.

Anna has served on multiple animal welfare committees, coalitions, and boards including the Board of Directors for the Association of Professional Humane Educators (APHE), the former president of the Illinois Animal Welfare Federation (IAWF) and is currently on the Board of Directors for the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.

Anna shares her home with her son, daughter, a Great Pyrenees mix, an Am Staff/Bulldog mix, an English Mastiff, and two Munchkin cats.

My vision for serving on the NACA board is to help continue to advance animal care & control to be proactive in working with their communities to collectively find solutions to the challenges the people and animals are facing in that area, ensure voices of all organizations are heard and valued from small to large, urban to rural, and that NACA is looked to as a leader in animal welfare. I would like the opportunity to continue the movement of the evolution of animal control being viewed as the “bad guy” to a valued resource who respected and appreciated at a national level.

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Angela Miedema

Director of Animal Services, County of Volusia

Florida

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Angela Miedema brings over 15 years of expertise in animal welfare, enforcement, and leadership, with a diverse background that spans roles such as an animal behaviorist and mounted police deputy. As the Director of Volusia County Animal Services, Angela has been instrumental in improving animal control operations, reducing pet overpopulation, and fostering community engagement. Her leadership has driven the expansion of services to include mobile clinic operations for underserved areas, advanced animal behavior training for officers, and strategic guidance for both rural and urban communities.

Angela’s academic achievements, including a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and a Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis on digital marketing strategies, uniquely position her to amplify the field of animal welfare. She has applied her digital marketing expertise to increase animal adoptions, enhance public communication efforts, and optimize community outreach programs. By conducting social media audits and improving messaging, she has successfully bolstered community engagement and fostered responsible pet ownership.

Angela’s combination of law enforcement experience, animal welfare expertise, and marketing acumen strengthens her ability to collaborate across agencies and elevate the professionalism of the animal control field. She advocates for higher training standards, focusing on closing the gap between law enforcement and animal control officer training to enhance officer safety and investigative capabilities. Her expertise includes citizen de-escalation and defensive tactics in animal handling, as well as educating law enforcement personnel on recognizing bloodsports and understanding their connection to potential future crimes.

With a broad background in enforcement, sheltering operations, veterinary services, and behavioral analysis, Angela takes a holistic approach to public safety and animal care. Her vision for serving on the National Animal Control Association Board includes leveraging her digital marketing strategies to improve communication and resources, ensuring that officers nationwide have access to the training and support they need. Angela’s comprehensive experience makes her well-prepared to help shape the future of animal control and support NACA’s mission.

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Alexis Pugh

Director, Lifesaving Center, Best Friends Animal Society USA

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Alexis Pugh is the Director, Lifesaving Center, Best Friends Animal Society

She was previously the director of Memphis Animal Services (MAS), the city of Memphis’ municipal animal shelter and animal control agency. Prior to her appointment to MAS by Mayor Jim Strickland, Alexis served as executive director for first the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County and then Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services (now Spay Memphis), leading both organizations to record-setting service levels. She has continued that record-setting in her role at MAS with her team’s efforts to improve the “save rate,” or percentage of animals who are saved versus euthanized. MAS has not euthanized a healthy, adoptable cat, small dog, or puppy in nearly 6 years. Last year, the shelter saved nearly 90% of the pets in its care. Ten years ago, the save rate was at just 19%. Alexis lives with her two rescue dogs, Wilma and Simba, shelter cat Rock Star, and her husband Wes and 6-year-old daughter Marley.

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Dr. Christina Avila

Animal Control Supervisor

California

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Christina Avila is an experienced Animal Control Officer with a strong track record in the public safety industry. She brings extensive expertise in criminal law, public safety, policy development, and animal welfare. Christina is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of animals and the safety of communities, with a particular focus on critical situations requiring quick and effective action.

As an Animal Control Supervisor, Christina leverages her deep knowledge and hands-on experience to lead her team in enforcing animal regulations and safeguarding public health. Her ultimate career goal is to run an animal shelter, bringing her unique perspective as an ACO to enhance shelter operations and animal care.

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Sarah Hock

Executive Director, Joint Animal Services

Washington

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Sarah Hock is a highly experienced animal welfare professional with 21 years of expertise in executive leadership, municipal and field services, program development, fundraising, capital campaigns, strategic planning, low-cost veterinary services, and organizational development. She currently serves as the President of The Washington Federation for Animal Care and Control Agencies and the Pet Alliance of Washington. Sarah is a strong advocate for professional development and growth in the animal welfare industry, always seeking to promote its professionalization. She prioritizes the safety and well-being of staff, implements best practices, increases positive outcomes for animals, raises standards in field response, and remains proactive in serving her community. Sarah envisions NACA’s role as supporting field services (and all animal shelter staff) by advocating for professionalism, continuing education, and necessary tools to ensure the safety of staff, animals, and the community. She also advocates for recognizing field service professionals as first responders and essential public servants in the community.

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2024 Board Election Timeline

July 1st – 31st – Nominations accepted for potential board members.
August 20th – Oct 7th – Accepted nominee bios available on the website
September – Candidate Q&A’s posted
Oct 7th – 11th – VOTING (by Individual Members in good standing)
Oct 17th – Annual Membership Meeting with new board members announced.

Candidate Q&A: Chris Lutgen

1. What motivated you to apply for a position on our board, and what unique perspective or skills do you believe you bring to our organization?

The motivation to apply for a position on the board of directors is to help ensure the mission statement of NACA is known and implemented, especially among smaller agencies that often are left behind. These smaller agencies need support to grow their personal development and better serve their communities. This growth also allows agencies to show their city and town leaders how much they are an intricate part of their communities. I believe that my experience working for both a large and small agency is suited to help train and mentor others to help them grow professionally.

2. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing animal care and control today, and how would you use your position on the board to address these challenges?

The biggest challenges facing animal care and control today is a two-part issue. I believe the first part is how Animal Control Officers are perceived from the communities they serve. I believe that communities through education could understand the service provided to protect and give animals a voice. In my experience, animal control officers are the first on scene to investigate animal cruelty. Many times, animal cruelty is an underlying crime to other ongoing issues such as domestic violence, child neglect and or abuse, etc. The second part is animal care with shelters across the country experiencing overcrowding of shelters. This leads to technicians who care for the animals being burned out and suffering from compassion fatigue. I believe we need to make a strong push to educate our communities on spay and neuter clinics. Through education the community would be made aware of low-cost options to achieve manageable levels to the shelter.

3. How do you plan to engage with our stakeholders—such as NACA members, partner organizations, and local governments—to build support for our initiatives and goals?

I plan to engage with a clear line of communication. I would make myself available to our members and help engage local government to support not only NACA initiatives and goals but those of our stakeholders.

4. What is one innovative idea or initiative you would like to propose to the board to help improve our impact or reach? How would you envision implementing it?

My initiative would be to help get more protections, rights, and training for animal control officers. This would be done by working with national or state-level legislative lobbying groups. Over the last several months I have started doing this with a state-level lobbying group in Arizona. One of the bills would make it a felony to assault an animal control officer such as with peace officers, firefighters, medical workers, etc. The other bill being worked on is to require mandatory training for all Animal Control Officers to help lend credibility to our profession.

Board Candidates Q&A: Kathy Duncan

1. What motivated you to apply for a position on our board, and what unique perspective or skills do you believe you bring to our organization?

I believe very strongly in promoting and increasing the level of professionalism of our team members. In relation to the unique perspective I bring, having either been or managed Animal Control officers in Ontario, Canada for decades, I have additional insight to the differences between what is experienced in Canada vs. the U.S. and I believe that it is important to have Canadian representation at the board level.

2. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing animal care and control today, and how would you use your position on the board to address these challenges?

I see a huge opportunity to increase membership from Canadian animal care and control members. It is my thought that in having more Canadians join, we can continue to increase the level of professionalism, thereby helping to improve the perception from within our communities of what we do.

3. How do you plan to engage with our stakeholders—such as NACA members, partner organizations, and local governments—to build support for our initiatives and goals?

I want to get a better read on how many Canadian members NACA has and consider the possibility of a “Canadian chapter”. I also think that there are likely partners in Canada who are unaware of NACA and what it can bring, so I see a potential opportunity to increase partners as well.

4. What is one innovative idea or initiative you would like to propose to the board to help improve our impact or reach? How would you envision implementing it?

See all of my answers above re: increasing the number of Canadian members, which would lead to improved reach in Canada. How would I implement it: I have contacts across the country who could put me in touch with both animal care and control members, as well as municipal and provincial organizations with whom we might partner.

Candidate Q&A: Anna Payton

What motivated you to apply for a position on our board, and what unique perspective or skills do you believe you bring to our organization?

What could be better than serving members in the field that I love and help lead change at a national level?  Throw in a basket of mastiffs and some dessert and I might as well be in heaven.  But honestly, it would be an honor to serve the members as well as learn and grow by working with the other board members.  I have had the unique experience of leading county and city animal care & control organizations as well as a limited admission humane society in different types of communities, so I have personally seen animal welfare and the challenges from all sides.  I have also served on local and national boards before, so I understand the dedication needed to be an impactful board member.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing animal care and control today, and how would you use your position on the board to address these challenges?

What we are feeling locally which is mirrored in the national statistics is the increase in the number of stray dogs, high volume of dogs in shelters, and overall being overcapacity.  The reasons why this happening is different than when we saw high volume decades ago, so historic solutions are not fixing the problem.  The good news is, we are a resilient group!  I am confident by working together, talking to one another, leaning into our collective resources, we will figure this out.  I will talk to anyone and everyone (just ask my kids), especially when it comes to making advancements for the people and animals we serve.  As a board member I will work diligently to learn from and connect others.  By collaborating with each other and across industries, we will find new solutions.

How do you plan to engage with our stakeholders—such as NACA members, partner organizations, and local governments—to build support for our initiatives and goals?

Relationship building is key.  Have I mentioned I am willing to talk to anyone?  Educating and not indoctrinating is important to get buy-in.  Also, talking to the organizations to find out what is important to them, what are their goals and values, is key.  They need to know you truly want to work with them and it’s not just about what you want.

What is one innovative idea or initiative you would like to propose to the board to help improve our impact or reach? How would you envision implementing it?

I would like the board to be more open to the members as a resource when they are facing challenges with their organization or community.  I want our members coming to us and I want the board to help members and their organizations be successful.  While many organizations have progressed significantly, there still are many that struggle with antiquated policies, buildings, and lack of resources.  Often in these situations the government officials and decision makers do not see a need for change because they have never experienced anything different; they don’t know what they don’t know.  I would like the board to be available to members for guidance and support through email, phone, and if truly needed, in person similar to an advisor or mentor.  These are situations I am very passionate about and want to make a difference.  There are so many people doing great work with so little and they need support and resources.  We are stronger together.

Candidate Q&A: Angela Miedema

1. What motivated you to apply for a position on our board, and what unique perspective or skills do you believe you bring to our organization?

My motivation for applying to the board of directors for the National Animal Control Association comes from a strong desire to further the development and learning opportunities for animal control officers, while highlighting the vital work that enforcement teams perform nationwide. Having worked in animal welfare for over 15 years—starting as a kennel technician, veterinary assistant, animal control officer, kennel manager, animal behaviorist, mounted police officer, and now Director—I bring a unique, well-rounded perspective to the field. I've seen firsthand the multi-faceted challenges faced in our profession,particularly in enforcement.

What sets NACA apart is its unwavering focus on animal control enforcement, something that’s becoming rare in many animal welfare organizations today. My goal is to ensure that we continue prioritizing development and training opportunities for animal control officers, while recognizing the critical role animal sheltering plays. However, there are already abundant resources directed toward sheltering, and we must not lose focus on supporting the enforcement side of animal welfare.

I have witnessed the disparities in training between animal control officers and other enforcement professionals, and I’m confident that we can further enhance officer preparedness with additional safety training and resources. With my master’s in business administration and expertise in digital marketing strategies, I can not only contribute to improving officer training and education but also help bridge the gap in the public’s understanding of what we do. It’s crucial to shift the outdated “dogcatcher” perception and elevate the status of animal control officers through public awareness and professional standards.

As a candidate for the NACA board, I would draw on my comprehensive experience in enforcement, sheltering operations, animal behavior, and more to elevate the profession. My proven success in expanding services in both urban and rural areas, fostering collaboration, and implementing best practices uniquely positions me to bring fresh insights and a strong commitment to advancing the goals of NACA.

2. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing animal care and control today, and how would you use your position on the board to address these challenges?

One of the most pressing challenges in animal care and control today is the overwhelming number of high-needs animals entering shelters, particularly large dogs. This is largely driven by housing restrictions in many communities, where pet owners are often forced to surrender their animals due to size or breed limitations. As a result, shelters are increasingly filled with large dogs that face barriers to adoption. Compounding this issue is the behavioral condition of many intakes. The pressure to meet the "no-kill" standard, which sets a 90% live release rate, is difficult to achieve when animals display serious behavioral concerns, and the resources to address these are limited. Many communities lack certified professional dog trainers and behaviorists, and much of the critical socialization period for dogs occurs before 16 weeks of age, leaving older animals with fewer pathways to successful placement.

As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a Director with an MBA focused on digital marketing strategy, I am prepared to bring innovative solutions to these challenges. My experience as the first full-time animal behaviorist for Orange County Animal Services in Orlando, FL, gave me the opportunity to develop behavioral pathways for dogs with serious concerns, ensuring more successful adoptions. In addition, I have demonstrated the power of digital tools to improve placement outcomes. For example, after joining Volusia County, I created a feature video for a contracted partner’s longest resident—a dog with severe behavioral issues who had been in the shelter for over 400 days. By leveraging social media and strategic marketing, we successfully placed the dog within two days of posting the video, and it continues to thrive in its new home.

As a board member of the National Animal Control Association, I would work to expand behavioral resources for officers and shelters, as well as enhance the use of digital marketing and social media to address the barriers to adoption that many high-needs animals face. My expertise in both animal behavior and innovative digital strategies positions me to contribute meaningfully to the board’s mission, advancing best practices and supporting the success of animal control officers nationwide. I am eager to bring these solutions to the NACA and help shape the future of animal care and control through informed leadership and collaboration.

3. How do you plan to engage with our stakeholders—such as NACA members, partner organizations, and local governments—to build support for our initiatives and goals?

To effectively engage with stakeholders—NACA members, partner organizations, and local governments—it’s essential to prioritize clear communication, collaboration, and shared accountability. My approach will focus on three key strategies: fostering relationships, leveraging digital outreach, and driving community-based engagement.

First, I plan to strengthen relationships with NACA members by maintaining open lines of communication. Regular, transparent dialogue through webinars, virtual town halls, and feedback sessions will ensure that members feel heard and actively involved in shaping the direction of our initiatives. I will work to establish a structured feedback loop that allows members to provide insights on training, enforcement, and animal welfare practices, and then incorporate those insights into NACA’s strategic goals.

Second, leveraging my expertise in digital marketing strategy, I will enhance our digital outreach to increase awareness and engagement. By creating targeted campaigns that highlight NACA's impact, we can broaden our reach to local governments and partner organizations. I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of digital tools—through social media and other online platforms—to engage the public and stakeholders alike. For example, in my role as Director of Volusia County Animal Services, I utilized digital campaigns to address specific challenges, such as long-term animal placements. Similar strategies can be used to amplify NACA’s voice, showcase the value of our enforcement teams, and create momentum behind key initiatives.

Finally, collaboration with local governments and partner organizations is essential for building strong coalitions of support. As someone who has expanded services across both urban and rural environments, I understand the importance of tailored engagement. I will advocate for proactive partnerships that involve local governments in shaping policies that align with NACA’s enforcement and welfare goals, while also emphasizing the need for continued training and development for animal control officers. By fostering joint initiatives and sharing resources with partner organizations, we can collectively work toward improving standards in animal welfare and enforcement, with a shared vision that benefits all.

In summary, I plan to engage with stakeholders through a blend of consistent communication, strategic digital outreach, and collaborative partnerships to ensure that NACA's goals are fully supported, understood, and embraced across all levels.

4. What is one innovative idea or initiative you would like to propose to the board to help improve our impact or reach? How would you envision implementing it?

One innovative initiative I would propose to the NACA board is the development of a Cross-Training Program between Animal Control Officers and Police Law Enforcement. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in training that animal control officers receive in comparison to traditional law enforcement, while also providing police officers with essential knowledge on animal welfare and handling.

Animal control officers are frequently involved in high-stakes, enforcement-related situations that require the same level of preparedness and safety training as law enforcement. By developing a cross-training program, we can ensure animal control officers receive the additional tactical training, such as de-escalation techniques, defensive tactics, and response protocols that police officers are accustomed to. In return, police officers would benefit from specialized training on animal behavior, handling techniques, and the legal aspects of animal welfare, allowing them to respond more effectively to incidents involving animals where many times an animal control officer may not be as quick to respond due to the differences in team sizes.

This initiative would be mutually beneficial:

For animal control officers, it would elevate their enforcement capabilities, improve officer safety, and enhance the public perception of their role.
For law enforcement, it would equip them with critical knowledge to safely and humanely handle situations involving animals prior the animal control officer’s arrival, reducing the likelihood of harm to both the officers and animals.

To implement this, I would advocate for collaboration with police training academies and law enforcement agencies to develop joint workshops, simulations, and scenario-based exercises. Ideally, official recognition and endorsement from state-level law enforcement agencies would be sought to promote the training as a basic tool for officer safety. Additionally, online modules could be integrated into existing training platforms to make the program scalable and accessible nationwide.

This cross-training initiative would strengthen partnerships between animal control and law enforcement, promote more efficient responses in the field, and ensure that both animal control and police officers have the skills needed to keep both animals and communities safe.

Candidate Q&A: Alexis Pugh

1. What motivated you to apply for a position on our board, and what unique perspective or skills do you believe you bring to our organization?

My initial decision to run for a board seat was during COVID, when NACA issued an emergency intake position statement that I believe saved the lives of shelter employees nationwide during a time when PPE was not an available option. I knew at that moment this was an organization I wanted to be a part of. Having now served a three-year term on the board, I am seeking re-election because I have personally seen the value of our organization in continuing to serve as an industry leader on a variety of important issues, all while providing proven best practices training and guidance for our industry.

2. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing animal care and control today, and how would you use your position on the board to address these challenges?

Lack of clear agreed upon standards. We have data and research that shows the clear path forward to professionalize and bring credibility and standards to our industry, but when there are individuals working to keep us in the past or maintain outdated practices that do not work, we all suffer. In my role as a board member, I would continue working to help build high-quality training content that reflects best practices, with a strong focus on getting that into the hands of as many industry professionals as possible through state association engagement, online content, and scholarships for professionals to participate in formalized training.

3. How do you plan to engage with our stakeholders—such as NACA members, partner organizations, and local governments—to build support for our initiatives and goals?

Listening to our members and what they want and need is critical. Our focus on supporting state associations through conference sponsorships across the country, as well as the development of our state association summit, were calls to action generated directly from our membership. The key is ensuring an easy to access and consistent communication loop so we can make sure we are hitting the mark for NACA members.

4. What is one innovative idea or initiative you would like to propose to the board to help improve our impact or reach? How would you envision implementing it?

I would like us to create a marketing campaign that succinctly explains the value of NACA to its members and the animal welfare industry as a whole; the more active members we can recruit, the more value there is to the community, and the more resources we call access to ensure the highest standards of training and procedure for the animal control field. This idea is already in the works in our marketing/ communications committee.

Candidate Q&A: Dr. Christina Avila

1. I applied for a position on your board because I am deeply passionate about animal welfare and have a wealth of experience in the field as a vet technician, animal control officer, and supervisor. My unique perspective comes from my extensive background in both medical and operational aspects of animal care, as well as my doctorate in business administration, which equips me with strategic planning and management skills. I believe I can bring a well-rounded approach to the organization that combines both practical knowledge and business acumen. My perspective on animal welfare is also influenced by my cultural upbringing, which has instilled in me a deep sense of respect and empathy towards different cultures and their relationships with animals. Growing up in a diverse community, I have learned to appreciate the various ways in which different cultures view and interact with animals. I understand that attitudes towards animals can vary greatly depending on cultural beliefs, traditions, and customs. In my work as an animal control officer and supervisor, I approach each situation with an open mind and a willingness to learn from and respect the cultural backgrounds of the individuals involved. I strive to find common ground and create a dialogue that promotes understanding and collaboration, rather than judgement or criticism. I believe that by recognizing and respecting the diversity of cultural perspectives on animal welfare, we can work together to find meaningful and effective solutions that benefit both animals and the communities they inhabit. By fostering empathy, understanding, and mutual respect, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate approach to animal welfare that transcends cultural boundaries.

2. The biggest challenges facing animal care and control today include animal overpopulation, lack of resources, and community education. As a board member, I would leverage my experience to implement and advocate for programs focused on spaying and neutering, community cat management, and responsible pet ownership. Additionally, I would work towards securing partnerships and funding to address resource limitations and enhance our services.

3. To engage stakeholders such as NACA members, partner organizations, and local governments, I would prioritize open communication, collaboration, and transparency. I would actively participate in conferences, meetings, and networking events to foster strong relationships with key stakeholders. I would also seek feedback and input from these groups to ensure our initiatives align with their needs and priorities.

4. One innovative initiative I would propose to the board is the implementation of a mobile spay and neuter clinic to reach underserved communities and reduce pet overpopulation. This initiative would involve equipping a vehicle with surgical facilities and a team of veterinary professionals to provide low-cost or free spay and neuter services in areas with limited access to veterinary care. I envision collaborating with local governments, animal welfare organizations, and community groups to identify target areas and establish a sustainable operation plan for the mobile clinic. This initiative would not only address a critical need in the community but also enhance our organization's reach and impact. I would also explore Community Education Programs: Offering workshops, seminars, and outreach programs to educate pet owners on responsible pet ownership, proper pet care, and the importance of spaying and neutering.  Humane Education in Schools: Collaborating with local schools to include humane education in their curriculum, teaching children about animal welfare, empathy, and responsible pet ownership. Animal Behavior and Training Programs: Providing resources and training classes for pet owners to address behavioral issues and strengthen the bond between pets and their owners. Community Outreach Events: Organizing adoption events, fundraisers, and community outreach programs to raise awareness about animal welfare issues and promote adoption from shelters. By implementing these initiatives in addition to the mobile spay and neuter program, we can further enhance animal welfare in your community and ensure the well-being of all animals.

Candidate Q&A: Sarah Hock

What motivated you to apply for a position on our board, and what unique perspective or skills do you believe you bring to our organization?

I was motivated to apply for the position on the NACA board for several reasons. Personally, NACA's mission and vision resonate with my own beliefs and values regarding leadership in animal welfare. I am a strong advocate for professional development and growth at all levels in the animal welfare industry, always aiming to promote its professionalization. I prioritize the safety and well-being of staff, implement best practices, increase positive outcomes for animals, improve standards in field response, and believe in a proactive approach to serving my community.

Over the past 20+ years, I have worked in various positions and departments in different organizations nationwide. This experience has given me an understanding of the dynamics and needs of different roles and departments within an organization and the commonalities and unique challenges that different communities face in addressing the needs of people and pets. While communities across the country may have similar problems, the approach of animal welfare professionals, animal control officers, and agencies can differ significantly based on the community's socioeconomic status, makeup, and cultural differences. Within these differences and commonalities, we can unite to advocate for the greater good and effect positive change within our communities.

I am actively involved in animal welfare initiatives and legislation at both the local and state levels, working to protect the animals we serve and the people in the communities connected to these animals. Advocating for my chosen profession nationally would continue my lifelong work to advance this profession. My well-rounded experience allows me to understand and appreciate diverse viewpoints, fostering discussions that generate exciting ideas. I strive to create a culture where everyone asks questions, offers solutions, describes situations, and raises issues, enabling us to work together to find solutions, explore different paths, and determine the best course of action.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing animal care and control today, and how would you use your position on the board to address these challenges?

The field of animal care and control is currently facing several significant challenges, including the industry's professionalization, funding difficulties, public perception, and outdated laws.

While notable advancements have been in professionalizing the animal care and control industry, there are still discrepancies among agencies regarding uniform professional standards, training, and knowledge. A significant issue is the lack of support for animal control officers and other animal welfare professionals working in the government sector to pursue professional development and continuing education. Many agencies struggle with limited resources, impacting their ability to provide adequate care and implement effective programs, including professional development.

There is a significant communication gap between animal control agencies and the public, leading to misconceptions about the nature and scope of our work. Animal control is often unfairly associated with outdated terms such as "dog catcher," and there is a prevailing perception that our role has limited impact. Furthermore, despite being first responders, we lack recognition and acknowledgment of this critical aspect of our work. The link between animal-related crimes and broader criminal activities is frequently underestimated due to negative perceptions of animal control. Additionally, there is a pervasive belief that animal control is a simplistic field requiring minimal expertise.

Effective animal care and control also require strong legislative support. I aim to advocate for and develop policies that promote the humane treatment of animals, provide support for animal shelters, and enforce animal cruelty laws more strictly.

I believe we can make significant strides in improving animal welfare and the animal control profession by addressing these areas. If elected to the national board, I would advocate for these changes at both local and national levels, ensuring the continuation of our progress while pushing for wider awareness of our industry and our work.

How do you plan to engage with our stakeholders—such as NACA members, partner organizations, and local governments—to build support for our initiatives and goals?

As a board member of NACA, my goal is to actively engage with stakeholders in meaningful ways and represent NACA in a professional manner. I aim to understand their concerns and ideas, foster mutual respect, and gain support for new policies while improving public awareness and fostering partnerships for resource development. I would meet with stakeholders and partners to address shared initiatives and goals, legislative priorities, and professional development. I will also advocate for our organization, membership base, and profession when necessary. Furthermore, I will advocate to ensure representation from various stakeholders to receive input on critical issues from all points of view. To foster a collaborative and solution-oriented environment, I will be transparent about successes and challenges.

I believe it is crucial to establish systems for stakeholders to provide ongoing feedback on our efforts so we can regularly evaluate our priorities and approach as needed to ensure the continued progress of our mission, vision, and values. This will allow us to inform stakeholders about our activities, decisions, and outcomes to build trust and maintain transparency.

What is one innovative idea or initiative you would like to propose to the board to help improve our impact or reach? How would you envision implementing it?

I'm passionate about technology and I'm curious about how AI could assist animal control officers (ACOs). AI could be incredibly beneficial in day-to-day operations and humane law enforcement. Here's where I believe AI could be most effective:

Animal Identification - Companies like Petco's Love Lost are already using facial recognition for animals through AI to identify lost or stray animals by matching them with their owners or shelter databases.

Automation & Data Management - AI-powered systems could prioritize and assign calls to ACOs based on urgency, location, and available resources, optimizing their routes and reducing response times. Additionally, AI could streamline the process of documenting cases, such as handling incident reports, permits, and citations, allowing officers to spend more time in the field and less time on paperwork. AI could also help animal shelters by automating the intake process, tracking animal health, and recommending adoption matches based on personality profiles or past behaviors.

Our workloads are the biggest barrier to performing our jobs. I would love to see how we, as animal control agencies, could spearhead the adoption of adaptive technology to help us streamline our everyday processes. This would enable us to better serve our community and the pets and people within it.