Title
2015 Fourth Quarter Employee of the Quarter-Leigh Ann Garrard, Animal Services
Abstract
Action Requested: Award the 2015 Fourth Quarter Employee of the Quarter Award to Leigh Ann Garrard, Animal Services
Introduction & Background: In July 2015, under the direction of Chatham County Animal Services and assisted by multiple local, state and national agencies, 197 animals were removed from a Chatham County property for their safety and protection. Participating agencies included the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Humane Society of the United States, Durham County Sheriff’s Office, Wake County Animal Services, as well as local veterinarians and rescue groups. This large scale effort and successful rescue of the menagerie of animals would not have been possible without the organization and direction of Chatham County’s Animal Services Director, Leigh Anne Garrard. As a result of this rescue effort, many of the animals have been rehomed and multiple felony charges were brought against the owner of the property.
Since her hire as Animal Services Director in 2012, Leigh Anne has worked tirelessly to improve community relations as well as the services provided by the division. This year, she was named Health Department Supervisor of the Year. Since joining the agency in 2012, she has earned the respect of colleagues and community partners alike for her dedication to animal welfare and improving the health of Chatham County residents and their pets. Leigh Anne has a very difficult job, but handles every situation professionally and consistently puts others first.
As a result of her efforts, Leigh Anne has accomplished many goals which include:
• Increasing the Live Release Rate from 34% to 48% in three years;
• Facilitating a Citizen Animal Advisory Committee to revise the County’s Animal Services ordinance which was approved and implemented in March 2014;
• Establishing positive working relationships with local law enforcement municipalities; and;
• Ensuring that her officers attend professional development courses for improved public relations.
Leigh Anne also continues to serve as an instructor to multiple agencies, educating others areas such as cruelty investigations, handling aggressive animals, and human handling. She is also a NC Animal Federation Board Member and current Co-Chair and member of the Professional Development Committee, and was recently certified as a general instructor by the North Carolina Department of Justice Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission.
For these reasons, we would like to award the 2015 Fourth Quarter Employee of the Quarter Award to Leigh Ann Garrard.
Discussion & Analysis: None
Budgetary Impact: None
Recommendation: None