March 2019 by Paula Powell, Director, El Paso Animal Services and Lee Ann Shenefiel, South Central Regional Director, Best Friends Society

Audience: Executive Leadership, Shelter/Rescue Staff & Volunteers

Video Length: 55:10

How to Be the Boss of Your Organization's Save Rate

In this session, you will learn what the Shelter Director's role is in stopping unnecessary death in the shelter, how to do it, and how to be successful. Experts will give you practical tips on how to personally dramatically increase your save rate. This session is for leaders who are looking for immediate ways to improve their save rates. This presentation was recorded by Maddie's Fund® at the 2019 American Pets Alive! Conference.

About Paula Powell

Prior to leading Animal Services, Paula spent 24 years serving the City of El Paso in various operational positions. Before that, Paula served as a 1st Lt in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Bliss. She began her college education at the United States Military Academy and culminated it with her master's in public administration at the University of Texas at El Paso. She received her certification in Shelter Management in 2018 and continues to look for new ways to learn and grow in order to save more of the lives that need us most.


About Lee Ann Shenefiel

Lee Ann previously served as the Interim Chief Animal Services Officer at Austin Animal Center in Austin, Texas overseeing Animal Protection, outreach and prevention programming and the center's volunteer program. Prior to coming to Austin, Lee Ann was the Business Operations Manager at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter in northern Virginia and has over a decade in public service with a focus on connecting the community and government resources. In 2016, Lee Ann was recognized with the 2016 Lifesaving Award from APA!. She is also a member of the National Steering Committee for Best Friends Animal Society.