March 2019 by Lisa Ward and Ed Jamison

Audience: Executive Leadership

Video Length: 55:23

Create Leaders from Within: Build a Succession Plan

So, you're a no-kill shelter leader, but what will happen in your community if the next shelter director who takes your place is not? Learn how to build a succession plan, identify innovative ways to manage your staff and promote no-kill to move forward in your community, even if you leave. This presentation was recorded by Maddie's Fund® at the 2019 American Pets Alive! Conference.

About Ed Jamison

The animal situation in Dallas has been the center of scrutiny over the years due to large roaming dog populations, high profile dog attacks, and low positive save rates from the shelter. With over 34,000 dogs and cats entering Dallas Animal Services yearly, the city has the 4th largest intake in the United States. Since 2017, Ed has been tasked with increasing public safety by getting lose animals off the streets while at the same time increasing positive outcomes. To accomplish that, he is leading a staff of around 200 employees, maximizing the relationships with the rescue community, rebuilding the volunteer base, and instituting new, progressive programming. Prior to coming to Dallas, Ed was the Chief Animal Control Officer for the City of Cleveland, Ohio, but he entered the Animal Care & Control World in the mid 2000's while he was the Animal Warden for the City of Garfield Heights, a suburb of Cleveland.


About Lisa Ward

Lisa supports and manages the day-to-day activities of Maddie's Fund's Educational Program, including education grants and Maddie's® University, an online learning management program. Lisa has an extensive background in education as a teacher, principal, and director of student services. She had dedicated her life to education and feels it is the foundation for change and growth in the world. Lisa holds a two master's Degrees, one in Educational Leadership, and one in Athletic Administration, along with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation all from Saint Mary's College, Moraga, California. During her undergraduate time at Saint Mary's College, Lisa also competed in Intercollegiate athletics and has been named into the Saint Mary's College Hall of Fame.