Transitioning Animal Control to a ‚Quasi-Government Nonprofit‘: New Administration Takes Charge

County Executive Steuart Pittman of Annapolis, MD, made an exciting announcement on July 26, 2024, regarding the hiring of Claudia Roll as the County’s new Animal Care & Control Administrator. Roll, who will officially start in her new position on Monday, July 29, comes with a wealth of experience and skills that make her a perfect fit for the role.

Pittman expressed his confidence in Roll, stating, „Claudia Roll has the experience and the skills to support the essential work of the staff and volunteers at Animal Care and Control, and to lead a county process to transform our agency into a restructured, mission-driven quasi-government nonprofit that puts the welfare of animals at the top of its agenda.“ This statement highlights the County Executive’s belief in Roll’s ability to lead the agency towards a more animal-centric approach.

Roll’s most recent position was as Chief of Staff for the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, D.C., where she oversaw a large staff and various shelter functions. Her leadership during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was commendable, as she maintained essential services, increased foster placement by over 70%, and implemented a virtual adoption process. These accomplishments demonstrate Roll’s ability to adapt to challenging circumstances and drive positive change within an organization.

Expressing her enthusiasm for her new role, Roll stated, „I am thrilled to be joining the Animal Care & Control team. I’m especially excited for the opportunity to bring my experience to serve the citizens and animals of the county I call home.“ This sentiment reflects Roll’s dedication to making a positive impact on the community and the animals under her care.

Prior to her tenure in Washington, Roll worked in various roles within the City of Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department, overseeing spaying and neutering, fostering, and volunteer programs. Her experience in managing a high-volume municipal shelter with an annual intake of 24,000 animals prepared her well for the challenges of leading Animal Care & Control in Annapolis.

Additionally, Roll’s previous role as Manager for Companion Animal and Sheltering Issues for Animal Protection of New Mexico showcases her commitment to evaluating and improving animal care and control operations. Her certifications in training and animal cruelty investigations further demonstrate her expertise in the field.

As a resident of Severna Park, Roll’s connection to the community adds a personal touch to her new role as the County’s Animal Care & Control Administrator. Her passion for animal welfare and her track record of success make her a valuable addition to the team, and her leadership is sure to drive positive change within the agency.

In conclusion, Claudia Roll’s appointment as the new Animal Care & Control Administrator for Annapolis County marks an exciting chapter in the agency’s history. With her extensive experience, leadership skills, and dedication to animal welfare, Roll is poised to lead the agency towards a more mission-driven and effective approach to caring for the animals in the community. Residents can look forward to positive changes and improvements under Roll’s capable guidance.