Appointment of New Volunteer Programs Director for DACC
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Quesada to the position of Volunteer Programs Director.
Christine was raised in Miami, Florida by a large, close knit Cuban family. Growing up, her family always welcomed stray animals into their home, which is when she discovered her love for animals. After working in the hotel and finance industry for many years, she started volunteering on her days off in various animal related fields to pursue her life-long passion of working with animals.
In 2014, Christine moved to California to work for Best Friends Animal Society, a national nonprofit animal welfare organization with programs in the Los Angeles area. She managed adoptions and outreach programs and then moved on to oversee the organization’s robust volunteer program. In that role, Christine realized that volunteer programs combined her love of animals with the desire to connect with people. After eight years with that organization, she will bring her knowledge and expertise to the DACC volunteer program. “I’m excited for this opportunity to work with DACC and use my experience and skills to help more of the community,” says Christine.
The Volunteer Programs Director is a critical role for the Department, overseeing recruitment, training, onboarding and recognition of close to 1,000 volunteers and foster caretakers for seven animal care centers across Los Angeles County. Volunteers provide essential support at the animal care centers by caring for sheltered pets, providing enrichment, grooming and socialization. They assist the veterinary medical teams in the spay/neuter clinic, with vaccine clinics, and at outreach events held in the community. Volunteers take photos, post on social media, attend offsite adoption events and foster pets in need of extra care and attention. They are also an integral support for emergency evacuation and sheltering of animals threatened by wildfires or other emergencies.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, DACC shifted to virtual training and increased remote opportunities for volunteers. The foster program expanded to foster hundreds of adult dogs and cats in addition to underage kittens and puppies. The virtual component and socially distant, curbside pick-up options created new opportunities for the community to partner with DACC to help animals in need. As Volunteer Programs Director, Christine will focus on engaging new volunteers through inclusive recruitment and programming.
”We are thrilled to have Christine join the DACC team,” said Marcia Mayeda, Director. “Her vast experience and commitment to animals and community engagement will ensure DACC’s volunteer program grows and thrives.”
To learn more about DACC’s volunteer and foster programs, go to https://animalcare.lacounty.
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