Can animal shelters in Michigan really save all their healthy and treatable pets? Yes, say these shelter directors who are in the trenches doing it!

Shelter directors from open-admission public and private shelters in Michigan and Minnesota will be sharing their secrets of success at Michigan Pet Fund Alliance's "Getting to the Goal" Conference on September 4-5 in Troy, Mich.

 

Jeff Randazzo

Jeff Randazzo, Chief Animal Control Officer, Macomb County

Jeff Randazzo currently serves as the chief animal control officer and director of Macomb County Animal Control, where he has overseen an increase in the shelter's save rate from 34 percent to 71 percent since he took charge in 2012.

Jeff attended Michigan State University where he studied equine science and livestock management, which prepared him for his employment with the City of Detroit as a horse trainer and instructor for the Detroit Mounted Police.

For the last decade, Jeff's professional career has concentrated on various aspects of welfare for homeless animals, from animal evaluator and adoption counselor, to veterinary and surgical assistant, to animal control for both municipal and nonprofit shelters. Chief Randazzo brings with him a new vision and strong law enforcement skills, which makes him an amazing advocate for animal welfare. 

Reva Laituri

Reva Laituri, President, Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS)

Reva Laituri has been a volunteer at Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS) for 25 years, and has served on the Board of Directors for 17 years, the last five as president. UPAWS received Michigan Outstanding Shelter Award in the "Open Admission Medium" category in 2010 and 2011.

Currently Reva also serves as chairperson of the personnel, fundraising, and awards committees, sits on several others, and is the assistant treasurer. She will be presenting on "The Economics of No-Kill Sheltering."

Reva lives in Negaunee with her husband, five dogs, and the occasional foster dog. 

Tanya Hildendorf 

Tanya Hilgendorf, President & CEO, Humane Society of Huron Valley

Tanya Hilgendorf is the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Huron Valley, which handles animal control and adoptions for Washtenaw County. She has a BA in Political Science from University of Michigan and a Masters in Social Work Administration and Public Policy from Wayne State University.

Tanya's life's focus is on protecting the vulnerable, and transformational leadership that helps failing nonprofit organizations achieve mission success. Prior to working at HSHV, she was the Executive Director of Ozone House, serving runaway and homeless youth and families in crisis.? She has been with HSHV for nine years.?

With an incredible team of staff, volunteers, and supporters, HSHV has become a thriving, dynamic multi-service animal welfare organization with nearly 100 employees, 700 volunteers, and an 87 percent save rate focused on rescuing, healing, saving and protecting. It resides in a newly built state-of-the-art animal care center that helps nearly 15,000 animals a year.? HSHV has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, and has received numerous awards for customer service, management excellence, and humane education, and was named MPFA Outstanding Large Open Admissions Shelter three years running.? Tanya currently is the proud mom of six felines, a German Shepherd, and a teenaged human.  

Mike Fry