Supervisors Appoint Interim Animal Services Director

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors during a special meeting Thursday, Jan. 11, appointed Capt. Jane Andreotti to fill the role of interim Animal Services director.

Andreotti started serving in the position Tuesday, Jan. 16, and will remain in the role until a permanent Animal Services director is appointed.

Andreotti has over 30 years of public sector experience, including various roles with the Berkeley and Walnut Creek police departments. Since joining Contra Costa Animal Services in 2009, Andreotti has progressed through the field services ranks from being an animal services officer to a lieutenant and ultimately, a captain.

"I'm honored to assume the role of Interim Animal Services Director during this period of transition," Andreotti said. "With a steadfast commitment to the welfare of our community's animals, I'm very confident that our dedicated team will continue to ensure quality services and prioritize the well-being and safety of the people and animals of Contra Costa County."

Federal Glover, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, reflected on the board’s decision.

"Captain Andreotti’s years of experience at Animal Services, coupled with her extensive background in local law enforcement, makes her the ideal candidate to fill the position of Interim Animal Services Director," Glover said. "We have full confidence that Captain Andreotti will maintain stability at Animal Services during the County’s executive recruitment process."

Outgoing Animal Services Director Beth Ward announced in December she would be stepping down Jan. 19 and cited her family’s decision to move out of state. Ward held the position since November 2015. She came to Contra Costa Animal Services with over 30 years of experience, including as vice president for community alliances at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley and as the director of animal care at the Peninsula Humane Society.

"I am grateful for Ms. Ward's many years of service to the County," Supervisor Ken Carlson said. "She has done extraordinary work to improve the well-being, safety and health of animals in our community."

The Board of Supervisors will initiate the recruitment process to identify and appoint a new director for Animal Services and will provide details about the process in the coming weeks.

During this transition period, Contra Costa Animal Services remains committed to its mission of promoting and protecting the health, safety and welfare of people and animals in the community, county officials said in a news release. The organization will continue to provide essential services to residents and uphold its commitment to the humane treatment of animals, officials said.