Ty Coleman, the embattled director of Memphis Animal Services (MAS), has been unceremoniously dismissed from his post. As Local Memphis reports, Mayor Paul Young decided to terminate Coleman's tenure effectively immediately yesterday. Coleman's chapter as director began in January 2024, after a stint as interim director since September 2023.
His appointment came to a sudden halt following an incident where a dog named Lulu died from what appeared to be a heat-related illness. According to an Action News 5 report, Coleman had been on suspension since June 28, pending an internal investigation. In the interim, Coleman continued to be part of the payroll, earning an annual salary of $120,000.
MAS official statement assures that the search for Coleman's replacement is to promptly commence, with the director position expected to be posted on the City's HR portal within a week. Since his suspension, Mary Claire Borys has assumed the role of interim director and will maintain those responsibilities while the city explores long-term solutions to the shelter's management, according to statements officials provided.
Further digging into Coleman's past by WREG revealed a tense trail of professional missteps. Before his Memphis tenure, he was linked to an outbreak of distemper during his time in Midland, Texas, and he did not manage to complete his one-year probation. Additionally, during his period in Sherman, Texas, Coleman faced allegations of nepotism and misconduct, which resulted in another termination. "Ever since I was let go, everybody has been upset with the city and everything that has happened and unfortunately, lets me know and asks me for advice on how to get through their day and unfortunately, it resulted in another dog dying," Coleman said in a public remarks at a Midland City Council meeting.
The action against Coleman is part of the city officials' broader commitment to transparency, as highlighted in their recent statements.
