San José Animal Care and Services Division (ACS) is welcoming a new Deputy Director, Monica Wylie, into their fold. Wylie, with a rich background in animal welfare and operational management, will be assuming the role on October 26, after a nationwide search for a candidate to lead Northern California's largest animal shelter. Her appointment was announced with an aim to bolster the ACS's mission to create a humane environment for both animals and their caretakers.
"I am thrilled to join such a dedicated team during a pivotal moment," Wylie told the City of San José in their announcement. Her track record includes impressive feats such as improving animal movement and the save rate at the Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County. At the helm of KARMA Rescue, her strategic interventions increased service reach by a noticeable 40% and employee performance by 30%, a testament to her transformative leadership.
City Manager Jennifer Maguire praised Wylie's near two-decade-long experience. "With her leadership, operational expertise, and track record of lifesaving results, I am confident she will help fulfill the Animal Care Center’s mission to provide a welcoming and humane place for animals and those who care for them," Maguire stated in the announcement. San José's Mayor, Matt Mahan, also expressed enthusiasm for Wylie's data-driven approach, affirming the need for new leadership at the shelter.
Public Works Department Director, Matt Loesch, anticipates Wylie's expertise to be instrumental in continuing to enhance their services. "We are eager for Monica to lead our team at the Animal Care Center," he said, acknowledging her extensive knowledge, Wylie will manage a staff of 94 full-time equivalent positions, hundreds of volunteers, and an annual budget of approximately $17.5 million. ACS Division’s mission encapsulates not only the welfare of animals but also educational and protective services for the community, and with Wylie at the helm, these efforts are expected to be significantly bolstered.
San José’s Animal Care Center provides sheltering and field services for a large community, extending its reach to the residents of Cupertino, Milpitas, and Saratoga, as well as San José. Wylie's experience and proactive approach in previous roles, particularly in program developments like Trap, Neuter Release (TNR), and community engagement initiatives, will be under scrutiny as she pioneers new strategies at ACS.
