Austin residents have an opportunity to directly engage with the candidates vying to become the city's next Austin Animal Services Director. The City of Austin has scheduled a public Meet & Greet event for Thursday, December 18, 2025, inviting locals to meet the trio of finalists in contention for the role that oversees citywide animal shelter operations and animal control services.
The meet-up is slated to be held at the Permitting and Development Center, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, in Room 1405 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., with doors opening half an hour earlier. Attendees can have their parking tickets validated, and they're encouraged to participate by asking questions and offering feedback that City Manager T.C. Broadnax will consider during the final hiring decision—a process that speaks to the community-centered approach Austin fosters in its governance.
The first finalist, Monica Dangler, comes with a background in not only directing the Pima Animal Care Center but also managing volunteers for Austin Pets Alive!, particularly during the emergency response to Hurricane Harvey. With over 15 years of experience and a history of double adoptions and securing significant funding, Dangler is a known advocate for innovative, people-centered solutions.
Rolando Fernandez Jr., currently acting as the Interim Director, brings a wealth of public service experience totaling 19 years with the City of Austin. His resume includes roles that influenced a billion-dollar redevelopment project and led citywide contracting efforts. A U.S. Air Force veteran and a Master of Public Administration holder, Fernandez is committed to forming effective teams and implementing meaningful community changes.
As for Lee Ann Shenefiel, her 20-plus years in local government are bolstered by a strong track record in animal welfare leadership. Her previous stint as Interim Chief Animal Services Officer at Austin Animal Center and later, a regional director role at Best Friends Animal Society, highlight her strategic nous and her commitment to lifesaving animal programs and building community trust.
To accommodate the diverse Austin population, the event will also offer American Sign Language and Spanish interpretation services for attendees. For more details on the event and the finalists, those interested can visit the City of Austin's official announcement.
