PHILADELPHIA – The Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly) Board of Directors announced Susan Russell as the new Executive Director for the City’s animal shelter. Russell will begin her new role on October 22, 2018.

Russell is the former Executive Director of Chicago Animal Care and Control, the City’s open access municipal shelter. While there, she worked with staff, volunteers, nonprofits, the rescue community and elected officials to help the shelter grow as a valuable community resource and achieve the highest live release rate for shelter animals in its history. Russell has been a volunteer and active member in Chicago’s animal welfare community for more than 15 years.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors we are elated to welcome Susan Russell to Philadelphia to lead ACCT Philly as the new executive director,” said Joanna Otero Cruz, Board Chair and the City’s Deputy Managing Director for Community Services. “It was a thorough, national search process and we are extremely thankful to our search committee for their tireless work and commitment. Susan brings many years of advocacy and experience in the animal welfare industry. She was instrumental in making progressive change and taking Chicago’s open animal intake shelter to new heights. We look forward to working with her and continue to advance the work and mission of ACCT Philly.”

Prior to heading up the City shelter, Russell was a litigation attorney and a marketing communications professional.  She authored the award-winning book, A Ruff Road Home: The Court Case Dogs of Chicago, which documents the stories of dogs caught up in the court system.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to join the ACCT Philly team,” said Susan Russell, incoming Executive Director for ACCT Philly. “I have always been a passionate advocate for animal welfare, and I am excited to bring that passion and experience to ACCT Philly. I look forward to working with the dedicated staff, volunteers, and advocates to better the lives of Philadelphia’s animals.”

As the Executive Director for ACCT Philly, Russell will work with life saving, medical and adoptions staff to continue to increase ACCT Philly’s animal life saving rate. She will continue the shelter’s efforts with the No-Kill Coalition partners throughout the city, and will lead the shelter in communications with the City and the animal welfare community.

ACCT Philly and their Board of Directors are excited to welcome Susan Russell to Philadelphia and look forward to the expertise she will bring in helping to move the city’s shelter towards their no-kill goals.