Press Releases

For Release 10/22/2024

National Animal Care & Control Association Announces the 2024 Annual Award Winners

NATIONAL –The National Animal Care & Control Association understands that the work done by animal care and control professionals across the country is physically and emotionally demanding and requires individuals of the strongest character. We have been recognizing individuals, agencies, organizations, and stateassociations for more than 25 years on the national level for their service within the animal care and control field. In the world of animal care and control, exceptional individuals, agencies, and state associations stand as beacons of hope, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our industry. Every year, the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA) shines a spotlight on these remarkable heroes through its annual awardsprogram. As we wrap up 2024, our 45th year, it is our great pleasure to introduce you to the inspiring winners who have been honored for their outstanding contributions to the field.

Animal Control Officer of the Year – Nicholas Leadbetter (Missouri)
Chillicothe Missouri Police Department

NACA is honored to name Officer Nicholas Leadbetter as the 2024 National Animal Care and Control Association’s Officer of the Year! This recognition is a testament to his dedication, exceptional expertise, and outstanding contributions to our field. Officer Leadbetter has consistently shown his ability to handle complex situations with care and professionalism. One notable instance involved safely removing a deer that had leaped through a storefront window in Chillicothe, protecting both the public and the animal. Additionally, he played a key role in updating city ordinances, including the removal of the breed ban, which has positively impacted families and their pets. Nicholas has also supported these changes with valuable data demonstrating the benefits. Beyond his fieldwork, Officer Leadbetter has been a passionate advocate for education, conducting workshops on responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering.

His efforts have fostered a more informed and compassionate community, earning him widespread respect from residents. “In just over a year, Nicholas has managed an impressive total of 2211 calls for service from April of last year to the end of this month in 2024, handling a wide variety of situations with remarkable skill and compassion.” Police Chief Jon Maples

We are honored to present this award to Officer Leadbetter and congratulate him on this well-deserved
recognition!

Leader of the Year – Dr. Sandra Strong (Orange County, NC)
Orange County Animal Services, NC

NACA is honored to name Dr. Sandra Strong as the 2024 National Animal Care and Control Association Leader of the Year! This prestigious recognition is a testament to her exceptional leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts in advancing the field of animal care and control. Her leadership qualities, compassionate approach, and innovative initiatives have inspired those around her and helped transform the landscape of animal care and control.

Since joining Orange County Animal Services (NC) as Director in 2021, Dr. Strong has driven numerous successes, including maintaining a 90% annual live release rate, expanding shelter programs, and establishing a community cat program that has significantly increased cat lifesaving. She has also prioritized humane education over enforcement in field services, creating a positive impact on both animals and the community.

Though Dr. Strong credits her team for these achievements, her visionary leadership, guidance, and unwavering support have been instrumental in transforming OCAS into a shelter that the community values and a compassionate space for homeless pets. We are honored to present this award to Dr. Strong and celebrate her exceptional leadership!

Animal Care and Control Professional of the Year –
Dr. Julie Hollifield (North Carolina)

NACA is honored to name Dr. Julie Hollifield as the 2024 National Animal Care and Control Association Shelter Professional of the Year! This prestigious recognition is a testament to her exceptional leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts in advancing the field of animal welfare and sheltering.

As the lead veterinarian at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control, Dr. Hollifield has shown unmatched dedication, resilience, and compassion in an incredibly challenging year.

Despite staff shortages and vacant positions, Dr. Hollifield has gone above and beyond to ensure every animal receives top-quality medical care. She has not only managed her demanding workload but has also maintained free and low-cost services for the community, recognizing the importance of keeping pets with their families during difficult economic times. Her efforts have prevented countless animals from being surrendered, easing the strain on our shelter’s resources.

Dr. Hollifield has expertly managed the high surgical demands of our large municipal shelter, balancing a heavy surgical schedule while providing personalized care to each animal. Her technical skills are exceptional, but it’s her compassion and ability to connect with both animals and their owners that truly set her apart.

In a year of uncertainty, Dr. Hollifield has been a steady and inspiring leader, ensuring our shelter upholds the highest standard of care. Her extraordinary contributions make her a shining example of an animal care professional, and I am proud to nominate her for this well-deserved recognition.

Bill Lehman Memorial Award – Dr. Brian Rambarran (New York)
Buffalo, NY Urologist & licensed pilot

NACA is honored to name Dr. Brian Rambarran as the 2024 recipient of the Bill Lehman Memorial Award. This award is given to an individual not directly employed in the animal care and control field, but who has shown an exceptional awareness of animal care and control-related matters, which merits distinction. The recipient will be recognized as a “friend” of animal care and control, for contributions and outstanding action that has helped further the positive image of animal care and control professionals through local, state, or national animal control associations.

Brian Rambarran, a Buffalo-based urologist and licensed pilot, has dedicated the last 12 years to rescuing animals from high-euthanasia shelters. Working with shelters in New York and North Carolina, Dr. Rambarran uses his Cirrus SR22 aircraft to airlift dogs to foster and adoption homes, saving over 500 dogs from euthanasia. Every four to six weeks, he flies missions, sometimes carrying up to 20 dogs on a single flight, often partnering with Noah’s Advocates for Animals and Nickel City Canine Rescue. Dr. Rambarran became a pilot to combine his passion for flying with his desire to help others, volunteering for organizations that transport sick children and animals in need. His work with Pilots and Paws has not only saved lives but also raised significant awareness and funds for rescue efforts. As Nickel City Canine Rescue board member Brandon Wolf shared, Rambarran’s transports have inspired people to adopt, foster, and volunteer, raising thousands of dollars for the cause. Dr. Rambarran’s life-saving efforts have garnered national attention, including interviews on ABC News and Good Morning America. He plans to continue flying for years to come, helping to save animals and bring joy to families welcoming new pets.

Diane Lane Memorial Award – Susan Braselton (Oklahoma)
Tulsa Animal Welfare (TAW)

NACA is honored to name Susan Braselton as the 2024 recipient of the Diane Lane Memorial Award. This award is for outstanding volunteer service. The nominee selected to win this award is someone who is not directly employed in the animal care and control field but serves in a volunteer capacity within the animal care and control field or other animal welfare-related activities. Those nominated will have demonstrated exceptional dedication or performed outstanding work far beyond the volunteer position’s requirements.

Susan Braselton has been an invaluable Volunteer and Foster for Tulsa Animal Welfare (TAW) for nearly four years, dedicating 582 volunteer hours and fostering 24 dogs. Her unwavering commitment to public service shines through in everything she does, always with a smile and a willingness to help in any capacity. Whether transporting animals locally and out of state—often using her own vehicle without asking for reimbursement—cleaning kennels, assisting with laundry, or supporting adoption and community events, Susan consistently goes above and beyond. In addition to her hands-on work, Susan has helped TAW forge partnerships with
other agencies for out-ofstate transports, even driving a group of dogs to North Dakota. She engages potential adopters, educates the public, and advocates tirelessly for the importance of TAW in the community. Her passion for fostering has seen numerous dogs find loving homes, and she always returns to foster more.

“Susan’s dedication, positivity, and hard work exemplify the true spirit of public service. She has been instrumental in fundraising efforts and spreading awareness about the vital role animals play in our community. We are incredibly grateful for Susan, and her contributions make a lasting impact on both TAW and the animals she cares for. If only there were more like her, but for now, we are fortunate to have her!”

Outstanding Animal Care and Control Award – Mesquite County Animal Control (Nevada)

NACA is honored to name the Mesquite County Animal Control as the 2024 Animal Control Agency of the Year. This prestigious accolade is a testament to your outstanding contributions, dedication, and exceptional service in the field of animal care and control. Mesquite Animal Control has worked diligently to achieve and maintain its status as a safe and humane shelter, even while managing challenges like being short-staffed. “We’ve made significant strides in improving conditions for the animals in our care, and our hard work is showing. Thanks to our strong relationship with the city council, we are excited to announce an upcoming expansion of our facility. One of our council members has volunteered with us for seven years and shares our passion for making ongoing improvements. Additionally, we have an incredible team of volunteers who are dedicated to our mission. We’re starting to see the results of these collective efforts, and it feels like our hard work is truly paying off.”

Mesquite Animal Control’s dedication to improving the lives of the animals in their care, building strong community partnerships, and continuously striving for excellence is truly commendable. We are honored to present them with this award in recognition of their hard work and commitment to creating a safe and compassionate environment for all animals

Outstanding State Association Award – Florida Animal Protection and Advocacy Association (Florida)

NACA is honored to name the Florida Animal Protection and Advocacy Association (FAPAA) as the 2024 State Association of the Year! This prestigious recognition is a testament to their outstanding contributions, dedication, and exceptional leadership in the field of animal care and control. The State Association of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding impact the Florida Animal Control Association (FAPAA) has made on animal welfare, agencies, and officers across Florida. Their dedication, innovative approaches, and hard work have set a strong example for others. FAPAA actively supports animal welfare professionals through legislative advocacy, promoting best practices, and offering training in both animal control and sheltering.

Their mission focuses on collaboration with public agencies, supporting disaster planning and recovery, and advocating for fairness in the enforcement of animal laws at both local and state levels. In addition to legislative successes, FAPAA has significantly advanced professional development by hosting an annual statewide conference for animal shelter professionals, offering training on crucial topics like shelter operations and enforcement practices. These efforts have strengthened the capabilities of shelter staff statewide. FAPAA also provides localized support, as demonstrated when Executive Director Darcy Andrade personally visited Gadsden County to offer assistance and education to an under-resourced shelter. FAPAA’s achievements in advocacy, professional development, and leadership demonstrate their unwavering  commitment to advancing animal welfare throughout Florida.

Photos for media use can be downloaded here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UiuKF7jiRS4DMevwqXHaUD6xsMCmj_Wg?usp=drive_link

About NACA

The National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) is a non-profit organization committed to setting the standard of professionalism in animal welfare and public safety through training, networking, and advocacy. NACA was formed in 1978 to assist its members to perform their duties in a professional manner while upholding the principles of the human–animal bond. Animal care and control professionals perform a variety of services and are often a vital connection between people, animals, and the environment. NACA works to support animal care and control professionals by providing standardized training, resources and setting the standard for animal welfare field services. nacanet.org