Celebrating Excellence in Animal Care and Control

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and to all those who were nominated for this year’s NACA Awards. Your dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts are what move this industry forward every single day. Whether you’re in the field, behind the scenes, or advocating in your community, your work does not go unnoticed. These awards are a celebration of the people who lead with heart, serve with integrity, and make a lasting impact on the lives of animals and the communities they protect. We are honored to recognize just a few of the many incredible professionals who inspire us all.

Animal Control Officer of the Year:
Ryan Jesien

Ryan Jesien has been named NACA’s 2025 Animal Control Officer of the Year in recognition of his unwavering dedication and resilience in the field. He demonstrates exceptional customer service, goes above and beyond job responsibilities by taking initiative on new initiatives, consistent dedication to his community, exemplary work ethic and positive attitude and he also achieves significant results in challenging situations. Reflecting on the award, Ryan shared, “This award is a true honor and a reflection of the many dedicated professionals I’ve had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career. I’m grateful every day to be part of this field, and the only way I could enjoy my job more is if there were two of me. Thank you for this recognition—it means more than I can say.” His passion for the profession and commitment to service make him a true standout in animal care and control.

Animal Shelter Professional of the Year:
Melissa Sheldon

Melissa Sheldon has been named NACA’s 2025 Animal Shelter Professional of the Year in recognition of her exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and lasting impact on her team and community. Though she’s relatively new to her role as director, Melissa quickly rose to the challenge after stepping in during a time of organizational upheaval—described by her team as “the aftermath of a tornado.” What began as a temporary assignment soon became a permanent position, and in just two years, Melissa has become what her team calls “the greatest asset this department has seen for a very long time.” Reflecting on the honor, Melissa shared, “Being named Animal Shelter Professional of the Year is an incredible honor that reflects not only my personal commitment, but also the strength and heart of the shelter and animal control teams I’m proud to work alongside.” Her leadership, rooted in compassion and progress, is exactly what this field needs—and we’re proud to recognize her outstanding contributions.

Leader of the Year: Saylor Knox

Saylor Knox has been named NACA’s 2025 Leader of the Year for his unmatched compassion, hands-on leadership, and transformative impact on the Longview community and beyond. A true example of leading from the front, Saylor is known for showing up—whether that means covering shifts, working in the field, organizing regional trainings, or personally delivering food to families and pets in need. As one nominator shared, “Leadership is not pointing people in the right direction and then sitting back… it is being able to guide others toward a brighter future, on the front lines.”

In his own words, Saylor reflects, “I never realized, when I laced up my boots all those years ago, how dramatically my life would change… There is no ‘me,’ only ‘we.’ Without the dedication of every single animal welfare individual, this mission would not be possible. We fight, we persevere, and we make a difference together.”

From legislative advocacy to personal acts of generosity, Saylor’s leadership is defined not just by vision, but by action—and his legacy of service continues to inspire a growing network of professionals dedicated to creating a more humane and connected world for animals and people alike.

Diane Lane Memorial Award: Danya Proud

Danya Proud has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Diane Lane Memorial Award in recognition of her extraordinary volunteer service and unwavering commitment to animal welfare. With a career rooted in brand and marketing leadership, Danya has channeled her talents and compassion into saving and supporting the lives of animals in her community. From fostering over 100 dogs with Starfish Animal Rescue and raising over $15,000 in critical funding, to becoming a trusted pet sitter, adoption matchmaker, and Board member for Canine Therapy Corps, Danya’s reach is as broad as it is impactful. She is often the first call when an animal is in need—and always the first to say “yes” when that call comes.

Danya shared, “I am deeply honored to receive the Diane Lane Memorial Award, a recognition that reflects not just effort, but the true spirit of going above and beyond in service to animals and their welfare.” Through her actions, advocacy, and the love she brings into every life she touches, Danya continues to be, in the words of Ricky Gervais, a “big voice” for those without

Bill Lehman Memorial Award:
Charleen “Charlie” Propsom

Charleen “Charlie” Propsom has been named the 2025 recipient of the Bill Lehman Memorial Award for her extraordinary impact as a champion for animals and unwavering ally to the field of animal care and control. Though not employed in the profession, Charlie’s decades of leadership, vision, and compassion have transformed the lives of thousands of animals in Chicago. In 2001, she founded Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control (FCACC), a nonprofit created to support the city’s municipal shelter and provide care and resources beyond what the city budget could offer. Thanks to her relentless advocacy, CACC’s live release rate rose from just 10% to over 80%, supported by groundbreaking programs such as the After-Hours Crisis Care Program, which provides emergency veterinary care when no other options are available.

Charlie has never shied away from the hard work, creating solutions like foster care systems, volunteer coordination, and medical investments that have fundamentally changed the sheltering landscape in Chicago. Reflecting on the award, she shared, “Sometimes I think the hardest part of helping animals is being respectful to other humans who are not. Knowing how fierce the competition is for this award, I did NOT expect to win it at all. I am stunned and honored.”

Charlie’s compassion, innovation, and humility embody the very spirit of this award—and have made Chicago a better place for animals who once had nowhere else to turn.

Outstanding Agency Of The Year Award:
Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center

 Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center (BARCC) has been named the 2025 recipient of the Outstanding Animal Care and Control Agency Award in recognition of their unwavering commitment to both animals and the community they serve. Located at the southern tip of Texas, BARCC faces the unique challenges of a border city with creativity, compassion, and grit. In 2024 alone, they were honored with the Best Friends Animal Society Transformational Change Award after saving 2,476 more lives than the previous year. From hosting free microchip clinics at the local farmers market to creating pet shelters from donated pallets during cold snaps, BARCC’s dedication shines through in every initiative.

This agency doesn’t just respond to the needs of the community—they anticipate them. Their Pet Pantry serves over 300 families, and their team transports up to 50 animals monthly to ensure timely spay and neuter surgeries, despite lacking an on-site veterinarian. Their outreach efforts include educational partnerships with local schools, rotary clubs, and corporate teams, all while actively working to return pets home with targeted canvassing and microchip checks. Their animal control officers, shelter staff, and volunteers embody the mission to save every life possible and keep Brownsville safe.

As their team shared, “This award is a testament to the unwavering dedication and compassionate spirit of our entire team. We are committed to serving the animals and citizens of Brownsville with integrity and care, and this recognition fuels our passion to continue striving for excellence in animal welfare.” BARCC is proof that deep community roots and forward-thinking programs can drive real, lasting change.

Outstanding State Association Award:
Texas Animal Control Association

The Texas Animal Control Association (TACA) has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Outstanding State Association Award. As the oldest state animal control association in the country, TACA has long stood as a pillar of strength, leadership, and innovation in animal welfare. Their dedication to educating and supporting Animal Control Officers (ACOs) across Texas is unmatched, offering high-quality training programs and resources that elevate the profession throughout the state.

TACA continues to set the bar high through strong legislative advocacy—most notably their ongoing collaboration with the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) to have ACOs formally recognized as first responders. This bold initiative reflects their commitment not only to the animals in their state but also to the professionals who serve and protect them. With a

growing membership base, consistent engagement in NACA-sponsored training, and a longstanding legacy of excellence, TACA exemplifies what it means to be a professional and forward-thinking state association.

We are proud to recognize TACA for their continued impact on the profession and their dedication to building a stronger, more unified animal care and control community in Texas and beyond.