“It is a gift to me to know this organization that I love so much will be in such good hands.”
I am writing to share some exciting news about Cat Town’s future. After nine wonderful years building this organization, with the incredible support of the Cat Town’s staff, board of directors, volunteers, and community, I am stepping down as executive director, effective today. I am thrilled to announce that Andrew Dorman is taking my place.
I am equally excited to share that I will become the Director of Oakland Animal Services, effective February 18. In our new roles, Andrew and I will continue to collaborate and strengthen an already great partnership between OAS and Cat Town. I will be joining Cat Town’s board and remain committed to this great organization, and to supporting Andrew’s leadership.
Andrew and I have been working closely on our transition plan for several months, along with the rest of the staff and Cat Town’s board, and we're glad we can finally share this with you, now that the City of Oakland is ready to announce my new role at OAS.
If you have already had the pleasure of meeting Andrew, it will be evident as to why I think he is just the right person to take Cat Town to the next level. We have a remarkably similar story of becoming volunteers at Oakland Animal Services and then feeling more and more compelled to help the cats there. In addition to working at Cat Town, Andrew has served on the Board of Directors for Friends of Oakland Animal Services, and has run the shelter’s Cats on Patrol program, all while continuing to volunteer at OAS.
In the over two years since Andrew joined the team at Cat Town, I have seen firsthand that he has a brilliant combination of compassionate and strategic thinking. It is a gift to me to know this organization that I love so much will be in such good hands. I look forward to joining Cat Town’s board and supporting Andrew in any way I can.
My goal from the beginning was to create an organization that would thrive without my leadership. Now, the staff at Cat Town work so well together and with a clear sense of purpose. Every board member is equally passionate about Cat Town’s mission and sustainability. Your support is the essential ingredient that makes this all possible.
When I first came up with the idea for Cat Town, I was told by so many people that helping the cats we do was not possible. I believed then, and now, in the goodness of this community to come together to solve this problem. It is the joy of my life to have taken this journey together, knowing that we all cherish this important resource for Oakland’s cats, and will continue together to make sure Cat Town only grows stronger.
I know you will join me in supporting Andrew to ensure the most vulnerable shelter cats have a path out of a cage and into a great home.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a part of this.
Ann
