Darla McCammon has served as the Executive Director for the Animal Welfare League for ten years. But now, she says its the right time to step down.
“I want to do some nice things for my family and enjoy life as I get older, and it’s time for some young blood at the shelter. It’s time for some new person to come in and maybe shake things up a little bit,” she explains. “I think it’s just time for a change.”
That change comes in the form of Katey Zemen. She takes the reigns in running the shelter as of May 2.
She’s a graduate of Butler University with an Arts Administration degree, which is dedicated to non-profit work. She also did a tenure as the Executive Director for the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir.
Zemen says there’s a lot to look forward to when it comes to working with the AWL.
“First and foremost, making a difference in the lives of the animals we touch every day, as well as the people that we touch every day. Nearly everyone you can talk to has some sort of story that involves an animal and how it betters their lives,” she says.
“It’s going to be a joy to continue to perpetuate that story and really increase awareness of what we’re able to do within the community as well as improve the lives of everyone we get to touch.”
Though Darla McCammon will no longer be the Executive Director, she is going to stay involved.
“The board has asked me to stay involved on the building because that is my legacy to the community, so Katey and I will work together to continue to raise funds for the new building, but pretty much everything else operational at the shelter will be turned over to Katey,” she shares.
McCammon says they’re currently awaiting another bid to see how much more they need to raise for the AWL’s new location on U.S. 30 across from their current shelter.
Zemen says the experience has been extremely positive so far.
“It’s been absolutely wonderful working with Darla, having that kind of wisdom and knowledge at your fingertips to be able to ask all sorts of questions and help make that transition as smooth as possible,” she says. “I’ve just been so impressed with the center so far. Just the amount of dedication and heart that every single staff member in that group has towards those animals.”
Listen to News Now Warsaw’s full interview with Darla and Katey:
