A Certified Animal Welfare Scientist has been chosen to serve as the next director of Orange County Animal Services (OCAS), county manager Bonnie Hammersley announced.
Sandra J. Strong currently serves as Chief Veterinarian and Senior Manager of the Wake County Animal Center. Sandra was chosen from a competitive field of candidates through an interview process that included representatives from the Towns, Animal Care professionals, County Attorney’s Office, department directors that work closely with Animal Services and staff from Animal Services.
“Sandra has the experience and vision needed to lead Orange County Animal Services,” Hammersley said. “We were fortunate to find such a well-qualified candidate who is familiar with Orange County and the region.”
Strong has worked with the Wake County Animal Center since September 2013. She recently became board certified in Animal Welfare from the American College of Animal Welfare. She earned her undergrad (Zoology) and doctorate (Veterinary Medicine) degrees from N.C. State University and a certification in Public Health Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
At the Wake County Animal Center, she leads and manages the intake, husbandry, medical and surgical treatment for approximately 10,000 animals annually. She manages 23 shelter employees and is responsible for the development, training and continual process improvement for shelter operations, veterinary programs, and staff.
She also serves as a veterinary instructor for the N.C. State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She served in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corp in Germany, where she was Chief of Special Pathogens, Veterinary Lab Europe, and achieved the rank of Captain. She has also worked in private veterinarian practices.
“I am committed to advancing the health and welfare of people and animals,” Strong said. “I am honored to build upon the excellent foundation that exists in Orange County.”
Strong replaces Bob Marotto, who retired in March after 16 years leading OCAS. She will begin her new duties in June.