GM Brenda Barnette Will Address The Van Nuys Neighborhood Council on March 11th, 2015

VAN NUYS, CA — The Van Nuys Neighborhood Council will have the esteemed honor and privilege of welcoming the General Manager of the Department of Los Angeles Animal Services, Mrs. Brenda Barnette to speak and answer questions at its next General Meeting.  GM Brenda Barnette is participating in the ongoing “Distinguished Speaker Series” hosted by the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council. (www.laanimalservices.com)

“It is important to bring the people of Van Nuys and Los Angeles closer to their government and the powers that be. It is our job as local elected officials to facilitate meetings, workshops and summits to make this possible.  I look forward to hearing from the General Manager of the Department of Los Angeles Animal Services at the Council Meeting next week, and seeing how we can all work together to promote the common good throughout the City of Los Angeles,” said Honorary Mayor of Van Nuys & Council President George Christopher Thomas.

The Los Angeles Animal Services Department was formed by ordinance in 1947. With the General Manager as executive, the Department is under the control of a Board of Commissioners, with five members appointed by the Mayor, and by the City Council of Los Angeles.

Brenda F. Barnette was appointed General Manager of Los Angeles Animal Services after a national search and she began her service on August 16, 2010.

Brenda has earned a reputation as a positive change manager. Prior to moving to Los Angeles, she served as CEO of The Seattle Humane Society. Brenda left the Seattle Humane Society with a remarkable record of success. Under her leadership, in 2009 the Seattle Humane Society had the best year in its 113-year history with the placement of 6,091 animals and a Live Save Rate of 91.4 percent. Much of this success was due to a robust Foster Care Program that allowed over 4,300 animals to benefit from home care while they waited for homes of their own.

Previously, Brenda served as CEO of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. Before joining ARF, Brenda was the Executive Director of Pets In Need, and the Development Director at The San Francisco SPCA.