City of Austin

Following an extensive recruiting process, the City of Austin has identified Don Bland as the top candidate for Chief Animal Services Officer position. Mr Bland will begin his new duties as Chief Animal Services Officer on August 19, 2019.

Don Bland currently serves as the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Central Texas, a position he has held since 2012. Before that, he was the Major Gifts Officer at Scott and White Healthcare Foundation from 2010-2012 and Development Director at Providence Hospice from 2006-2009. Mr Bland was the Major Gifts Development Officer at Methodist Children’s Home from 2003-2006 and Vice-President of Operations for Red River Solutions, LLC/Medtech Insurance Services, Ltd. from 1998–2003. From 1983-1998, he was a Manager at Olan Mills. Mr Bland has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management degree from Baylor University.

The Chief Animal Services Officer (CASO) will report to Assistant City Manager Christopher Shorter and is responsible for the day to day operations of all programs and initiatives of the Animal Services Office. The CASO will be expected to lead the Animal Services Office’s programs and initiatives while continuing to expand on the City’s nationally recognized successful efforts to reduce animal intake and increase positive outcomes for rescued animals. Austin has been a leader in the live outcomes/no-kill movement and recently raised the No Kill benchmark from 90% to 95%.

“I look forward to working with Don. He is a dedicated leader who will continue to expand the City’s progressive and collaborative approach to animal welfare,” said Assistant City Manager Christopher Shorter.

Recruitment efforts began with input from Austin community members who developed a profile of qualifications and characteristics that the next Chief Animal Services Officer (CASO) should have to be successful.