Disaster Response for Animal Control: Partnerships & Preparedness - Maddie's Community Conversations (On Demand)

Shafonda Davis Allen, CAWA, is a nationally respected animal welfare leader whose work centers equity, community partnership, and the belief that people and pets thrive when systems are designed with compassion and access at the core. With nearly three decades of experience, she brings deep operational knowledge, policy insight, and a lived-experience lens to conversations about the future of animal well-being.

A proud Durham, North Carolina native, Shafonda began her career as an adoption counselor and advanced through every level of shelter operations, ultimately serving more than 12 years as Executive Director of the Animal Protection Society of Durham. Her leadership is marked by resilience, transparency, and a commitment to dismantling barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

Shafonda is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator and has served on the Board of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, where she continues to contribute as a member of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council. She previously served on the boards of the North Carolina Animal Federation and Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity.

Today, Shafonda is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Back to Basics Animal Welfare Leadership Consulting, where she mentors emerging leaders, supports organizations navigating complex challenges, and advocates for community-rooted solutions. Her work is grounded in shared power, strong networks, and the courage to reimagine humane care for both people and animals.

Accomplished animal welfare professional Jerrica Owen joined the National Animal Care & Control Association in April 2021, as the Director of Partnerships and Programs, was named as Executive Director in December 2021 and was named Chief Executive Officer in September, 2025.

Previously the Director of Strategic Initiatives for San Diego Humane Society, Jerrica supported achieving success on the organization’s primary strategies. In addition, she was the Senior Animal Response Team Leader for the San Diego Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team and has extensive experience in the field during some of our countries worst disasters supporting tactical and shelter operations for all types of animals including domestic, wildlife, and equine.

Jerrica has spent the past 2 decades dedicated to achieving lifesaving excellence and encompasses dynamic organizational leadership, charismatic characteristics, and an energetic passion that will complement the already remarkable work of the NACA. She will support driving the continued success of NACA as the national leader in professionalism and standard setting of the animal control and service profession. She is committed to inclusive engagement and resource accessibility for the industry.

Jerrica earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from California State University-Chico and holds certifications in Animal Welfare Administration (CAWA), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Organizational Leadership, and Modern Humane Resource Management. She lives in California and is a proud wife and mother to both human, fur, and shelled (Tortoise!) babies.

As a Senior Grants Specialist, Amber works with organizations applying for grants and also helps to spread awareness about Maddie and our mission.

Prior to Maddie's Fund®, she spent nine years on the adoptions team at the San Francisco SPCA where she loved working the Holiday Windows at Macy's Event and showcasing animals on the local news. Amber started as an adoption associate, became Adoptions Coordinator and was then promoted to the Adoptions Manager of the Pacific Heights SF SPCA. She even worked with Maddie's Fund during Maddie's® Pet Adoption Days and with Maddie's® Treatable Assistance Program.

Amber feels incredibly honored and humbled to be part of the Maddie's Fund team. She's been on the receiving end of Maddie's Fund grants and understands the importance of an organization's lifesaving work.

Originally from Michigan, Amber graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Creative Writing. Originally from Michigan, Amber graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Creative Writing. She currently lives in the California Central Valley with her husband, Chris, and their three cats - Dottie Dumpling Klinecat and their twinkies, Officer Nosey "Noodles" O'Malley the Elder and Toesy "Tessie" O'Malley the Lesser.