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November 23, 2008

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News: Press Release

VICKI DAVIS EARNS ANIMAL WELFARE ADMINISTRATOR CERTIFICATION

December 7, 2004 - The international Society of Animal Welfare Administrators (SAWA) has awarded Vicki Davis, Executive Director of the Tri-County Humane Society with the credential of Certified Animal Welfare Administrator. Vicki met stringent eligibility requirements and passed a rigorous certification examination that measured her knowledge, skills and achievements.

The certification exam is part of a new SAWA program and was offered for the first time in San Diego this past November to top-level non-profit and municipal managers. Of those taking the exam, Vicki was one of the 51% who passed.

SAWA created the new accreditation program to recognize managers working in nonprofit and municipal agencies for their knowledge, experience and expertise. A team of seasoned animal services and protection professionals worked for twelve months with CPS Human Resource Services to develop the exam.

“Animal welfare and protection is a highly specialized field,” said SAWA president John Nagy, “and this certification is a significant demonstration of Vicki’s achievement. St. Cloud has reason to be proud of Vicki and should now have even greater confidence in Tri-County Humane Society’s high standards, use of ‘best practices,’ and ability to carry out their mission.”

Qualifications to take the examination were extensive and the 100-question exam tested knowledge of administration and management, personnel supervision and leadership, public relations and fundraising, animal care and treatment, and reasoning.

Unlike other health and societal issues supported by charitable organizations, there is no “parent” organization for animal protection agencies. Each is a separate organization, usually serving, and being supported by a local community. Many are privately funded 501 (c) 3 nonprofits, others are municipal agencies. Having a certified administrator leading an agency will soon be of widespread importance to donors, board members, volunteers, people making hiring decisions for animal organization managers, and the community it serves.

“These newly certified managers represent the beginning of a movement that will help ensure the highest possible standards in animal welfare organizations,” said Nagy.

SAWA, a nonprofit management organization founded in 1970, promotes excellence in leadership and provides high-level training for administrators of animal protection, care and control organizations. SAWA has more than 350 members from 41 states, the District of Columbia, Australia and Canada.

CPS Humane Resource Services is a 70-year old, self-supporting governmental agency committed to improving human resources in the public sector.

AVID The Microchip Company and Hill’s Pet Nutrition were charter sponsors for SAWA’s Certified Animal Welfare Administrator program. “We greatly appreciate the generous support of Avid The Microchip Company and Hill’s Pet Nutrition in helping to make this important program a success,” said Nagy.

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On behalf of the Tri-County Humane Society Board of Directors, I am delighted to offer a hearty congratulations to our Executive Director, Vicki Davis. Vicki’s years of experience, extensive knowledge, and vast amount of skills are truly the perfect combination—enabling her to pass a difficult exam and become the only Certified Animal Welfare Administrator in Minnesota. Without a doubt, we have a competent and compassionate leader here at TCHS, and we are very fortunate. Congratulations, Vicki!
With Sincere Appreciation,
Wendy Altobell
President, TCHS Board of Directors

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