Patty Crankshaw-Quimby, executive director of Talbot Humane & chief Animal Control Officer, recently earned her Certified Animal Welfare Administrator certification through The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, an independent agency whose mission is to help develop strong leaders and promote standards of practice in the animal welfare profession.  Crankshaw-Quimby is now one of several hundred individuals to hold this prestigious designation.

The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement administers the Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) program which distinguishes top-level executives and managers working in both nonprofit and municipal animal welfare agencies. In addition to meeting strict eligibility requirements for leadership and management in the animal welfare field, Crankshaw-Quimby needed to pass a rigorous exam to earn her CAWA designation.

The CAWA exam covers best practices in animal welfare with questions reviewing leadership, human resources, finance, fundraising, marketing, administration, and animal care.  Obtaining her CAWA status validates her work in the animal welfare field and illustrates her competency to contribute to broader animal welfare conversations as they pertain to her community and across the country.

Jim Tedford, The Association’s CEO noted, “Certified Animal Welfare Administrators have demonstrated that they hold specialized qualifications and a commitment to high standards and ethical practices in our industry. We respect their dedication to their own professional development and their pursuit of leadership excellence.”

About Patty Crankshaw-Quimby, Executive Director- Talbot Humane

Patty graduated from Salisbury University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. Her journey in animal welfare began in 1999 as an animal caretaker at Talbot Humane. Over the years she has held many positions with the organization including animal control officer, shelter coordinator and has been executive director since March 2011.

Patty is the current president of Professional Animal Workers of Maryland- the state association of animal control agencies and animal shelters, a consumer member of the Maryland Board of Veterinary Examiners, instructor for the East Coast Animal Control Academy, and sits on the Maryland Spay/Neuter Advisory Board. She resides in Easton with her husband, 3 bulldogs, 3 tortoises, 2 cats and geriatric leopard gecko.

About Talbot Humane

Talbot Humane has been committed to the welfare of animals in our communities since 1932. The mission of our open admission shelter has remained the same for 90 years- to rescue animals from cruelty and neglect, place companion animals into loving homes, reunite lost pets with their owners, and provide services and programs to enhance the lives of people and pets of our community.  A small but mighty staff and large volunteer force serve the animals and people of our area. For more information, please visit www.talbothumane.org

About The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement

Since 1970, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement has been leading the conversation among animal welfare leaders. As the only membership organization dedicated exclusively to animal welfare, care, and control professionals, The Association develops strong leaders, promotes standards of practice, and cultivates collaboration to advance the animal welfare profession with a united voice. For more information, please visit theaawa.org.