Darla McCammon with her dog Sandy

WARSAW—Animal Welfare League Executive Director Darla McCammon has announced plans to retire. A search is underway for a qualified replacement.

McCammon has given her intentions to retire to her board of directors.

“We have had an unbelievable ten years in turning this shelter around into the no-kill organization that is thriving today,” McCammon said. “I have been so gratified at the public acceptance of our positive changes and the new building that is going to be appearing as a wonderful sanctuary for our animals very soon.”

“Although I have enjoyed the challenges and the rewards of helping people and pets at our wonderful shelter, there are some health issues and also the fact that my family has been deprived of so much while I have been working here,” McCammon said. “It is only fair to give them back some of that lost time. I hope to do that by traveling, enjoying each other and expanding other areas of endeavor that through this time have been only accomplished on evenings and days off work. A good example of that sacrifice is the fact that I have not picked up a paint brush to create a painting in over two years!”  

McCammon has won many awards, including the Rotary Pete Thorn award. She’s also won several awards in art, writing, and in marketing at AT&T. McCammon also writes a weekly Art in Action column. She does a Pet of the Week radio show on Willie 103.5, and has written several books, intending to finish the most recent titled The Lobstick Tree once she has more time during retirement.

“I will miss everyone at the shelter, but I plan to stay involved as much as possible,” McCammon said. “It is very important to find the right person for this job. My wonderful staff deserves someone who will continue with all the improvements we have made, and continue to make even more.” 

For that reason, McCammon asks anyone who might consider applying for this position to please send a resume to Woody Zimmerman, board President AWL at Warsaw Radio Stations. 

“The best candidate will have a degree, work experience in a not-for-profit organization, plus work experience in an animal shelter environment, and believe in a “no-kill” approach to animal shelters,” McCammon said.  

McCammon ended by saying, “I love this community. The people here have been wonderful and very supportive of the difficult job it is to run such an enterprise as the Animal Welfare League. I appreciate everyone who has pitched in and helped us along the way. And if you would like to give me a going-away gift, we still need just a bit more funding toward our beautiful new building. Rather than sending me a personal gift, please give it on behalf of the animals!”