Cumberland Animal Services director begins new role

Elaine B. Smith resigned last June after nearly seven years leading Cumberland County's Animal Services, and the county appointed Diane Pfeifer, an operations and management professional, as the new director; officials say Pfeifer's executive experience will address recruitment, budget and system-building needs.

Elaine B. Smith resigned as Cumberland County's Animal Services director last June after nearly seven years leading the department. The county appointed Diane Pfeifer, a current county employee with a background in operations and management, as the new director. County officials have said Pfeifer's experience in enterprise planning, risk management and service delivery will help address recruitment, budget and system-building challenges. The change comes after a period when the shelter received public attention for program improvements and ongoing hiring needs. Key details: - Smith resigned in June after nearly seven years and led programs that raised the shelter's live-release rates to over 80% and expanded veterinary services. - Smith launched a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return program that sterilized thousands of feral cats, secured grants, and supported community efforts such as "Clear the Shelters" and the Dog's Day Out volunteer initiative. - The county appointed Diane Pfeifer, who most recently served as an innovation strategist and is a Certified Public Manager working on a four-year degree in information technology management. - Pfeifer managed Julia Rose Ranch from 2021 to 2024 and has experience in agriculture and animal operations; county leaders cited her executive experience for recruitment and system-building work. - Animal Services maintains more than 40 employees including field officers, and the county reported 20 applications for the director position. Summary: Smith's programs delivered measurable operational changes for the shelter while county leaders say Pfeifer's management background is intended to address staffing and system needs going forward. Undetermined at this time.