Front Street Animal Shelter is welcoming a new leader. April Stevenson joins the City of Sacramento as manager of the Community Development Department’s Animal Care Services Division, bringing more than 20 years of experience in shelter operations, animal welfare and municipal animal services.
Stevenson will oversee Front Street Animal Shelter, field services and animal care programs that protect public safety while serving Sacramento residents and animals. She begins her new role on Monday, July 27.
“April is an experienced public servant with a proven track record of leading animal care organizations and building strong partnerships,” City Manager Maraskeshia Smith said. “Her leadership, operational expertise and commitment to serving both animals and people make her an outstanding addition to our team.”
Most recently, Stevenson served as Management Analyst II and Senior Animal Services Officer for the City of Rancho Cordova, where she oversaw the Animal Services Division, managed a $5 million budget, supervised staff and supported strategic planning and operational improvements.
Prior to joining Rancho Cordova, Stevenson served as Shelter Operations Manager for Placer SPCA, overseeing daily shelter operations, staff, volunteers and animal care programs. She also spent more than a decade with the City of Berkeley Animal Care Services, where she advanced through several positions managing volunteer, foster, rescue and community outreach programs.
“I am honored to join the City of Sacramento and lead the Animal Care Services Division and Front Street Animal Shelter,” Stevenson said. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, rescue partners and community to continue providing compassionate care for animals while delivering outstanding service to Sacramento residents.”
Stevenson earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Management from William Jessup University. She also serves as treasurer for Save the Snakes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to snake conservation and education.
As division manager, Stevenson said her priorities include supporting the dedicated team of staff and volunteers, collaborating with community partners, advancing innovative programs to maximize positive outcomes for animals and continuing to provide compassionate, transparent and responsive service to Sacramento residents.
She looks forward to building on Front Street Animal Shelter’s mission of protecting public safety, promoting responsible pet ownership and improving outcomes for animals throughout Sacramento.
