City Appoints Interim Director of Animal Care Services

Published on July 01, 2024

Search continues for permanent replacement.

SAN ANTONIO (July 1, 2024) – Effective July 15, 2024, City Manager Erik Walsh has appointed Michael Shannon, PE, CBO, to serve as the Interim Director of the Animal Care Services Department. This interim appointment ensures that ACS continues to provide critical resources and services to the community as we continue the recruitment process to hire the next ACS Director. 

“Michael is a proven executive with the management and leadership experience to help in this interim period,” City Manager Erik Walsh said. “We have gone through a recent recruitment and interview process with potential candidates. I have chosen to continue to recruit candidates for this critical role for our organization.”

The City remains committed to hiring an ACS Director that possesses the experience, values and vision to lead the department forward to provide exceptional, compassionate care and education that promotes a safe community for the health and well-being of pets and the people who love them.

“I appreciate and want to thank the ACS Board and a multitude of stakeholders who were involved in this process,” Walsh added. “Their engagement will continue as we move forward. The ideal candidate will strengthen and foster relationships with the animal care community, our partners and stakeholders; champion a healthy and thriving workforce; and support the placement of pets for life with a focus on enforcement.”

Shannon has worked with the City of San Antonio for 22 years, most recently as the director of the Development Services Department (DSD) since 2017. He also served as an ACS board member for four years. Shannon’s current responsibilities include overseeing land development, zoning, permitting, building inspections, code enforcement and graffiti abatement. Shannon has a Master of Science in Fire Protection Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, both from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Texas, holds multiple International Code Council national certifications including Certified Building Official, and is a Texas state-licensed Code Enforcement Officer.

While Shannon is working with ACS, Amin Tohmaz, PE, CBO will serve as Interim Director of the Development Services Department. Amin has served as Deputy Development Services Director since 2019 after serving as Assistant Director since September 2017.