February 13, 2020

Statement from Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

"As Executive Director, Kelley Gandurski’s values and vision transformed Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) for our residents and the animals they care for. Kelley's abiding belief in public service is why she stepped up at a critical time for the department and took this position. During her tenure, Kelley restored trust with advocates and residents, reformed critical services, and fostered partnerships and programs with the community and fellow animal care organizations, all of which led to a record high level of pet adoptions. Of course, many Chicagoans will remember Kelley for her leadership during last year's Humboldt Park Lagoon alligator incident, but the true measure of Kelley's service is the eight years she dedicated to the residents of Chicago through her work at the City's Law Department and CACC. While the City conducts a national search for the next Executive Director of CACC, we thank Deputy Director Mamadou Diakhate for stepping into the role as interim. We wish Kelley nothing but the best as she continues her remarkable career."