Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced on Jan. 30 that Susan Cappello has been named acting executive director of Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC).

"I am excited to announce that Susan Cappello will step up and serve as the acting executive director," Lightfoot said, according to Chicago.gov. "Her years of experience at CACC have provided her with the skills and expertise needed for the role, and she has proven her dedication to the city and its animals. I am grateful for her leadership as we work to identify the next executive director who will continue fostering success at our shelter."

Cappello, who has worked for the city for more than 30 years, will succeed Mamadou Diakhate, who left to take a position as administrator of Cook County’s Department of Animal and Rabies Control.

Cappello previously served as administrative services officer, human resources business partner, and, most recently, deputy director of CACC. Cappello said she will continue to head the department and work diligently on behalf of Chicagoans, their pets and wildlife in her new position.

“On behalf of the city, I would like to thank outgoing Executive Director Mamadou Diakhate for his years of dedication and leadership at Chicago Animal Care and Control,” Cappello said, according to Chicago.gov. “The city of Chicago and its animals are indebted to him for strengthening the department’s vision these past 19 years. During his tenure at CACC, Mamadou held the roles of supervisor of animal care aides, shelter manager, operations manager and deputy director. Mamadou’s focused leadership has resulted in changes that ultimately maximized the outcomes and lives of animals at CACC. We wish him well in all of his future endeavors.”

CACC promotes public safety and animal welfare by providing shelter, pet placement, education and enforcing laws. CACC, Chicago's only open-admission municipal shelter, receives more than 40,000 animal-related queries and service requests a year through its 311 call center. CACC has a fully equipped medical division to tend to the animals in its care, which includes sheltering about 500 animals. It has more than 60 staff and an annual budget of about $7 million, according to Chicago.gov.