San Antonio’s Search for Animal Care Services Director Takes Unexpected Turns
San Antonio has been in search of a new director for its Animal Care Services (ACS) department since May, when former director Shannon Sims announced his resignation. The process has recently sparked controversy, raising eyebrows about the integrity of the hiring process. As the city pushes forward with the search, there are lingering questions surrounding the actions of one city official in particular.
What’s Happening?
In January, the city signed a $30,000 contract with Affion Public, a recruiting firm based in Pennsylvania, to help conduct a fair and unbiased search for the new ACS director. However, internal emails have revealed that Assistant City Manager David McCary may have attempted to sway the process in favor of certain candidates, undermining the very objective of the contract with Affion.
Initially, McCary was concerned about how his influence could be perceived during the hiring process. According to City of San Antonio Executive Recruiter Jeff Baldwin, McCary explicitly wanted potential candidates to feel that there was no outside influence affecting their chance at the position. Yet, it appears he did not stick to that plan tightly, and it might have led to some troubling conflicts.
A Favor for a Friend?
McCary reportedly asked recruiters to move Charlene Ducote, a member of the ACS Advisory Board, onto the finalist list, despite the recruiting firm previously deeming her unqualified for the role. This request was made even after Affion Public’s CEO, Scott Reilly, mentioned that Ducote’s application didn’t meet the necessary qualifications.
Further complicating matters, emails indicate that another candidate, Christy Ortiz-Andrews, encountered McCary during a meeting to discuss her application. In her words, McCary exhibited what she described as “biased and unprofessional conduct” during her application process. In fact, after the meeting, McCary told another city employee that Ortiz-Andrews had been confrontational about her application status, a statement he later walked back in a letter to his department.
City’s Stance
When asked about these incidents, McCary chose not to comment on why he pushed Ducote ahead over others or why he changed his narrative regarding Ortiz-Andrews. However, he asserted that “it is ultimately the City’s responsibility to vet and choose the next director of Animal Care Services.”
The city manager, Erik Walsh, who will ultimately make the final decision on the ACS director, also did not respond to requests for feedback on the matter. This silence leaves many uncertainties hanging as the recruitment process continues.
What’s Next for ACS?
The city formally began its search for a new ACS director last December and has thus far seen only 18 applicants come forward. After a series of tumultuous events surrounding Sims’ departure, including headlines about dog attacks and accusations of censorship on social media, the pressure is on to find the right candidate. Not to mention, the city has endured negative media attention due to McCary’s alleged attempts to manipulate the hiring process.
As of now, the search is ongoing, with hopes that the city’s executive approach will yield a strong candidate who will contribute positively to the animal care community.
Final Thoughts
The current situation has raised several questions about the ethics of the hiring practices involved. With the recruiting firm’s integrity possibly compromised, many in the city are asking for a clear, transparent path forward. After a controversial resignation and ongoing public scrutiny regarding ACS, it’s crucial that the hiring process—especially for an important role affecting animal welfare—remains above board. With San Antonio residents keenly watching, the city’s next moves will be pivotal not only for its reputation but for the welfare of countless animals under its care.
