Sampson County’s new animal shelter director, whose hire was announced Friday following his selection from among some 20 applicants for the job, will begin Jan. 7.

“Sampson County is pleased to announce the selection of Alan W. Canady as director of the Sampson County Animal Shelter,” a press release stated. “Canady will begin his employment with Sampson County on Monday, Jan. 7.”

Canady is currently employed as the lead officer with Cumberland County Animal Control, where he has worked for nearly six years. He previously served as an acting animal control supervisor for Cumberland County Animal Control, and has also been employed by the Sampson County Sheriff’s Department and the North Carolina Department of Corrections.

Canady holds national animal cruelty investigation certifications, and NACA (National Animal Control Association) I and II certifications. In addition to his animal control duties, Canady is a volunteer firefighter and EMT with Eastover Fire Department.

He beat out 19 other applicants for the position.

“Mr. Canady comes to the position not only with training and experience in the care and handling of animals,” said county manager Ed Causey, “but also with management, budgetary, and most importantly, customer relations experience that will enhance the operation of the shelter and ensure positive and productive working relationships with our many organizational partners.”

Causey expressed his appreciation to Lori Baxter, who served as interim shelter director since June.

“Ms. Baxter is a passionate advocate for animals, and during her tenure the shelter made great strides in increasing animal adoptions, initiating volunteer programs and improving community outreach,” said Causey. “We expect the shelter to build upon the good work she began.”

In recent weeks, Baxter stayed mum about whether she applied for the job, but ultimately told followers of the local shelter’s Facebook page that she “did not accept the job because it was not offered to me.”

The announcement of the new shelter hire was first made on the county shelter’s Facebook page by Baxter, saying last Friday, Dec. 21, would be her last day and thanking followers of the page for supporting the shelter and asked for them to continue doing so. Holder confirmed Cannady’s hire later Friday, stating that he informed his current employer of his departure Friday, so the county was able to release information on the hire.

Roger Bradshaw, who has worked at the Sampson County Animal Shelter for the past six years, will serve as interim director until Canady takes the reins as permanent shelter director Jan. 7.

Chris Berendt can be reached at 910-592-8137 ext. 121 or via email at sicrime@heartlandpublications.com.