Animal Care Society Appoints Sara McWaters as Executive Director

Press Release

McWaters becomes the sixth Executive Director in the organization’s 41-year history

The Board of Directors of Animal Care Society (ACS) has announced the appointment of Sara McWaters as Executive Director, effective October 1, 2025. McWaters, who joined the organization in March 2024, becomes the sixth Executive Director in ACS’s 41-year history and steps into the role after most recently serving as the shelter’s Director of Community Engagement & Administration.

“Sara brings a lot of leadership experience to the table,” said Mike Major, Chair of the ACS Board of Directors. “She has been a successful leader and manager at companies outside ACS and has proven herself as a leader in her almost two years at ACS. She’s an exemplary role model, extremely hard working, and brings a positive energy to everything she does”

Major adds, “Couple that with her obvious love for all animals, her business sense, and her community relationship skills, Sara was the obvious choice to be our Executive Director. We can’t wait for our volunteers and community to get to know her better and work with her.”

McWaters originally joined ACS in 2024 as Development Coordinator before being promoted to Director of Community Engagement & Administration later that year. In that role, she has overseen volunteer initiatives, community partnerships, internal operations, and donor engagement.

Prior to her time at ACS, McWaters held leadership roles in project management, marketing, and operations at Keller Williams Louisville East Realty and Advanced Electrical Systems. She is a Louisville native and holds an Associate of Arts degree from Jefferson Community & Technical College.

“I am deeply honored to serve as Executive Director of the Animal Care Society,” said McWaters. “This organization means so much to me, and I’m incredibly proud to work alongside a dedicated team that shares my passion for animals and community. I look forward to continuing to grow ACS’s impact through collaboration, compassion, and innovation.”

McWaters is widely respected among staff, volunteers, and community partners for her high energy, effective management style, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the dogs and cats in ACS’s care.

To learn more about Animal Care Society, including volunteer opportunities and adoptable pets, visit animalcaresociety.org