Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of Susan Cappello as Executive Director of Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC), following her successful tenure as Acting Executive Director since January 2023.  Cappello, who began working for the City of Chicago in 1990, brings more than 36 years of public service experience to the role. She previously served as Deputy Director of CACC and has held several leadership positions with the City, including Administrative Services Officer and Human Resources Business Partner. During her tenure as Acting Executive Director, Cappello led the department through record setting achievements and expanded lifesaving initiatives. In 2025, Chicago Animal Care and Control recorded the highest number of adoptions in its recorded history and the highest number of animals transferred to rescue partners in over a decade. Chicago Animal Care and Control is the City’s only municipal animal shelter and is responsible for protecting public safety and ensuring the humane treatment of animals through sheltering, pet placement, education, and animal law enforcement. CACC employs approximately 70 staff members and operates with an annual budget of $8.17 million.