Meet Debra Jennings, Director of Shelter Operations at the Animal Protective Foundation. Debra has been with the APF for 4 years and we are so grateful to have her on our team!

Tell us what you do here at the APF: As the Director of Shelter Operations, I oversee aspects of daily shelter management to ensure the highest standards of animal care, staff performance, and operational efficiency. I am responsible for supervising staff, assisting with supervising volunteers, helping in managing animal intake and adoptions, ensuring proper protocols are followed, and maintaining a clean, safe, and humane environment.

What do you enjoy most about working at the APF? What I love most about working at the APF is the incredible team I’m part of. Everyone is so supportive, and we truly work together as a unit — it makes coming to work every day something I genuinely look forward to. I also feel deeply fulfilled being part of the difference we make in the lives of animals. Every one of them deserves a second chance at a forever home, and knowing I play even a small role in that journey means the world to me.

Tell us about something you accomplished here at the APF that you are particularly proud of: I'm proud of my professional growth over the past four years. I’ve progressed from Client Services Manager to Associate Director of Operations and now serve as the Director of Shelter Operations.

Do you have any pets at home? My home is basically a mini zoo. There's Fern, my Border Collie who’s convinced her full-time job is supervising everyone or that my full-time job should be to throw her ball; Payton, a sassy Jack Russell mix with big opinions; Smidge, my orange tabby who struts around like he owns the place; and a bunch of quirky chickens who are actually pretty entertaining.

What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, spending time with my animals, and making memories with my husband and kids. I especially love being near the ocean, it's my favorite place to recharge and reconnect.

Stay tuned for more APF Staff Spotlights!