The Association Blog

What does success look like to a pro who’s been in the field for 30 years? Maybe not quite like what you’d think. Read our Q&A with the Director of Greenville County Animal Care for the full scoop

Name & Title: Shelly Simmons, Director
Organization: Greenville County Animal Care

The Association: Describe yourself in three words.
Shelly Simmons: Resilient, Committed, Evolving

The Association: How did you get started in animal welfare, and how did you land in the role you are today?
Shelly Simmons: I got my start in animal welfare thirty years ago as a “humane agent” at a small humane society in Ohio—which was really just a polite way of saying you do everything. I cleaned kennels, gave vaccines and medications, ran animal control calls, worked adoptions, coordinated rescues… if it needed doing, it was probably on my list. Over time, I moved into leadership, and eventually started looking for a new challenge and room to grow.

That search brought me to Greenville County, just as the County was launching its own Animal Care Services division after moving away from a contracted model. I stepped in during a time of big change and helped build what is now Greenville County Animal Care. I’ve served as Director since 2007 and earned my CAWA credential in 2016—and I’m still here, still learning, and still doing the work.

The Association: Wow. The animal control and animal sheltering field has moved through a lot of changes in 30 years. What is one of the most important or impactful changes you’ve experienced?
Shelly Simmons: One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen in this field is realizing that shelters aren’t the solution to pet overpopulation. The real work happens in the community. For years, success was measured by how efficiently we processed animals once they arrived at the shelter. Today, the focus is on keeping them from entering the shelter in the first place—through spay/neuter access, community cat programs, and pet support services that help people keep their pets. As a municipal shelter director, that shift has been incredibly meaningful.

The Association: Considering your career so far, what achievement are you most proud of?
Shelly Simmons: Honestly, I don’t have one single achievement that stands out above the rest. If anything, what I’m most proud of is simply staying in this work—continuing to show up, adapt, and lead through constant change, high stakes, and hard decisions. Animal welfare isn’t a career with clear finish lines or easy wins, and longevity itself takes resilience, perspective, and commitment. Being able to look back and say I’m still here, still learning, and still pushing for better outcomes for animals and people alike feels like an accomplishment in its own right.

The Association: Absolutely, this is a field where you have to keep learning all the time. What’s one new thing you’ve learned recently, and one thing you’ve taught someone else?
Shelly Simmons: One thing I’ve been reminded of lately is how powerful collaboration can be when everyone is actually pulling in the same direction. We recently partnered with our local humane society, our clinic, and several regional groups for a two-day TNR event with a goal of fixing 500 community cats for free. Veterinary faculty, nonprofits, and a whole lot of volunteers showed up and got it done. It was a good reminder that the problems in this field get a lot more manageable when people stop working in silos and start working together.

I’ve also seen just how effective community advocates can be when they’re treated like partners instead of outsiders. Here in Greenville County, we’ve worked closely with our animal control officers and local advocates to help educate elected officials and the public about animal welfare issues. That collaboration led to meaningful, enforceable updates to our county ordinances that passed with 100% support from County Council.

My teachable moment? Good intentions are not a strategy. Passion brings people into this work, but clear structure and realistic expectations are what actually make programs succeed.

The Association: What is your next goal or milestone you’re working toward, professionally or personally?
Shelly Simmons: My next milestone is reaching retirement with both my values and my sense of humor intact. In the meantime, I’m focused on building systems that last, mentoring future leaders, and doing the kind of work that lets me eventually step away knowing things are in good hands. If I can make it to retirement still caring deeply, laughing often, and without flinching when my phone rings, I’ll consider that a major success.

The Association: Can you share your words to live by?
Shelly Simmons: Keep showing up, embrace change, and remember to laugh, especially on the hard days.

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