Brande Kupfer, Intake Supervisor at Anderson County PAWS recently earned her Certified Animal Welfare Administrator certification through The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, an independent agency whose mission is to help develop strong leaders and promote standards of practice in the animal welfare profession. Kupfer is now one of several hundred individuals to hold this prestigious designation.
The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement administers the Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) program which distinguishes top-level executives and managers working in both nonprofit and municipal animal welfare agencies. In addition to meeting strict eligibility requirements for leadership and management in the animal welfare field, Kupfer needed to pass a rigorous exam to earn her CAWA designation.
The CAWA exam covers best practices in animal welfare with questions reviewing leadership, human resources, finance, fundraising, marketing, administration, and animal care. Obtaining her CAWA status validates Kupfer’s work in the animal welfare field and illustrates her competency to contribute to broader animal welfare conversations as they pertain to her community and across the country.
Jim Tedford, The Association’s CEO noted, “Certified Animal Welfare Administrators have demonstrated that they hold specialized qualifications and a commitment to high standards and ethical practices in our industry. We respect their dedication to their own professional development and their pursuit of leadership excellence.”
About Brande Kupfer, Intake Supervisor, Anderson County PAWS
Brande has been involved in animal welfare for the last 17 years. She has been the Intake Supervisor at PAWS for 4 years and was integral in their success in implementing Best Practice Strategies that took the shelter from a 52% save rate to over 90%.
About The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement
Since 1970, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement has been leading the conversation among animal welfare leaders. As the only membership organization dedicated exclusively to animal welfare, care, and control professionals, The Association develops strong leaders, promotes standards of practice, and cultivates collaboration to advance the animal welfare profession with a united voice. For more information, please visit theaawa.org.