ASAP CatsAfter an extensive nationwide search, ASAP Cats (Animal Shelter Assistance Program) is pleased to announce that Alana Yañez has been hired as the organization’s new Executive Director. Alana brings with her a wealth of animal welfare knowledge and management experience.
Animals and the environment have long been passions for Alana. She joins ASAP after almost 10 years as senior manager the Pets for Life Program, for the Humane Society of the United States in Los Angeles. The Pets for Life Los Angeles Program works to build humane communities by comprehensively addressing the lack of accessible and affordable veterinary care in underserved communities. Alana was responsible for developing and overseeing all aspects of the program from the ground up. She trained multiple animal welfare organizations, locally and statewide, on how to implement a similar outreach program in their respective communities. The program has proven to be extremely successful in reaching the most underserved residents with little-to-no access to veterinary and other pet services.
In July 2017, State Senator Kevin de León appointed Alana to serve on the Veterinary Medical Board where she currently serves as a public member. Alana worked for 5 years as a Field Deputy for Senator De León before accepting the senior management position at Pets for Life, Los Angeles. Prior to graduating from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in biology, Alana worked as an animal care technician for the Santa Cruz SPCA and as a veterinary technician for a private practice veterinary hospital.
Alana’s first official day with ASAP will be March 22, 2021. She will be filling the position vacated by Angela Walters Yates who became the Director of Santa Barbara County Animal Services in September of 2020. We look forward to welcoming Alana to the ASAP community!
