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Kozachik Takes the Helm: New Leadership at Pima County Shelter
Steve Kozachik has officially been named the permanent director of the Pima County Animal Care Center (PACC). The former Tucson City councilman has been in this role on an interim basis since December after resigning from his council seat in March to join the county staff.
County Administrator Jan Lesher made the announcement on Friday, stating that after a national search, Kozachik was deemed the best candidate for the position. “We cover everything from Ajo to Vail. We’ve got 470 dogs and about 150 cats in the shelter today,” Kozachik remarked, emphasizing the extensive responsibilities that come with the role.
PACC faces significant challenges, including a shortage of resources and a backlog of animal cruelty cases. Currently, 18 animal protection officers serve an area spanning 9,200 square miles, highlighting the scale of the issues at hand.
Despite these challenges, Kozachik noted that there are positive aspects to the operation. “We have a clinic operating like a MASH unit, with veterinarians and techs. We’ve got 3,000 volunteers who help walk dogs and otherwise pitch in,” he stated, indicating a strong community presence and support system.
The selection process for the new PACC director involved interviews with seven candidates. However, according to Lesher, only one finalist followed through with the interview process. After assessing candidate feedback and skills, she concluded that Kozachik was best suited to lead.
“PACC is resource-starved, like every department in the county,” Kozachik explained. He pointed to the need for increased spaying and neutering of pets, a situation the county aims to address through a variety of initiatives, including free clinics and outreach campaigns aimed at underrepresented communities.
His appointment follows the departure of former PACC Director Monica Dangler, who oversaw a significant reduction in euthanasia rates and dog bites during her tenure. Dangler’s strategy focused on compassionate care, significantly decreasing unnecessary animal deaths by 94 percent.
Before his role at PACC, Kozachik held a position at the University of Arizona and worked on the Mosaic Quarter, a public-private athletic development. His experience and long-standing commitment to the community are set to shape the future of animal care in Pima County.
