All current members of the Texas Animal Control Association are entitled to vote for the Board of Directors that leads the Association. Ballots must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Friday, November 7th to be counted. Validity of any questionable ballot will be determined by the Nomination Committee of the Texas Animal Control Association Board of Directors and their decision is final.
If you are unable to register to vote, your membership is likely listed as lapsed in the system. Only current certified members have voting rights. Please click here to obtain or renew your membership. If you feel there is a mistake in the system, please email Al Garces so that corrections can be made.
Candidates
Executive Officer (One Position Available)
Edna Ellis
It is with great enthusiasm that I, Edna Ellis, accept the nomination of Executive Board Member on the Texas Animal Control Association (TACA) Board. With over a decade of dedicated service to TACA and a robust career in animal services and city government, I am eager to continue contributing to our shared mission of advancing animal welfare and professional excellence. My journey began in South Padre Island, Texas, where I earned certifications as an Animal Control Officer, Code Enforcement Officer, and Vector Control specialist, while also conducting plan reviews and health inspections. This diverse foundation fueled my passion for animal welfare, leading me to serve as an Animal Control Officer in another city, where I quickly advanced to Senior Animal Control Officer. Since July 2014, I have proudly served as the Animal Services Supervisor for the City of Leander, where I continue to lead with compassion and expertise. For over 13 years, I have been an active TACA member, serving in various leadership roles, including President, Past-President, Executive Board Member, and Board Member. These experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of our organization’s goals and the needs of our members. I am committed to fostering collaboration, promoting professional development, and advocating for the highest standards in animal control and welfare. I am deeply honored to seek your support to serve on the TACA Board. With your vote, I pledge to continue championing the values and mission of TACA, ensuring a brighter future for our profession and the animals we serve. Thank you for your consideration.
Board of Director Candidates (Three Positions Available)
Kat Cortelyou
Kat Cortelyou brings over a decade of experience in animal welfare with a strong background in animal rescue and shelter management. As the Animal Services Manager for the City of Athens, she has led initiatives in animal control and sheltering, authored municipal ordinances, and developed fostering and transport programs that have transformed local shelter operations. Passionate about advancing animal welfare, Kat has expanded community outreach programs for spay and neuter services, testified before the Texas Senate on behalf of THLN regarding animal sales, and advised rescue groups across Texas on implementing effective ordinances in their own communities. Beyond her professional work, Kat actively volunteers with animal nonprofits, fosters rescue animals, and mentors young professionals entering the field. With expertise in financial oversight, strategic leadership, and community advocacy, she looks forward to contributing to the continued success of TACA as a board member.
Edward Cruz
My name is Edward Cruz and I work with the City of Fort Worth as a Animal Control Officer. I have been with the TACA Board in some capacity for the last 7 years and in that time I feel like I have learned a lot about how the board works, what it means to be a board member, and have been listening to some of the feedback our members provide about how they would like us to improve their experience with our Association. I would like to continue to serve the Members of TACA and help our Association continue to move forward. I do not just want to be on this board for the sake of being on this board I would like to continue to make a difference in how not only our membership sees this Association but the rest of the world. I appreciate your vote and look forward to seeing you all at the conference.
Carol Hettinger
Animal control officer for the city of Beaumont for the past 11 years, cruelty certified, and have a passion for animals.
Miranda Koenig
I’ve worked in animal services for 8 years and have always been dedicated to animals. I’m passionate about being a voice for change, improving care for animals and communities, and supporting the people who serve in this field.
Angel Linscott
I began my career in Animal Control in 2018, driven by a passion for protecting both animals and the communities we serve. In 2023, I was honored to join the Texas Animal Control Association Board, where I’ve worked to support officers across the state through education, advocacy, and collaboration. In 2022, I was recognized as Field Officer of the Year, an award that reflects not just my dedication in the field, but also my commitment to professionalism and excellence in our industry. I am running for re-election because I believe strongly in the mission of TACA and want to continue serving as a voice for Animal Control professionals. My goal is to keep advancing training, resources, and recognition for officers, ensuring we are supported as we face the challenges of this ever-evolving field. I would be grateful for your vote so I can continue working alongside my peers to strengthen and grow TACA.
Wesley Milner
With more than 18 years in public service and the last 7 years dedicated to animal welfare in North Texas, Wesley Milner brings both experience and heart to the mission of our Texas Animal Control Association. He currently leads the Field Services team for Grapevine Animal Services, where he has been instrumental in building processes that strengthen operations and support growth. As a Certified Humane Animal Investigator through the University of Missouri’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School, he has also played a key role in increasing the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty cases. Known for building strong relationships and fostering collaboration, he pairs professional expertise with compassion for animals and people alike. His leadership and dedication make him an exceptional candidate to serve the hardworking professionals of animal welfare in the State of Texas, and beyond, as a Board Member of your Texas Animal Control Association.
Jorge Moya
I am an Animal Welfare & Rescue Officer for the City of New Braunfels, Texas, where I enforce local and state animal codes, respond to citizen concerns, and work closely with law enforcement to protect both animals and people. Over the past seven years, I have built extensive experience in animal care and wildlife management, starting as a Primate Keeper at the Gladys Porter Zoo and later serving as an Animal Keeper at Fragile Planet Wildlife Park and an Education Assistant at the Gladys Porter Zoo. These roles strengthened my expertise in animal husbandry, safety protocols, and public outreach. Throughout my career, I have developed strong leadership and problem-solving skills, whether managing emergency responses, training staff, or creating education programs that connect communities with wildlife conservation. I place a high priority on regulatory compliance and proactive solutions to reduce conflicts between people and animals. To complement my field experience, I am advancing my education in business and accounting to enhance strategic planning, budgeting, and policy development.
Richard Sharp
Retired 24 year Paramedic. Now in second career as an Animal Control Officer. Currently seeking degree in Animal Welfare. Father and husband. Devout Christian.
Morgan Woodward
Morgan Woodward brings over 20 years of dedicated animal welfare leadership, including 15 years as a municipal shelter director in Florida. He has successfully managed shelter operations, budgets, and teams, consistently focusing on humane outcomes and community engagement. Morgan holds a degree in business administration as well as FEMA certifications, National Animal Control and National Animal Cruelty Investigator credentials, underscoring his commitment to professional standards and best practices in the field. His extensive experience spans both nonprofit and private sectors, including a director position with the Florida Animal Control Association and was a founding member of the North Carolina Animal Federation. Morgan’s proven leadership, operational expertise, and dedication to collaboration make him well-suited to serve as a Director with the Texas Animal Control Association.
