Marcia Mayeda's Blog

About Marcia Mayeda

Marcia Mayeda began her long career in animal welfare and control while still attending college. Upon graduation she joined the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as an animal cruelty investigator, and later served as the director of shelter operations. She then joined the Helping Hands Humane Society in Topeka, Kansas. As executive director of the organization, Ms. Mayeda handled daily operations such as budget management and strategic planning. She also initiated a number of community outreach programs, including a prison dog training program. After leaving Helping Hands, Marcia Mayeda joined Humane Society Silicon Valley in Santa Clara, California. During her time with the organization, she served as the director of animal care, animal services, and community outreach.

Since 2001, Marcia Mayeda has led the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control as director. Since joining the department, she has more than doubled the budget, from $21 million to $45 million, while securing $30 million for capital projects. In addition to her role with the county, she provides leadership for the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation, a nonprofit group that raises funds for the animal care and control department.

Ms. Mayeda earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from the University of San Francisco. An active member of the field, she currently holds or has previously held membership in professional groups such as the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators, the State Humane Association of California, and the California Animal Control Directors Association.