George W. Harding, IV, MBA, CAWA

 

Chief of Animal Care – San Bernardino County Department of Public Health

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With 30 years of experience in the Animal Care field, George was recently named as the Chief of Animal Care by the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health.

 

When George started his career as an Animal Control Officer in 1994, he quickly discovered his passion to help pets, and their people. His extraordinary work ethic paired with his passion and dedication for the well-being of animals led to extensive experience in animal care leadership roles. In Missouri, George led the City of Lee’s Summit’s Animal Control Department for nearly 20 years and served 12 years on the Missouri Animal Control Association Board of Directors with two terms as President and one as Vice President. He was also appointed by the Missouri Governor, Jay Nixon, as a member of the Missouri Spay/Neuter Fund Board. George later served five years as the Executive Director of the National Animal Care and Control Association before taking on the leadership role for the Animal Services Department for the City of Antioch, California.

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George holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Conservation Enforcement, and a Master of Business Administration. He is also a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) by the Association of Animal Welfare Administrators and is devoted to creating a brighter future for each organization that he has supported and overseen.

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Whether it's assisting pets in need or supporting their human companions, George has found invaluable fulfillment in his roles and is looking forward to continuing his work in San Bernardino County.

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In his free time, George and his amazing wife, Mary, share a deep love for hiking and discovering new places. Their ever-present companions on each adventure are their adored dogs, Tahoe and Sierra. They are all looking forward to exploring the San Bernardino National Forest and surrounding landscape.