(Lawrenceville, Ga., Oct. 6, 2017) –  Cindy Wiemann, assistant manager of the Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Division, recently received the President’s Award from the Southeastern Animal Control Association, the group’s highest honor.

“Cindy’s hard work and dedication embodies the mission of the Southeastern Animal Control Association,” said Martha Ann Coe of Terrell County and president of the Southeastern Animal Control Association. “She is totally an advocate for the safety and well-being of all animals. Cindy has drive like no one else I’ve ever seen. She’s a valuable asset to the animal welfare community.”

Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Manager Curt Harrell said Wiemann is well-respected among animal welfare professionals. “We’re extremely proud of Cindy,” Harrell said. “She deserves the award because she is very knowledgeable and has years of experience. Cindy leads by example. She helps this shelter run smoothly and in accordance with best practices, which is good for the taxpayers and good for the animals.”

Wiemann said she was surprised to receive the President’s Award. “I’m really humbled by this award,” Wiemann said. “It means a lot coming from my peers. They know what we do and what we go through. They’re your toughest critics.”

Wiemann has been an animal control officer for 18 years, rising from a road officer to a shelter manager. She is president of the Georgia Animal Care and Control Board of Directors and has been elected to the board of directors of the National Animal Care and Control Association, where she serves as treasurer. She is a member of the NACCA executive, legislative, finance and disaster committees. She has also testified on pet-related legislation at the Georgia Capitol.

Wiemann is a disaster response volunteer for the Humane Society of the United States and serves an adviser to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the Georgia Department of Agriculture on the rescue and care of pets in disasters. She also serves on the board of directors for the Georgia Pet Foundation, a nonprofit, and is on the steering committee for the Georgia Companion Animal Partnership.

Wiemann joined Gwinnett County in March 2016. Before that, she spent 17 years as animal control officer for the city of Madison. She also served as a veterinarian’s assistant in Conyers.