City Taps Budget Manager Chegwidden to Run Animal Shelter

SAN ANGELO, TX – City officials have announced Morgan Chegwidden as the new Assistant Director of the Neighborhood and Family Services Department. 

Chegwidden replaces James Flores who resigned earlier this month.  She will manage the animal shelter and oversee Code Compliance.

Chegwidden for the last 12 years has been the city’s budget manager and she and her husband Jason have fostered over 30 dogs in the recent years.  Chegwidden says she’s excited about the new position, “I have tremendous respect for the staff at the shelter and I’m looking forward to continuing the successes of the last few years.” 

She says she has the opportunity to build on the work that has been done, “I bring a fresh perspective and I want to spay and neuter and place as many pets as we can.”

Bob Salas, Neighborhood and Family Services Director, said in a statement released in a City press release that "the shelter has enjoyed much success [over] the past 2 1/2 years ... euthanasia numbers are down dramatically, no adoptable pet has been put down in 14 months, adoptions are up thanks to a partnership with Concho Valley PAWS, the shelter has earned high marks on two state inspections, and [the shelter] has hosted events and embraced more volunteer involvement." This success, Salas believes, will continue to grow under the leadership of Morgan Chegwidden.  Jenie Wilson with Concho valley Paws added that Chegwidden is the right person for the job, “I’m very pleased Morgan was selected for the job!  Congratulations!”

Chegwidden recently received her master's degree in business administration and was honored as one of San Angelo's 20 Under 40 rising young leaders last year. 

Mayor Brenda Gunter was joined by city councilmen Harry Thomas and Lane Carter at the announcement earlier this afternoon.   

Chegwidden's promotion is effective immediately; however, she will continue to assist the Finance Department in crafting the 2017-18 budget, which takes effect on Oct. 1.