Animal care expert Kristen Auerbach will join Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) July 10 as department director.

After serving as a senior officer at two shelters, where she reduced intake and increased adoption rates, Auerbach comes to PACC as it expands to a new campus and transforms into an independent department of Pima County, according to a press release. In 2016, PACC saved 90 percent of the pets arriving at its facility, the group is striving to improve outcomes for puppies, kittens and large dogs.

"I'm excited to join the team at Pima Animal Care Center, which is already well-known for leading the way in lifesaving animal services,” Auerbach said in the release. “I can't wait to build on the momentum of such a great organization and help save even more lives by engaging the community.”

Auerbach previously served at the Austin Animal Center in Texas, as well as the Fairfax County Animal Shelter in northern Virginia, according to the release.

Dr. Francisco Garcia, assistant county administrator for health services and chief medical officer, welcomed Auerbach on behalf of the facility.

"She has the vision, passion, and leadership skills we need to take PACC to the next level of lifesaving and public service," Garcia said in the release.