Broward County Animal Care's rising leaders earn Legacy South Florida 40 Under 40 recognition
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Key Points(5)
- Three emerging leaders from Broward County Animal Care have been recognized among Legacy South Florida's 40 Under 40 Leaders for Today and Tomorrow , an honor celebrating young professionals whose leadership, service and commitment are helping shape the future of South Florida.
- The honorees — Modesto Mercedes Jr., program project coordinator; Shanika Prentice, intake supervisor; and Mecca Seide, alternative placement supervisor — play critical roles in the daily operations of Broward County's official pet adoption and animal welfare agency.
- Together, they oversee programs that support pet adoption, shelter operations, animal admissions and lifesaving placement opportunities for homeless animals while serving thousands of residents each year.
- "Modesto, Shanika and Mecca lead with compassion, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to public service," said Doug Brightwell, director of Broward County Animal Care.
- The three Animal Care leaders exemplify that mission through their work to improve animal welfare and strengthen public trust in local government.
Three emerging leaders from Broward County Animal Care have been recognized among Legacy South Florida's 40 Under 40 Leaders for Today and Tomorrow, an honor celebrating young professionals whose leadership, service and commitment are helping shape the future of South Florida.
The honorees — Modesto Mercedes Jr., program project coordinator; Shanika Prentice, intake supervisor; and Mecca Seide, alternative placement supervisor — play critical roles in the daily operations of Broward County's official pet adoption and animal welfare agency. Together, they oversee programs that support pet adoption, shelter operations, animal admissions and lifesaving placement opportunities for homeless animals while serving thousands of residents each year.
"Modesto, Shanika and Mecca lead with compassion, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to public service," said Doug Brightwell, director of Broward County Animal Care. "Their recognition reflects the caliber of people serving Broward County every day and their dedication to protecting both residents and animals."
Legacy South Florida's annual recognition honors professionals who demonstrate excellence in their careers while making meaningful contributions to their communities. The three Animal Care leaders exemplify that mission through their work to improve animal welfare and strengthen public trust in local government.
Their recognition follows a milestone year for Animal Care, which recorded 3,894 pet adoptions, 568 pet reunions and 733 animal transfers during the 2024-25 fiscal year. As they continue advancing innovative programs and compassionate service, Mercedes, Prentice and Seide are helping transform animal welfare in Broward County while advancing the agency's mission of protecting Broward County residents and animals through animal services and community education.
Broward County Animal Care is a service of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. For more information, visit Broward.org/Animal.
