Brett Youngsteadt marks one year with Kane County Animal Control

GENEVA – As Brett Youngsteadt settled into his role as Kane County Animal Control administrator, the desks began bothering him.

The furniture arrangement caused his employees to work with their backs toward him, he said, explaining they faced walls and windows. Eventually, he said, he spun the desks around, changing the way the staff – which he compared to a football team – interacts.

“Without each unique position, you’re not going to win the game,” the 36-year-old said, describing himself as the coach. “I need them as much as they need me.”

This month marks Youngsteadt’s first anniversary leading animal control, a position he said he hopes to maintain for many years.

“I could finish out my career here and be extremely happy,” he said.

Youngsteadt follows Robert Sauceda, who resigned amid a personnel investigation less than a year after the Kane County Board named him interim administrator. Some on the board opposed Sauceda in that role because he had no previous experience in animal control or veterinary medicine. He also was a political supporter of Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen. In contrast, Youngsteadt said he earned a degree in veterinary medicine after gaining experience in animal hospitals, where he started as a kennel worker. He considered working as a veterinarian – he even studied for the necessary exams – but had fallen in love with management, he said.

Youngsteadt came to Kane County from Chicago Animal Care and Control, where he served as shelter manager, he said. He appreciates the work previous administrators did before him and aims to solidify that foundation, he said.

“I don’t have a political agenda,” Youngsteadt said. “I have an animal agenda.”

His first year in Kane County included addressing procedures, revamping the Animal Control logo, formalizing and structuring the volunteer program, and – he said – launching a new website, www.kanecountypets.com. He said he also tried to fulfill his legal mandates – rabies control and providing a yearly microchip clinic – without taking away business from veterinarians and animal hospitals.

“It’s about partnerships,” he said.

He received early praise from county leaders during public meetings and appears to have maintained that good first impression.

County Board member Monica Silva, who chairs the Public Health Committee, commended Youngsteadt this week for his proposed changes to the on-call policy and procedures for animal control wardens. His suggestions should not only save money, she said, but they also address safety issues.

“I think he’s delivered what he promised,” Silva said.

If you go

What: Kane County Animal Control Dog Jog

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 3

Where: Kane County Animal Control, 4060 W. Keslinger Road, Geneva

Cost: $15 for adults, $5 for children 12 and younger and $25 for families, if registered by Saturday. Late registration begins Sunday and is $20, $10 and $30, respectively.

Website: www.kanecountypets.org