Following a competitive national recruitment process, Multnomah County announced today the appointment of Eli Hurley as the new Director of Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS), effective mid-September 2026.
The recruitment began with extensive outreach to community partners and staff, whose feedback directly shaped the qualifications, priorities and leadership qualities sought in the next director. The effort yielded a highly competitive pool of 79 candidates from across the country. Final candidates advanced through a robust selection process featuring four distinct interview panels to ensure a thorough, well-rounded evaluation from key stakeholders. Hurley was selected as the top candidate.
Hurley brings more than a decade of animal welfare experience to the role, having served with the Humane Association of Warren County (HAWC) since 2014. Prior to taking on the role of executive director in 2023, Hurley led the organization’s social media, marketing, and fundraising initiatives. His background includes a proven record of leadership spanning shelter management, animal welfare operations and veterinary services.
During his tenure at the Humane Association of Warren County, Hurley’s accomplishments include:
- Streamlining shelter operations and veterinary workflows to elevate standards of care and shorten shelter strays for animals
- Updated and improved operating procedures, to align with best practices in the animal welfare industry
- Increasing public and private funding contributions to his shelter
- Implementing new community programs
"After an extensive nationwide search that brought us top-tier animal leaders from across the country, I am thrilled to announce Eli Hurley as the new Director of Multnomah County Animal Services,” said Chief Operating Officer Chris Neal. “Eli brings an extraordinary track record of compassionate leadership, operational standards and a deep commitment to community engagement.”
Before entering animal welfare, Hurley worked as a private 911 dispatcher, earning certifications in customer service and de-escalation that shaped his crisis and trauma-informed management skills. His career is marked by a deep commitment to shelter workers, prioritizing team well-being and clear communication.
"I am incredibly excited to join Multnomah County Animal Services and work alongside a team so deeply committed to animals and the community,” Hurley said. “Throughout my career, I've found that the best outcomes happen when we support our staff, build strong partnerships and focus on compassionate, community-based solutions. I look forward to working with the MCAS team and our community partners to build on this work and make a lasting difference for the people and pets of Multnomah County."
As director of MCAS, Hurley will oversee the county’s sole public animal shelter and control agency, leading its staff, volunteers and operational budget to provide care, protection and reunification for lost, stray and vulnerable animals across the county.
Hurley was raised in a Midwest and Appalachian home, instilling values centered on community and service. He relocates to the area with his husband and their three dogs, Rose, Winnie and Timmy. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, kayaking, gardening, camping, cooking and traveling.
Hurley will officially assume his leadership role at MCAS in mid-September, 2026, following the retirement of current Animal Services Director Erin Grahek, who served Multnomah County for more than two decades.