Marlo Clingman, senior communications specialist

Despite her love for animals, Marlo never expected to work in animal welfare. She gave up the idea of being a veterinarian or the next Steve Irwin when it became clear science wasn’t her strong suit, and pursued a career in the arts instead. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in Theater performance and stage management and Full Sail University with a degree in Entertainment Business, she spent several years in the film and television industry. On a hiatus from a series shooting in Dallas, Texas, she took what she thought would be a summer job at the SPCA of Texas. After one day filled with kitten cuddles and puppy kisses, that was the end of her first career and the start of a new one. Through a hurricane, a pandemic, and a debilitating winter storm, she learned how to remain resilient in times of crisis.

Marlo was eager to work at Dallas Animal Services, where the huge challenge of achieving a 90% live release rate was already underway at one of the highest intake shelters in the country. First joining the marketing team to run volunteer programs for photography and bio writing, she soon took on the role of Public Information Coordinator, facing obstacles from distemper and CIRD-C outbreaks to wildlife incidents and website hacks. She led the redesign of the BeDallas90 website and coordinated a live broadcast with Good Morning America. After moving across the country for her spouse’s job opportunity, Marlo still stays connected with the animal welfare community in Dallas, providing consulting services through Friends of Dallas Animal Services.

Marlo began working for Best Friends Animal Society as a senior communications specialist in November 2023. She currently resides in Cathedral City, California with her three cats, Bella, Hermann (pictured), and Henry.