Matt Levien
Director of Shelter Operations
Matt came to the Animal Rescue League from the Denver Dumb Friends League where he was Director of Buddy Center 2014-2019. The Buddy Center is a full service animal shelter accepting strays, owner surrender and law enforcement animals. The facility handled between 4,000 – 6,000 cats and dogs a year with over 250 active volunteers a week and 17 employees.
Prior to being Director of Buddy Center, Matt earned his degree in Zoology, interned and worked in zoo field then moved into leadership roles at Target. After moving to Colorado with his wife, he joined the Dumb Friends League working in animal care, adoption and behavior. After a few years, he moved into a supervisor role at the Buddy Center where he worked to increase the volunteer program through engagement and support. In 2009, Matt transitioned to the Behavior department where he built cat behavior modification programs, classes and support, and improved dog behavior modification programs in shelter. In 2012, Matt became the Behavior Manager, and extended the program by supporting other shelters through education, as well as as writing and speaking for the public education regarding cat and dog behavior. When Matt became the director of the Buddy Center serving the Douglas County Residents in Colorado, he worked to decrease length of stay in shelter while striving for best outcomes for all animals. During his time as Director Matt also volunteered with the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies Development committee supporting the yearly educational conference.