Conference Speakers

Simon Bailey equips leaders with practical tools to lead, live, and finish well. Recognized by Success magazine as one of the Top 25 alongside Brené Brown and Tony Robbins, he’s advised 2,400+ organizations in 54 countries, including American Express, Deloitte, and Salesforce, drawing on his roots as a former Sales Director at the Disney Institute. His latest book, Resilience@Work, and his suite of LinkedIn Learning courses have inspired over 120,000 professionals globally to unlock brilliant wellness and sustainable success.

SB Birnie is a queer vegan and self-identified nerd who has been in nonprofit fundraising and analytics for over 20 years. They got their start as the Membership Intern at the Human Rights Campaign, then managed and grew their sustainer and canvass programs, and ultimately helped form the Analytics Department before heading to ROI Solutions where they did everything from programming to product management to database conversions to integrations. Now, as the VP of Analytics at Avalon Consulting, Birnie brings together that experience to provide in-depth analytics and forecasting to nonprofit organizations.

Nancy Blum, Ed.M., Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and a Lecturer at Harvard Medical School who has taught mental healthcare trainees and medical students over the past 35 years. Since 2014, she has been leading professional development groups for veterinary interns, residents, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and animal welfare workers which resulted in the RACE-accredited Let’s Talk: A Resiliency Skills Workshop Series. Last year, Dr. Blum adapted a highly utilized human healthcare professional development program for the veterinary and animal welfare community (Compassion Rounds) at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a veterinarian, cultural intelligence educator, and host of the Critters and Cultures podcast. She blends her expertise in animal welfare and intercultural communication to help professionals lead with empathy and impact. Through workshops and storytelling, Dr. Boyd equips leaders to navigate cultural complexity in veterinary and community-based animal care.

With over 40 years of roots planted in Atlanta’s nonprofit world, Angelle Cooper brings a lifelong passion for animals, the environment, and empowering youth to the Atlanta Basecamp. As the Roots and Shoots Atlanta Basecamp Coordinator, she is now focused on amplifying youth voices and engaging those who are young at heart through environmental education and community engagement.

Karith Foster, CEO/Founder of INVERSITY™ Solutions, is a media personality, author, and Connection and Emotional Intelligence Engagement Specialist. She has been featured in the New York Times, USA Today, Forbes, and on Oprah. Her work is creating a seismic shift in leadership and culture change in academic institutions, organizations, and corporations across America and the world.

Amanda Foster is the Director of Programs for the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) project, where she leads research design and program implementation efforts to help answer some of the field’s most pressing questions. She began her career through AmeriCorps service at a Washington state shelter, and has since held various leadership roles in shelter operations and worked in animal shelter research.

Dr. Mike Greenberg is a veterinarian dedicated to advancing animal welfare through clinical practice, technology, and applied research. He is the co-founder of The Veterinary Care Accessibility Project, a non-profit focused on data-driven tools to improve access to veterinary care, and Petszel, a web-based platform that provides automated post-adoption follow up for shelters and rescues. Based in New Orleans, Dr. Greenberg also provides high-volume spay/neuter services across the Gulf South and beyond, driving his mission to make care more accessible for all animals.

Erin Harrison Gregory is the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations and Annual Campaigns at the Humane Society of Missouri, where she’s been growing individual giving since 2018 through direct mail, digital campaigns, and special initiatives like the Day of Giving, which launched in 2021. She’s passionate about building donor engagement and especially proud of the increase in monthly sustainers and online giving under her leadership.

Since 1995, Linda B. Haley, CFRE, has successfully worked with teams to raise more than $200 million for nonprofits of all sizes.  Realizing a long-time dream, Linda started Let’s Build Hope, LLC, in 2013, where she and her team guide nonprofits by teaching, coaching, and mentoring development teams, senior staff, and board members. She has also developed and teaches a week-long Annual Fundraising Training Camp through which LBH has educated 1,500+ fundraisers and volunteers.   

Gene Hammett is an executive coach, chaos tamer, and the guy CEOs call when their companies start feeling like a runaway train. Gene has built and scaled his own businesses, so he understands the highs, the lows, and the ‘oh crap’ moments of leadership. Since 2012, he’s coached more Inc. 5000 leaders than anyone else on the planet.

Karen Handelman is the founder and president at 501creative, a firm that works with nonprofit organizations to help them communicate and fundraise efficiently and effectively. Karen started 501creative in 1995 after spending a year volunteering full-time for Habitat for Humanity, learning the ins and outs of home construction, working with volunteers, and the challenges of nonprofit budgets. She serves on the board of trustees of the ACLU of Missouri and Access MO.

Kelsey Ingram is the seasoned expert behind CauseMic’s successful HubSpot & Salesforce migrations, technology roadmaps, and digital transformations. She leads the Technology Services team at CauseMic. Before consulting, she drove systems design at a global nonprofit, using tech to fuel the fight against extreme poverty through entrepreneurship.

Jessica James, CFRE, is the Vice President of Philanthropy for the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, overseeing development, communications, marketing, and volunteer services. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Jessica has held various roles in fundraising and leadership throughout her career. 

Katie Jarl is the Vice President of Government Relations at Animal Policy Group. For two decades, she has combined her love of animals with her experience working with government at the local, state, and federal levels. After spending 15 years in nonprofit animal welfare, Katie is excited to bring the pet industry and animal welfare together to advance meaningful solutions for animal shelters and rescues across the country.

Laura Keller is an award-winning marketing professional with 30 years of experience working in fields that include everything from professional sports and large-scale events to healthcare. She joined the Humane Society of Missouri in 2020 where she originated and leads its annual Day of Giving.  

Laine Killingsworth is a seasoned professional with more than 14 years in animal welfare. Joining Atlanta Humane Society in 2011 as an Animal Care Specialist, she advanced through the ranks of Animal Care and Operations management before transitioning over to the Business Solutions side supporting organizational infrastructure. Laine leads a team dedicated to supporting a cohesive infrastructure of IT, systems solutions, project management, fleet, and facilities. 

Jamie Lee is an executive coach and integrative hypnotist who works with leaders who are “allergic” to office politics. She blends proven self-advocacy strategies with evidence-based neuroplasticity tools to help clients break old patterns, build empowering habits, and create authentic, lasting career growth.

Hanna Lentz is the Executive Director of Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change (SPARC), an organization focused on improving our stories and messaging so we can do our best possible work for animals and people. She has spent two decades working in animal care and well-being, including time at sanctuaries and animal shelters across the U.S,. and supporting community-based dog and cat programs internationally in countries such as Bosnia, Mexico, and Chile. Hanna is a passionate advocate for the well-being of animals and people, a messaging strategist, and a human-centered facilitator and trainer.

Bobby Mann is the Chief Advancement Officer for the Humane Rescue Alliance where he oversees advocacy efforts, public affairs, communications, and development programs. Bobby has nearly two decades of experience at municipal and nonprofit animal shelters. Previously, Bobby was American Pets Alive!’s Maddie’s® Human Animal Support Services (HASS) pilot director. Bobby spent more than a decade working in Sacramento animal shelters, at Sacramento SPCA and later at Front Street Animal Shelter.

Maria Morukian, the president of MSM Global Consulting, has twenty years of experience as a facilitator, coach and consultant on leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural competence. Maria hosts a podcast on critical DEI issues called Culture Stew. She is author of the book, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Trainers: Fostering DEI in the Workplace and co-author of ATD’s Handbook for Training and Talent Development.

As the President and CEO of Arizona Animal Welfare League, Alessandra Navidad has embraced innovative approaches to community engagement at the state’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter, including training pet health “promotoras” to increase pet care knowledge in Phoenix’s Latinx communities. Navidad’s background in social justice advocacy has influenced AAWL strategies focused on more empathetic, inclusive, and collaborative efforts to expand behavior and adoption programs to keep pet families together and provide more affordable, accessible vet care for pet owners.

Jerrica Owen, CAWA, is the Executive Director of the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA), where she leads national initiatives to advance the animal care and control profession. With a background in animal welfare, public safety, and nonprofit leadership, she is dedicated to elevating standards, strengthening partnerships, and expanding access to training and resources across the country. Jerrica is a passionate advocate for collaboration, equity, and innovation in the field.

Jyothi Robertson, DVM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine), is the founder of JVR Strategies, renowned globally for her expertise in shelter medicine and as a visionary thought leader. With over two decades of leadership experience in the animal welfare sector, Dr. Robertson is dedicated to addressing the complex challenges of equitable access to care through innovative solutions and strategic collaborations. Through her nonprofit, The Journey You Own, Dr. Robertson supports the emotional and mental well-being of mission-driven professionals by fostering mindfulness and community among those dedicated to living with intention.

Jasmin M. Robinson is The Association’s Director of DEI Initiatives. She is also the CEO and Founder of I.D.E.A.L. Education, LLC., and a consultant with MSM Global Consulting. She has over 10 years of experience leading efforts to foster and maintain inclusive work environments that welcome, embrace, empower, and celebrate people. She is actively pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership at Indiana State University.

Alisa Rubinstein has been working in the animal welfare field with animals and humans for over 10 years. She is currently a Licensed Pet Advisor for Fetch Pet Insurance, and previously served as the Lifesaving Manager at the Morris Animal Refuge. She obtained her master’s degree in human-animal studies from Canisius University last year.

Edward Schettino, DVM, PhD, CAWA, is a graduate of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Formerly the Vice President of Animal Welfare and Veterinary Services at the Animal Rescue League of Boston, he is now their President & CEO. He has an MBA from Clark University’s Graduate School of Management, and both his Masters and PhD in the Basic Medical Sciences (Immunology), from New York University. Edward is a member of the board of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.

Jeff Schreifels is the Principal and Owner of Veritus Group, a global consulting agency specializing in major and mid-level fundraising strategy. With over 30 years in the nonprofit sector, he has helped thousands of organizations increase revenue and strengthen donor relationships through the “Veritus Way.” Jeff is also a bestselling author, award-winning blogger, and sought-after speaker at major conferences around the world.

Rebecca Shapalis is a Vice President at Avalon Consulting Group, where she has been helping clients grow their programs using expert fundraising strategies since 2014. Her extensive experience, deep knowledge, and wide range of skills are instrumental in helping Avalon’s clients control costs and increase revenues. Rebecca is a leader in the direct marketing industry and a longtime board member of the Direct Marketing Association of Washington.

Andi Stevenson is the founder of Stevenson Wallace LLC, a Charlotte-based consulting practice that provides nonprofits nationwide with strategic planning and board governance support. She has served the sector as an arts administrator, nonprofit CEO, and consultant for 30 years, including facilitating more than 130 strategic plans, which makes her feel both very proud and a bit like she needs a nap.

Jim Tedford accepted his dream job when he joined The Association as President & CEO in 2015. He has been a member for more than 30 years and served as our Board Chairman some twenty years ago. Jim has been in the animal welfare movement for more than 40 years, having served as CEO for sheltering organizations in New York, Louisiana, and Tennessee, was a regional director for The Humane Society of the United States, and spent six years providing direct response marketing services to animal welfare organizations.

A nationally recognized applied scientist, Dr. Weiss has published extensively on topics related to applied animal behavior and human-animal interactions. Emily served as the ASPCA’s VP of Research & Development, overseeing groundbreaking research and developing assessment tools for shelter animals. Before that she created training programs to improve husbandry and decrease stress for zoo animals. Emily is now focusing on a few select projects to make a significant impact for animals.

Mike Wheeler is the Director of Community Services for Cabot, Arkansas. His passion for animal welfare and public policy has driven him to a position as the Vice President of the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA), Treasurer/Past President of the Arkansas State Animal Control Association, and the Executive Management Committee for the Human Animal Support Services (HASS). Mike holds a master’s degree in business administration with a minor in public administration, as well as a degree in criminal justice.  

Elkie Wills has been a dedicated leader in animal welfare since 2004, shaping impactful programs and initiatives to support pets and their families. From spearheading marketing, outreach, and education efforts at the Humane Society of Yuma to leading community engagement and reunification efforts at San Diego Humane Society, her work has strengthened countless communities. A longtime collaborator with HASS since its inception in 2020, she now serves as its director, driving innovative strategies to keep pets with the people who love them.

Dedicated to advancing animal welfare, Amanda Wilson, CFRE,  joined Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region in 2014, holding various roles before discovering her passion for philanthropy. She led the annual giving program for over six years, executing impactful campaigns, generating essential funds, and building strong relationships with donors. Amanda now serves as the Director of Development.

Shawn K. Woods is President and CEO of Shawn K. Woods & Associates, a powerhouse in leadership development, executive coaching, and organizational excellence. With over 3,500 keynotes and training sessions delivered worldwide, Shawn is known not just for sharing insights, but for sparking real, measurable change. His clients include Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and government agencies, all drawn to his ability to inspire transformation. As a CEO coach and Chair for Vistage International, the world’s largest CEO peer advisory organization, Shawn guides executives toward better leadership and better results. He’s also an accomplished author and the creator of the motivational audio series The PEPP Talk.

Lily Yap is the Executive Director of Stanislaus Animal Services Agency, where she supports a multi-jurisdictional, government-based organization focused on driving progress and accountability across the animal welfare system. She works to elevate standards through strategic leadership, system-building, and mentorship — drawing on about 15 years of experience and an MBA from one of the nation’s top 10 programs. As a board member of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and an active participant in its DEI Council, Lily contributes to national conversations on inclusive, high-impact practices — ultimately building a future where animals and the people who love them can thrive together.