Meet the People Behind the Movement

Our Staff

We are a small but mighty group of animal and human welfare professionals dedicated to the HASS mission, vision, and values. 

Dr. Ellen Jefferson holding small tabby cat

Ellen Jefferson, DVM

President and CEO
10352

Elkie Wills

Director of Human Animal Support Services
23711
Amanda Foster

Amanda Foster

Director of Programs
12359
Jenifer Reed and dog

Jenifer Reed

Senior Education & Program Specialist
14756
Gareth Meredith

Gareth Meredith

Data Engineer and Analyst
17932
Angela Gates

Angela Gates

Data Analyst
13759
Heather wearing a red shirt, smiling at the camera with a black dog.

Heather Kalman

Program & Research Specialist
14630
Natasha Ottati

Natasha Ottati

Program Specialist
18135

Project Advisors & Collaborators

Industry leaders who provide expert direction and collaborate with HASS daily to generate positive impact and coordinate program initiatives effectively.

Maggie Lynch

Maggie Lynch

Senior Director of Research and Development
17835
Angela Nazworth

Angela Nazworth

Senior Director of Strategic Communications
17836

Managing Executive Committee

Among the founding HASS project members, this committee comprises of long-time industry veterans and active participants in the HASS movement that are devoted to supporting and promoting the community-centric model across the nation. 

Spencer Conover

Chief Operating Officer
24160

Dr. Josh Fisher

Director, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control
20102
Chris Fitzgerald with Keeva, a brown dog

Chris Fitzgerald

Director of Animal Services for the Town of Greece
20108
Rebecca Guinn

Rebecca Guinn

CEO, LifeLine Animal Project
20174
Matt Pepper

Matt Pepper

President and CEO, Michigan Humane
20180
Mike Wheeler

Mike Wheeler

Director of Community Services, Cabot Animal Support Services
20183

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