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. 

Elkie Wills

HASS Director
23711
Dr. Ellen Jefferson holding small tabby cat

Ellen Jefferson, DVM

President and CEO
10352
Amanda Foster

Amanda Foster

Assistant Director of Implementation Analysis
12359
Nichole Hazard

Nichole Hazard

Maddie’s® Associate Director of Marketing and Communications
18222
Jenifer Reed and dog

Jenifer Reed

Maddie’s® Program Implementation Trainer
14756
Gareth Meredith

Gareth Meredith

Data Engineer and Analyst
17932
Tom Kremer

Tom Kremer

Data Analyst
12366
Angela Gates

Angela Gates

Data and Digital Tools Coordinator
13759
Heather wearing a red shirt, smiling at the camera with a black dog.

Heather Kalman

Research and Development Data Coordinator
14630
Kate McHugh-Westfall

Kate McHugh-Westfall

Embedded Data and Implementation Coordinator
13763
Natasha Ottati

Natasha Ottati

Embedded Data and Implementation Coordinator
18135

Project Advisors & Collaborators

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

Diaz Dixon

Diaz Dixon

Maddie’s® Advisor for External Affairs and Partnerships
16842
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. 

Brenda Barnette with two dogs

Brenda Barnette

Former General Manager, LA Animal Services
19560

Dr. Josh Fisher

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

Chris Fitzgerald

Director, Rochester Animal Services
20108
Rebecca Guinn

Rebecca Guinn

CEO, LifeLine Animal Project
20174
Gina Knepp - National Shelter Engagement Director for the Michelson Found Animals

Gina Knepp

National Shelter Engagement Director, Michelson Found Animals
20177
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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