Leadership

Executive Director

Alesia Soltanpanah is the Executive Director for the US office of World Animal Protection. She brings over 20 years of executive leadership, financial, marketing, fundraising, operational and program development experience at a variety of international and domestic nonprofits, including multiple animal welfare organizations. 

Most recently, Ms. Soltanpanah was Executive Director of VIBS in Long Island, where she created new programs on domestic violence law, witnesses to homicide, human trafficking, and pet therapy. During her tenure, she more than doubled the number of clients served. She has also served in top-level development, communications and marketing roles in New York City. As Vice President of Development at the Ms. Foundation for Women, and the Chief Development Officer at Safe Horizon, she increased revenue to all-time highs for the organizations. As Vice President of Development and Marketing Communications at Bideawee, the first animal rescue organization in New York City, and as Vice President of Development and Communications at the North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, NY, she increased awareness and revenue for both organizations, launching national marketing campaigns to bring awareness to the plight of homeless dogs and cats. Prior to working in animal welfare, she was AVP, Direct Marketing at international NGO Save the Children, where she helped develop the direct marketing program.

Alesia holds a Masters of Business Administration in Management from Golden Gate University, San Francisco and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from California State University, Sacramento.

Board of Directors

Carter Luke, President (Independent, member since 2006)

Kevin Geeson, Treasurer (member since December 2016)

Stephen Corri, Secretary (member since April 2013)

J. Thomas Jones, Member & Audit/Finance Committee Chair (Independent, member since November 2017)

Maggie Rubey Lynch, Member (Independent, member since June 2018)