OAA Leadership

PRESIDENT

Megan has worked in nonprofit sector since 2005, with a focus in animal protection and humane education. Most recently, she founded and served as the President of the Humane Education Coalition, a collaborative organization that provides resources and teaching tools for educators around the world who teach about animal protection, human rights, and environmental ethics. Megan has also been a board member, advisor, and/or committee member for several organizations globally. In addition to her volunteer roles, Megan is a skilled nonprofit consultant who invests in and supports organizations for improved strategy, stronger leadership, and capacity building.

Megan received her M.A. in Nonprofit Management at Antioch University and her B.S. in Humane Leadership from Duquesne University. She earned her Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES) credential from the Academy of Prosocial Learning and her Animal-Assisted Intervention certification (CHAIS) from Oakland University. Additionally, Megan is a 2026 Forty Under 40 Honoree, the 2020 recipient of the Weller Prosocial Leadership Award, and the 2025 recipient of the ‘Do Good for Dayton’ Award. She is passionate about improving the welfare of all living beings and believes education is essential in creating a more compassionate world. Megan resides in southwest Ohio with her husband and rescue dog, Panda. She spends her spare time on her yoga mat, making music with her husband, and taste-testing new plant-based recipes.

VICE PRESIDENT

Kailey is the supervising attorney at the David H. Braff Animal Law Center at Cleveland State University, and she directs the operation of the Animal Law Clinic. She holds a B.S. from Case Western Reserve University and received her J.D. from Cleveland State University College of Law.

Kailey has long-held a passion for animal welfare and is always looking for new ways to educate people on the simple changes they can make to support the humane treatment of animals. Outside of her professional practice, Kailey volunteers her time with animals - particularly foxes - and searches for opportunities to deepen her knowledge on animal welfare issues throughout Ohio. She resides outside of Cleveland with her rescue cat.

SECRETARY

Katie has 15 years of business development and sales experience across multiple industries including marketing, logistics, and nonprofit organizations. Her nonprofit experience includes four years with the Greater Cincinnati World Affairs Council and three years with Gem City Kitties in Dayton. Passionate about investing in her community, Katie served as an elected official for Amelia Village, Ohio from 2013-2017. As a council member, she focused on creating a safer and more inclusive place for families and their pets to live.

As a lifelong animal lover, Katie is committed to raising awareness around animal rights and improving the lives of animals in Ohio. In her spare time Katie enjoys being outdoors, whether it's tending to her garden, hiking with her partner and rescue pup, Pippin, or reading on her back porch.

TREASURER

Chris is the co-founder and CFO of Riggi Rescue, a nonprofit organization in Akron specializing in TNR and critical care of cats. Riggi Rescue has led many large-scale trapping projects in the region including the “Campbell Cats” and one in New London. The rescue’s newest mission is empowering and educating Ohioans so that they may TNR in their own communities. His wife, Crystal, is currently teaching TNR classes throughout Northeast Ohio as part of that mission.

Chris has worked professionally on several political issues as well as being a Field Organizer on a presidential campaign and a Campaign Manager for a Cleveland state representative campaign. He graduated from West Virginia University with a BA in History and a Political Science minor. He also received a JD from Cleveland State University College of Law where he worked on immigration law and unemployment cases while also advocating against puppy mills in Ohio. OAA’s mission excites Chris as it allows him to combine his political background, legal experience, and passion for helping both people and animals to affect positive change. Chris lives with his wife, 2 dogs, and 7 cats.

Reese is an attorney practicing in Cleveland, Ohio. Passionate about animal welfare, he applies his legal expertise to advocate on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. Reese focuses on analyzing legislation and promoting education around animal protection. Through this work, Reese hopes to inspire others, both individually and collectively, to create positive, lasting change for animals. Reese has a rescue dog named Frankie, who loves to take hikes in Ohio's beautiful metroparks. 

Reese received his Bachelor’s degree from Baldwin Wallace University and his Juris Doctor from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

Lilah currently works as Director of Public Affairs for one of Hamilton County's Commissioners in Southwest Ohio. She has experience in government, policy, campaigns, and nonprofits - beginning her career as a Nonprofit Intern for OAA while in college and later serving as Advocacy Assistant and Website Coordinator. She additionally worked as a Legislative Aide in the Ohio House of Representatives and successfully managed a competitive Ohio House race in 2024. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 2022 with a degree in Public Management, Leadership, and Policy. 

Lilah has a lifelong passion for animal welfare and humane education and is thrilled to be back at OAA as a Board Member. In her free time, she enjoys engaging in local politics, practicing yoga, and spending time with her cat Cleo.

Dr. G is the founder and Medical Director of the Rascal Unit, a mobile veterinary practice providing affordable and accessible care for animals in Ohio. She is also the director of Rascal Charities, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit that helps provide sterilization, wellness, and medical care to individuals in need of financial assistance and community cat/TNR efforts. Dr. G also provides assistance in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty and neglect cases with both local and national humane organizations. Dr. G has been assisting OAA as a veterinary consultant for animal welfare.

Dr. G was born and raised in Puerto Rico and obtained a B.S. in Zoology from Michigan State University, a DVM degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and a Certificate of Internship in Small Animal Medicine, Surgery and Critical Care from the University of Missouri. She later completed an M.S. in Veterinary Forensics from the University of Florida and an M.S. in Forensic Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. Dr. G aims to use her experience and education to help improve the quality of life of both animals and humans.

Laura earned a BS in Animal Science from Iowa State University and began master’s degree course work and research in animal nutrition and immunology before pivoting to pursue a JD from University of Cincinnati School of Law. She has over 20 years of experience as an Ohio estate planning attorney. A primary focus of her professional practice is Pet Planning, or estate planning for pets and their people. It is her personal mission to increase the prevalence and quality of pet planning across Ohio and beyond. As part of that work, she regularly publishes journal articles, teaches continuing education to other attorneys, gives presentations to pet owners, maintains online pet planning resources for both attorneys and animal owners, and advises on animal legal policy. 

In addition to her education and professional work, Laura has years of experience training and showing horses, training and trialing dogs, and rescuing and rehabilitating stray and abandoned dogs. In her free time, she can often be found on a local hiking trail, out training her dogs, experimenting with new recipes, volunteering for animal-related causes, or looking for new ways to share Pet Planning resources with attorneys and pet owners. Laura lives in Dayton with three rescue dogs - a pitbull and two bully mixes.

Laura is excited for the opportunity to combine her professional expertise and personal experience to help OAA expand its impact and share educational and other resources to help all Ohioans become effective advocates and voices for animals.

Scott has dedicated his career to advancing animal welfare and serving his community through compassionate leadership and advocacy. Since joining the Marion County Sheriff's Office in 2014, Scott has progressed from a part-time kennel technician to Chief Dog Warden and Humane Agent. In addition to his work within the Sheriff’s Office, he has been actively involved with numerous animal welfare organizations and has devoted significant time to researching and supporting legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening animal welfare laws. His expertise and commitment to advocacy led to his involvement with OAA, where he originally served as an advisor and member of our policy committee.

Scott’s dedication to both animals and the broader community is reflected in the impactful programs he has developed and supported. He started a pet food pantry to assist families experiencing financial hardship and is currently working to establish emergency pet placement programs for victims of domestic violence and families displaced by house fires. Through his leadership, compassion, and forward-thinking initiatives, Scott continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of both animals and the people who care for them.

Matthew is an attorney at Millikin & Fitton Law Firm, where he practices civil litigation. His work focuses on representing individuals and businesses in complex disputes, with experience spanning contract, business, and real estate matters. Matthew earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and his Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

Matthew has a strong interest in the intersection of law and animal welfare, particularly how legal frameworks impact the treatment and protection of animals. Through his involvement with Ohio Animal Advocates, he contributes research and advocacy efforts aimed at advancing humane policies across the state. He is committed to leveraging his legal training to support OAA’s mission and promote meaningful, lasting change for animals in Ohio. Matthew lives in Cincinnati with his pets, Pepper and Kitty, and enjoys following sports and playing guitar in his free time.

Niki brings to Ohio Animal Advocates a background in finance, with a specialty in lease administration. However, her true passion lies in animal welfare and advocacy. Niki has been involved in dog rescue for more than 12 years, serving in hands-on roles including board member, treasurer, and foster. She’s also an advocate for stronger animal welfare protections and has worked to support efforts related to animal welfare issues.

An Ohio native, Niki resides in the central Ohio area with her husband and three dogs. Outside of work and rescue, she enjoys reading, growing her plant collection, and spending time with her family — especially her four-legged crew.

Jack is currently a business development consultant for EnviroScience Inc., and a veteran policy and government affairs professional with a deep experience building winning legislative and communications efforts for social causes.  Jack was the former Deputy Director and Senior Director of Legislative and Public Affairs at the Ohio Environmental Council, and Caucus Staff Policy Director to the Ohio Senate Minority Leadership in the Ohio General Assembly.  He has experience in all facets of government affairs and non-profit management, including strategizing and executing policy, communications and fundraising plans.

Jack volunteered as a member of the Central Ohio Transit Authority – NextGen Project Advisory Group, the Ohio Statewide Transit Needs Study Advisory Committee, and Ohio’s 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force.

 Jack received his B.A. from The Ohio State University, and successfully completed training with the League of Conservation Voters Environmental Leadership Institute.  He lives with his two rescue cats.

Kurt Waltzer is the founder and President of the Energy Systems Innovation consultancy. His work is centered on engaging with civil society, market leaders and policymakers to develop systems-level solutions for the most challenging aspects of decarbonization.

Previously, Kurt was Managing Director at (CATF) where he focused on growing the organization from a US-based NGO to a global climate organization, developing an integrated approach between technology advocacy and regional expertise, and expanded the programmatic focus the organization to a wide range of decarbonization technology areas including zero carbon fuels, SHR geothermal and fusion. Kurt has also been engaged for two decades in supporting the development of carbon capture and storage technology – playing a leading role in developing the policy foundation and supportive network that led to the adoption of major CCS policies in the US, such as the enhanced and expanded US 45Q tax credit.  Kurt was also the Clean Air Program Manager for the Ohio Environmental Council. 

Kurt serves on the board of the Global Carbon Management Foundation and is a volunteer for the OpenMinds network. He has an MBA from the University of Michigan as well as a BS in economics and a BS in biology from Ohio State.