Ohio Animal Advocates is excited to introduce Erin Lawson, our Operations Director. After spending nearly a decade working directly with animals and the people who care for them, Erin has brought her experience to the policy side of animal welfare, where she's helping OAA expand its programs and advocacy efforts across Ohio.

We recently sat down with Erin to learn more about her journey, what inspires her work, and what she's most excited about in her new role.

Question: Tell us about yourself and your role at Ohio Animal Advocates.

Erin: I'm Erin Lawson, and I'm the Operations Director at Ohio Animal Advocates. I've actually been involved with OAA in different capacities for about six years, and I'm excited to continue growing with the organization in this new role.

Question: What first brought you to Ohio Animal Advocates?

Erin: I've worked in animal welfare for many years, including at humane societies in Cincinnati and Columbus. While I loved working directly with animals and their families, I wanted to become more involved in the policy side of animal welfare. That's what led me to apply to OAA.

Question: You spent several years working in animal shelters. What did you enjoy most, and what was the biggest challenge?

Erin: My favorite part was working directly with people and their animals. I worked in a resource center where I could see the impact of helping someone right in front of me. At the same time, that was also the hardest part because those situations are often very emotional. People care deeply about their animals, so navigating those conversations could be incredibly rewarding but also emotionally draining.

Question: What inspired you to pursue a career in animal advocacy?

Erin: Animal welfare has always been part of my life. Before working at humane societies, I worked at a dog daycare, volunteered with rescue organizations, and even helped care for off-the-track thoroughbreds starting when I was 11 years old. I honestly don't remember a time when I wasn't involved in helping animals.

Working at the intersection of animal welfare and public policy feels like my dream job. I think animal welfare will always be part of my life, and I'm excited to continue making a difference through Ohio Animal Advocates.

Question: How has your role with OAA evolved over the years?

Erin: I originally started by managing OAA's resource lists and did that for several years. Earlier this year, after unexpectedly losing my previous position due to financial constraints, I reached out to Vicki to let her know what had happened. She asked if I'd be interested in taking on more responsibility with OAA, and everything just seemed to fall into place.

Before becoming Operations Director, I also helped with OAA's trainings, including programs related to the LINK between animal abuse and human violence, OPATA trainings, and Avery's Law.

Question: What does your role as Operations Director involve?

Erin: It's a pretty open-ended role, which is exciting. I'll be helping grow our existing programs, developing new initiatives, expanding grassroots advocacy, and assisting with newsletters and action alerts. My goal is to help take OAA's work to the next level.

Question: What challenges do you anticipate?

Erin: Like most nonprofits, funding is always a challenge. Personally, I'm also continuing to learn the policy side of animal advocacy. There's a lot to absorb, but I'm excited to keep learning and growing in the role.

Question: Which OAA program areas are you most passionate about?

Erin: Community cats and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) have always been close to my heart because that's much of the work I've done throughout my career.

I'm also incredibly proud of OAA's work on the LINK between animal abuse and human violence, as well as pet protection initiatives. Those issues don't always receive the attention they deserve, but they have such an important impact on both animals and people.

Question: If you could inspire every Ohioan to take one action for animals, what would it be?

Erin: Get involved in whatever way feels right for you. Not everyone can volunteer the same way, but everyone can learn more about animal welfare. Visit a shelter, talk to people doing the work, volunteer, or simply educate yourself. Every action makes a difference.

Question: What gives you hope for the future of animal welfare?

Erin: Seeing the progress that's already been made. After nearly ten years in animal welfare, I've seen firsthand how advocacy creates real change. More people are becoming involved and passionate about protecting animals, and I'm excited to see that momentum continue.

Question: Tell us about your four-legged companion.

Erin: I have a 13-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound named Joker. I've had him for about eight years, and he's been my partner in crime ever since. These days, he's mostly enjoying retirement and staying cool during the summer heat.

Question: What would you tell someone who wants to get involved with Ohio Animal Advocates?

Erin: Reach out! Learn more about what we do. I think many people aren't familiar with all of the work OAA does, so exploring our website and asking questions is a great place to start.

Question: What's your spirit animal?

Erin: A sea turtle. My mom and I always joke that we're both a little slow, but I also love what sea turtles represent. They remind me to slow down, enjoy life, and just go with the flow.

We're thrilled to have Erin leading operations at Ohio Animal Advocates and look forward to the impact she'll continue making for animals and the people who care about them.