By Kendall Jang, Staff Writer
From environmental advocacy to animal welfare, Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) Board Member Kurt Waltzer brings decades of experience in public policy, nonprofit leadership, and building coalitions for meaningful change.
Although his professional background is rooted in environmental and climate policy, Kurt's longstanding friendship with OAA founder Vicki Deisner and his belief in the organization's mission inspired him to get involved.
We sat down with Kurt to learn more about his journey, what excites him about OAA's work, and the rescued animals who share his home.
Question: How did you first become involved with Ohio Animal Advocates?
Waltzer: My involvement really began through my longtime friendship and professional relationship with Vicki Deisner. We worked together on environmental policy in Ohio beginning in the 1990s, including advocacy involving the state legislature, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and Ohio Department of Natural Resources. I later worked for Vicki at the Ohio Environmental Council and continued consulting with the organization.
When Vicki began transitioning from environmental advocacy to animal welfare, I encouraged her to pursue that passion. I especially supported her idea of creating a state-level organization that could address animal welfare policy issues that weren't receiving enough attention from national organizations.
When she invited me to join OAA's Board, I saw an opportunity to use my experience to help strengthen an organization doing important work.
Question: What aspects of OAA's mission resonate most with you?
Waltzer: One of the things I find most compelling about OAA is its ability to identify gaps in the animal welfare advocacy landscape and bring attention to issues that might otherwise be overlooked.
For example, OAA's work connecting animal abuse with domestic and family violence demonstrates how closely human and animal welfare are intertwined. By educating law enforcement and other professionals about these connections, OAA can bring new partners into the conversation and help protect both people and animals.
I'm also encouraged by the organization's attention to issues like puppy mills and the challenges facing pets and families experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.
The breadth of OAA's advocacy areas highlights just how many opportunities there are to make a difference.
Question: What experience do you bring to OAA's Board?
Waltzer: I hope to contribute my experience in nonprofit management and policy advocacy.
Throughout my career, I've worked on public policy at the local, state, federal, and international levels. I've also managed an international climate nonprofit, which gave me experience in organizational leadership and strategy.
My goal is to share what I've learned over the years to help OAA grow, strengthen its advocacy efforts, and build a foundation for long-term success.
Question: Tell us about your work outside of OAA.
Waltzer: My professional work focuses on energy, climate, and the global transition to low-carbon technologies.
I work on policy and commercial strategies that help accelerate the deployment of low-carbon technologies, with a focus on federal and international policy and the broader transformation of energy systems.
While energy policy and animal welfare are different fields, many of the skills involved in advancing meaningful policy changes are transferable. I'm glad to bring that experience to OAA.
Question: Do you share your home with any animals?
Waltzer: Yes! My family and I have a dog and two cats, all of whom came to us through rescue or adoption.
Our dog, Cab, is an approximately 11-year-old, 70-pound mix of Husky, Boxer, Chow Chow, Australian Cattle Dog, and even a little Chihuahua! We adopted him from a rescue in Clintonville about 11 years ago.
We also have two cats, Zoomy and Mac, short for Mac and Cheese.
Zoomy came from a rescue and is particularly attached to my wife. She's a little more reserved around everyone else.
Mac, on the other hand, is an outgoing orange cat who joined our family after repeatedly greeting my daughter from beneath some bushes while she was walking Cab. He's incredibly friendly and doesn't quite understand why Zoomy doesn't want to be his best friend!
All of the animals we've welcomed into our household over the years have been rescued in one way or another.
Question: What are your hopes for the future of Ohio Animal Advocates?
Waltzer: My hope is that OAA establishes a broad, impactful network of advocates and partners who can help advance its mission.
I'd love to see the organization build widespread support for policies that improve animal welfare throughout Ohio.
I believe there's a tremendous opportunity to bring people together around practical solutions and create lasting change through grassroots advocacy.
Question: If you could encourage Ohioans to take one action for animals, what would it be?
Waltzer: Get more involved with Ohio Animal Advocates!
I think OAA has a particularly important opportunity to mobilize Ohioans around policies that can be adopted and implemented at the state and local levels.
Whether that means responding to action alerts, contacting state legislators, or supporting local animal welfare initiatives, people can make a real difference by participating in the policy process.
Question: What is your spirit animal
This one is still up for debate! According to the Chinese zodiac, I'm a Snake, although I'm not entirely convinced that fits my personality. I might lean more toward a large bird of prey, but I'm still deciding!
Kurt's experience demonstrates that advancing animal welfare takes people with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. From environmental policy to nonprofit leadership, his expertise will help OAA continue building a stronger voice for animals across Ohio.
Get Involved Like Kurt
Kurt's experience demonstrates that advancing animal welfare takes people with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. From environmental policy to nonprofit leadership, his expertise will help OAA continue building a stronger voice for animals across Ohio.
1. Want to help create a more compassionate Ohio for animals and people alike? Explore OAA's advocacy areas and sign up for action alerts.
2. Support OAA's work for animals and the people who love them with a donation.
3. Share this update and action alerts with friends and family!
4. Subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive animal welfare related news and resources in Ohio straight to your inbox.
