Community
Connecting our industry through best-in-class shows, thought leadership, value-added business services and giving back has always been the paramount focus of WPA. Because we all know we’re better together.
Knowledge
Learning means listening, questioning and continuously adapting. For close to 70 years, we have been at the forefront of change and sharing our best practices with pet professionals, manufacturers, retailers and pet owners the world over.
Innovation
We are constantly exploring opportunities to lead and serve the industry through forward-leaning education, research and support. We challenge ourselves so that we can add even more value to all that you do.
Responsive
As a not-for-profit organization, we are beholden to our members and industry stakeholders, seeking to build top experiences and deliver real value—with transparency. These aren’t just words. We put them into practice every day, and at every touchpoint.
Influence
Enriching pet and human lives for the long term means being a voice of reason, mentoring, advocating for what is right and leveraging our collective strength for positive change.
Leadership
Collaboration, partnership, respect. Being a steward means being a catalyst in the pursuit of something bigger. Being a connecting point for a united industry so that we all benefit.
Our Board of Directors and Professional Staff
MEET THE WPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We are pleased to have a group of leading industry professionals serving on WPA’s Board of Directors. These dedicated individuals know the pet industry inside and out, and bring their collective expertise together to promote the health and growth of our industry—so we all benefit.
| Name | Board Position | Company | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Clevers ('21) | Chairman | Hikari Sales U.S.A. Inc. | (510) 785-3244 |
| Kim Stout (’21) | Vice Chair | Coastal Pet Products | (800) 321-0248 |
| Troy Firth (’21) | CFO | Anipet Animal Supplies Inc. | (604) 536-3367 |
| Jeff San Souci (’20) | Secretary | Hagen Group | (800) 225-2700 x 160 |
| Barry Berman (’21) | Board Member | NexPet Retailer Co-op | 212- 348-8171 |
| Dr. Chad Dodd (’21) | Board Member | Animatas Consulting LLC | (785) 393-6088 |
| Michael Johnson (’20) | Board Member | FINN CADY Strategy & Brand | (801)
671-9844 |
| Dr. Micah Kohles (’21) | Board Member | Oxbow Animal Health | (402) 867-2400 |
| Michael Lasky (’20) | Chairman Emeritus 2009-2011 | SLA Brands | 415-789-9030 |
| Michael Lou (’21) | Board Member | Patchwork Pet | 909-270-4340 |
| Keryn Rod (’21) | Board Member | American Humane Association | (800) 227-4645 |
| Heather Smith (’21) | Board Member | King Wholesale Inc. | (530) 713-5748 |
| Bill Trufant (’20) | Board Member | B & B Pet Stop, Inc. | 251-661-3474 |
| Michael Twain (’20) | Chairman Emeritus ?2017-2019 | Amazing Pet Products | (503) 239-5770 |
WPA’S PROFESSIONAL STAFF—HERE FOR YOU
The professional staff of WPA are available to provide support, answer questions, coordinate activities and ensure the association runs smoothly. Please reach out – we’d love to hear from you.
| Name | Staff Position |
|---|---|
| Victor Mason | President |
| Elizabeth Spivak | Group Sales Director |
| Jessica Guzman | Senior Director of Marketing |
| Debra Spaulding | Director of Education |
| James Keyston, CEM | Director of Sales & Sponsorship |
| Khris Berry | Director of Grooming |
| Sabra Soriano | Marketing & Sales Coordinator |
| Janelle Tamez | Grooming Coordinator |
| Eric Moore | Community Manager |
| Maryellen Mahoney | Community Manager |
| Shelly Armstrong | Community Manager |
| Li Xin Xiao | Office Manager |
| Alice Albanese | Sales & Sponsorship Specialist |
| Amanda Alonzo | Digital Systems Coordinator |
