Meet the 2026 Rising Stars

Introducing 49 of the best and brightest emerging leaders who are helping shape the future of animal welfare

Last year we launched our Rising Stars program as part of our strategic commitment to develop the next generation of animal welfare leaders. It was such a success that we did it again this year, inviting senior leaders to nominate their organization’s rising stars to attend this year’s Annual Conference, October 26–29 in Chattanooga. You did not disappoint!

We then reached out to the nominees and asked them to share their experiences, hopes and plans for the future. We heard about professionals who are stepping up to solve problems, strengthen teams, champion new ideas and approaches, and make animal welfare better for pets, people and communities. From the already outstanding pool of 49, we designated 16 as Shooting Stars–whom we considered especially compelling examples of talent and leadership.

Please join us in celebrating this year’s cohort.

Rylee Mercer, Toccoa-Stephens, County Humane Shelter
Amanda Harding, Galveston Island Humane Society
Ruby Fooks, Friends of Butler County Animals
Lauren Brinkman, Underdog Pet Rescue and Vet Services
Karoline Westlund, ILLIS Animal Behaviour Courses
Cameron Dexter, Humane Society of Northwest Montana
Rebecca Woodward, SPCA of Texas
Ashton Franks, Good Mews Animal Foundation
Jeff Libby, Good Mews Animal Foundation
Cory Wells, Corinth Alcorn Animal Shelter
Jenny Black, Homeward Pet Adoption Center
Jodi Kroeger, Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire
Jessie Aris, Louisiana SPCA
Kelly Carey, Silverstray Social
Kalea Huber, Cherokee County Animal Shelter
Renah Jones, CARE STL
Sara Jastrebski, Humane Animal Partners
Breanna Tabor, Phoenix Children’s
Cecily Cigolini, Humane Society Silicon Valley
Wendy Hall, Second Chance Animal Services
Zoie Keast, Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
DeAndre Boatwright, City of Passaic
Skylar McFadden, The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County
Emmanuelle Chicandard, San Diego Humane Society
Rosanna Isely, SPCA Monterey County
Katie Faster, Humane Society of Charlotte
Melissa Allen, Tulsa SPCA
Brittany Parker, Fort Worth Animal Care & Control
Stacey Carabine, Anti-Cruelty
David Maldonado, Operation Kindness
Kristan Pardue, Tree House Humane Society
Vikram Mathur, Animal Rescue League of Boston
Jana Aviles, Lincoln County North Carolina

What’s Next for the Rising Stars?

All 49 Rising Stars have received discounted registration to The Annual Conference, giving them an opportunity to learn alongside, and build relationships with, leaders from across the profession.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be getting up-close and personal with the 2026 Rising Stars cohort, sharing more about the work, ideas and experiences that earned them recognition from their peers. Check back as we add their stories–and we hope you’ll be in Chattanooga to meet them in person.

The Association Blog