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HABRI’s Board of Trustees is comprised of an impressive group of dedicated leaders from the animal health and pet care communities. HABRI is grateful for the commitment, dedication and vision of the HABRI Board of Trustees, all of who work tirelessly to advance the HABRI mission for a healthier, more pet-friendly society.
Board of Trustees
Aimee GilbreathPresident, PetSmart CharitiesChair
Aimee Gilbreath is the President of PetSmart Charities® and PetSmart Charities® of Canada, where she oversees the direction and vision for the strategic grant-making organizations, and North America’s leading funder of animal welfare.
A seasoned leader in both non-profit and private-sector organizations with extensive experience in a range of industries spanning biotech, consumer goods and philanthropy, Aimee has a proven track record of driving organizations to achieve growth and success.
As the executive director of the Found Animals Foundation, Inc., a non-profit supporting pet owners and animal welfare organizations with a mission dedicated to saving pets and enriching lives, Aimee spearheaded activities for the foundation’s 1,000+ B2B clients and 5 million B2C customers nationwide, as well as more than 90 grant recipients and 30 strategic partners worldwide.
Prior to her role at the Found Animals Foundation, Aimee served as a principal at the Boston Consulting Group, where she created solutions for Fortune 500 clients by developing and implementing strategic and operational improvements. She also previously served as a process engineer and research associate for Motorola, launching and building the company’s start-up biotech research and development division.
Aimee holds an MBA from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona. She shares her passion for pets and community by serving on the board of Spay 4 LA and is affiliated with numerous other non-profit organizations.
Eugene O’NeillCEO, North American Veterinary Community (NAVC)
Vice Chair
Eugene (Gene) O’Neill joined the NAVC in 2013 as Chief Financial Officer. He was promoted to Deputy CEO and CFO in 2018 and was named CEO in late 2019. O’Neill helped transform the NAVC’s educational portfolio which consisted primarily of its annual veterinary conference (VMX) to now include: a media division that has become the veterinary industry’s largest trade publisher; an online news station; a robust online learning platform (Vetfolio); certification programs; and an online recruiting tool for veterinarians. This strategy enabled the NAVC to more than double its revenue. Under Gene’s leadership and vision, the NAVC has expanded its virtual portfolio, taking the events and continued education opportunities through which the NAVC built its global reputation and making them available to veterinary professionals worldwide.
Prior to joining the NAVC, O’Neill held executive and financial leadership roles at the Institute of Internal Auditors, IIA-Australia and SeaWorld of Florida. He has held CPA and CIA designations throughout his career. O’Neill served as the Interim CEO for The Institute of Internal Auditors-Australia, based in Sydney. During his four month term there, he was able to implement new programs and benefits that turned around a declining membership base, develop an operating business plan for the organization that matched the changing dynamics of the structure of The Institute and produce a world-class conference for members in Australia and SE Asia. Prior to joining The IIA, O’Neill spent 10 years with SeaWorld of Florida, holding positions in Administration and Finance areas. He also spent eight years as the General Manager of Baseball City Sports Complex, the spring training site of the Kansas City Royals.
A New Jersey native, he lives in Orlando with his wife Pam. They enjoy spending time with their 4 children and 2 grandchildren. He loves to spend time on the water and is an avid golfer and a music enthusiast.
Pete ScottPresident & CEO, American Pet Products AssociationTreasurer
Peter Scott is a proven leader with over 20 years of experience in growing global non-profit organizations and individuals specializing in association management, governance, risk, relationship management, product development, digital transformation, experiential design, and event management as well as corporate strategy/innovation.
Before joining the American Pet Products Association as President & CEO, Scott served as CEO of the American Academy of Optometry. Prior to that, he spent more than six years as chief operating officer of the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC).
Jeannette Ferran AstorgaExecutive Vice President, Corporate Affairs Chief Sustainability Officer, ZoetisSecretary
Jeannette Ferran Astorga is Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer for Zoetis, the world’s leading animal health company and a member of the Fortune 500. She also serves as President of the Zoetis Foundation and chairperson of the Zoetis Political Action Committee.
In these roles, Ms. Ferran Astorga is responsible for advancing and executing Zoetis’ strategic approach to global communications, reputation management, global policy, public affairs and advocacy on behalf of the company in service to its wide-ranging stakeholders, including colleagues, customers and industry partners. She leads a global team committed to advancing purpose-driven strategies to deliver innovation in animal health, seamlessly integrating its vision and strategic priorities across corporate brand and digital media strategies, colleague communications, industry and government relations, sustainability and philanthropic commitments.
Ms. Ferran Astorga joined Zoetis in 2020 as the company’s first Head of Sustainability, launched the company’s long-range goals in the areas of environmental and social impact, and established the Zoetis Foundation focused on advancing opportunities for veterinarians and farmers – strengthening the company’s purpose-driven strategy, accelerating stakeholder engagement, and helping embed sustainability and social impact into enterprise priorities and decision-making.
Prior to joining Zoetis, Ms. Ferran Astorga served as Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at Ascena Retail Group, where she led the global strategy and team responsible for supply chain compliance and sustainability, diversity and inclusion and corporate philanthropy. In this role, she advanced enterprise-wide initiatives that strengthened stakeholder engagement and transparency across employees, suppliers, communities, and industry partners, while aligning business performance with responsible practices.
Over her more than 20-year career in fashion retail, Ms. Ferran Astorga has been recognized for leading purpose-driven strategies that connect corporate responsibility, communications and business priorities. She has a strong track record of orchestrating complex global initiatives, fostering cultures of innovation and collaboration, and enhancing reputation and growth within several Fortune 500 companies.
In addition to her corporate role, Ms. Ferran Astorga contributes to board leadership, advisory and committee roles with notable organizations. Her achievements have been recognized externally, including being named a Top 100 Corporate Social Responsibility Influence Leader by Assent in 2020. She also serves as Vice President and Board Director for Generation Hope, and is a frequent presenter on corporate affairs topics and contributor to the Hispanic Executive Publisher’s Circle.
Ms. Ferran Astorga holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Finance with a concentration in International Business from Fordham University, and she completed the Corporate Social Responsibility executive program at Harvard Business School.
Janet Donlin, DVMChief Executive Officer, AVMA
Dr. Donlin was Chief Executive Officer of AVMA Professional Liability Insurance Trust (AVMA PLIT) since April 2013. Dr. Donlin’s hiring as CEO marks her return to the AVMA for which she first started working in 1991 as an assistant director in what was then the AVMA Scientific Activities Division.
Over the course of the next 17 years, she served as an Interim Division Director, Associate Executive Vice President and Assistant Executive Vice President at American Veterinary Medical Association. From 2000 to 2001, Dr. Donlin served at AVMA as interim Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues, where she oversaw the establishment of the commission as a nonprofit organization.
From August 2007 to March 2013, Dr. Donlin served as Chief Veterinary Officer of the Global Veterinary Business Channel of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. There she provided veterinary insights to drive development of innovative products and services to meet the evolving needs of the veterinary profession and pet owners.
Dr. Donlin has professional membership in several associations, including AVMA, the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, the American Society of Association Executives, and the American Association of Corporate and Public Practice Veterinarians. She was a board member of the American Association of Corporate and Public Service Veterinarians. She was a Trustee of the AVMA’s Group Health Life Insurance Trust (now AVMA Life).
She is a licensed veterinarian in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Dr. Donlin is the first veterinarian to earn the Certified Association Executive credential from the American Society of Association Executives.
She received both her DVM and her Bachelor of Science degree in medical technology from the University of Minnesota. She is also a graduate of the veterinary technician program at the Medical Institute of Minnesota.
Kirk HaggardNorth America Regional Leader, Doubtless Pet Insurance
Kirk Haggard is the North America Regional Leader of Independence Doubtless Pet Insurance, one of North America’s leading pet insurance and services organizations. In his role, Kirk leads a diverse and broad North American portfolio of modern pet health brands and services across insurance, wellness, pet education and lost recovery services, positioning Doubtless for sustainable and profitable growth. As a leader, Kirk passionately fosters a mission-focused culture, helping to advance Doubtless’ mission of caring for pets and empowering pet parents.
Kirk brings an impressive 37 years of experience in the insurance industry with time spent in various senior leadership roles at Allstate, Bank of America and USAA.
David ReillyVice President, External Communications, Public Affairs and Purpose, Mars Petcare
David heads up the External Communications and Public Affairs team for the Mars Petcare business globally (a $30bn business spanning nutrition, care and diagnostics) and work to deliver on the Mars Petcare purpose: A Better World for Pets. He joined Mars in 2012 and has led Corporate Affairs across a range of businesses and geographies including the UK, Europe, EMEA and globally. He is passionate about the role pets can play in people’s lives and is a board trustee of the Royal Canin Foundation, which supports projects that highlight the positive impact of pets in human health and wellbeing. He was instrumental in Mars’ launch of the Pets and Wellbeing Study Program (PAWs) in 2025, the world’s largest study program into the benefits of pets, and led Mars’ partnership with the leading mental healthcare app Calm – to bring practical wellbeing tools to life inspired by the bond with pets which put pets at the heart of the conversation during Mental Health Awareness month in 2025.
Over a 20 year+ career he has built broad experience across politics, media and business at board level. Before Mars he co-owned a strategic communications consultancy in London, working on government relations and crisis management in the energy, healthcare and financial services sectors. In his early career he was a journalist, a media advisor for the UK Labour Party and also worked for an international child protection charity. He lives in London with his family including Buster, a four-year old English Bulldog.
Chelsea StaleyPresident, Petco Love
Chelsea Staley describes herself as a “modern-day Elly May,” a title earned early in her childhood in West Virginia as she brought home every lost pet she could find. In 2010, shortly after completing her MBA, she stopped by her local animal shelter to donate treats and toys, a simple gesture that changed her life. A red puppy named Bo wiggled his way into her arms and heart. Though his life was tragically cut short by parvovirus, Bo’s legacy became the driving force behind Chelsea’s career and her unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for shelter pets nationwide. Today, Chelsea is a nationally recognized business and nonprofit leader known for turning bold strategic visions into measurable, mission-driven impact. She brings a powerful blend of operational expertise, data-driven decision-making, and compassionate leadership to every organization she serves. Her work sits at the intersection of smart business practice and humane innovation, advancing animal welfare through rigorous analysis, cross-sector partnerships, and a deep belief in the human-animal bond. Before stepping into her current role, Chelsea served as Director of Lifesaving at Petco Love and previously as Executive Director of the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association. There, she rebuilt critical government partnerships, led precedent-setting humane law enforcement cases, and cultivated a high-performing team that continues to maintain lifesaving rates above 95 percent. Her leadership is defined not just by operational excellence, but by her ability to inspire teams, strengthen communities, and elevate the standard of care for pets everywhere. Chelsea holds a bachelor’s degree in Consumer Sciences and Merchandising from West Virginia University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Charleston. Her career, and the thousands of pets whose lives have been touched by her work, stands as a testament to what can happen when sharp business strategy meets heart-driven purpose.
Joe ToscanoVice President Trade and Industry Development, Nestle Purina PetCare Company
Joe Toscano joined Purina in 2002 as an Account Manager and. began his current role as Vice President of Trade and Industry Development in 2016.
Immediately upon graduating from Cornell University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management & Marketing Joe joined Nestlé. For 30+ years he has worked with the Nestlé companies and brands, always keeping an acute focus on the pet category. Joe has developed a strong understanding of the pet category and consumer and has worked across all classes of trade focused on maximizing profitable sales for many different Nestlé and Purina customers.
Joe is the NPPC Customer Excellence Award Winner in multiple years and has supported all channels from his sales and category role including Grocery, Mass, Drug, Convenience, Dollar, and Club.
Joe currently resides in St. Louis with his family, including wife Michelle, daughters, Dominique and Joeli, son, Joseph, and his grandson, Ethan.
Mike KarstingSenior Vice President, World Pet Association
Mike Karsting has served as Senior Vice President of World Pet Association for the past five years, bringing more than 25 years of experience in event marketing, production, and management across both trade and consumer platforms.
Prior to stepping into the SVP role, Karsting spent 18 years with TEN: The Enthusiast Network, including the last decade as Vice President of Events. There, he led the planning, production, and execution of major properties such as the EnduroCross series, Motor Trend International Auto Show events, as well as numerous custom car shows and live concerts. Karsting later produced multiple X Games throughout the world and served as Marketing Director at MotoAmerica and previously held a leadership role at Professional Bull Riders.
As SVP, Karsting leads the strategic development and execution of the company’s live B2B portfolio, driving growth through innovative event strategy, partnership development, and operational excellence. Leveraging on his extensive background in motorsports, automotive culture, and live entertainment, he is committed to delivering impactful experiences that elevate exhibitors, sponsors, partners, and industry attendees.
Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVPChief Medical Officer, Zoetis (Retired)Board Member Emeritus
Dr. Mike McFarland was the Chief Medical Officer at Zoetis and a founding member of HABRI with four decades of leadership in veterinary medicine. Mike received his undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Texas &M University in 1980 and his DVM from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas &M in 1985. He is board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Before joining Pfizer Animal Health (now Zoetis), he was a companion animal veterinary clinician for 15 years, including 5 years as the Medical Director for one of the country’s first after-hours emergency practices in Dallas, Texas.
Mike started his career with Pfizer Animal Health in January 2000 as an Area Veterinarian in Texas and was given positions of increasing responsibility over the next several years. In 2010, Mike then served as the Group Director for Veterinary Medical Services. He was the Senior Medical Advisor on the US Operations Leadership Team, Chair of the US Veterinary Leadership Team and responsible for Veterinary Medical Information & Product Support (Drug Safety) as well as US Academic and Professional Affairs. His efforts were instrumental in establishing the multi-million dollar Pfizer Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship Award.
Mike retired from his position as Chief Medical Officer in 2024.
Robert L. VeterePresident & CEO, American Pet Products Association (2002-2019)Board Member Emeritus
Bob Vetere was the President and CEO of the American Pet Products Association and served as President of the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). Vetere has lead several pet industry wide initiatives including the formation of HABRI, the Pet Leadership Council (PLC) to strengthen and advance the pet industry and Pets Add Life (PAL), a national social media campaign promoting responsible pet ownership. In his many roles, Vetere has made his mark in the industry and is often featured as spokesperson with guest columns in publications including Pet Business and Pet Product News and television appearances on such acclaimed shows as CNNFN, ABC’s World News Tonight, and CNBC. He has also been quoted in leading print outlets including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal. He is also author of the book From Wags to Riches: How Dogs Teach Us to Succeed in Business & Life.
Responsible for APPA, HABRI, PLC and PAL, Vetere aligns industry goals and works in collaboration with members, Board of Directors, staff and other industry associations to support and further the interests and success of the pet industry.
Before joining APPA over a decade ago, Bob served as senior vice president, administration, general counsel and secretary at Oil-Dri Corporation of America, a publicly traded $175 million international developer, manufacturer and marketer of brand name and private label products for pets, fluids purification and agriculture. Bob’s management responsibilities encompassed the areas of human resources, facilities management, law, environmental health and safety, product compliance, payroll, corporate safety, permitting and government relations. His achievements at Oil-Dri range from restructuring the Law and Human Resource departments to successfully negotiating a new labor contract with the United Steelworkers Union.
Prior to his position at Oil-Dri, Bob spent 25 years at First Brands Corporation, a $1.2 billion publicly traded manufacturer and marketer of consumer products, including GLAD Wrap and Bags, Prestone Anti-Freeze, and Scoop Away and Jonny Cat Pet Litter. While at First Brands Corporation, Bob held a number of positions including associate general counsel/director of government relations, senior corporate counsel, corporate director of professional development and senior corporate staff engineer.
Bob earned a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall School of Law, an M.B.A. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a B.S. in Management Science, also from R.P.I.
He is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association, and the American Society of Association Executives.
Bob and his wife Brenda reside in South Windsor and Stamford, Connecticut. In his free time, Bob enjoys catching Giants football games with his two sons.
President
Steven Feldman
Steven Feldman is the President of the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). His mission is to advance the science that demonstrates the positive roles that pets and other animals play in the integrated health of individuals, families and communities.
Steven is an experienced public affairs advocate who has worked in the areas of wildlife conservation, animal welfare, healthcare and education. Prior to joining HABRI, Steve served as senior vice president for external affairs for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He also worked at Powell Tate, a leading public affairs firm, and as a staff member in the United States Senate.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs and a Master’s Degree in Political Management from the George Washington University.
