Our Board of Directors and Professional Staff

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.

Michael Lou
Chairman
Heather Coots
CFO/Vice Chairman
David Dieter
2nd Vice Chairman
Dr. Micah Kohles, DVM
Secretary
Jeff San Souci
Past Chairman
Chris Clevers
Past Chairman
Jennifer Larsen
Board Member
Keryn Rod
Board Member
Sandy Moore
Board Member
Sarah Goldberger
Board Member
Mark Dunn
Board Member
Lorin Grow
Board Member

Name
Board Position
Company
Michael Lou
Chairman
Patchwork Pet
Heather Coots
CFO/Vice Chairman
King Wholesale, Inc.
David Dieter
2nd Vice Chairman
Zoo Med Labs, Inc
Dr. Micah Kohles, DVM
Secretary
Woodland Animal Hospital / Odyssey Consulting / University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Veterinary Medicine
Jeff San Souci 
Past Chairman
Hagen Group
Chris Clevers
Past Chairman
Hikari Sales U.S.A. Inc.
Mark Dunn
Board Member
American Kennel Club
Lorin Grow
Board Member
Natural Pawz
Jennifer Larsen 
Board Member
Fire House Pet Shop
Keryn Rod 
Board Member
Waggles
Sandy Moore
Board Member
Segrest Farms
Sarah Goldberger
Board Member
Lord Jameson
  • “Supporting organizations that do good work in supporting the public’s knowledge of the positive benefits and impact of having a pet, exposure to the different species, the live animals themselves and broad communication of their work.”

    — Keryn Rod, Waggles
  • “Upon joining WPA, I realized there was much for me to grasp about advocacy and philanthropic efforts. I was truly amazed by the significant monetary donations made to support various organizations and the profound impact each one has on the pet industry. Witnessing the extent of WPA’s contributions, both financially and through active participation, fills me with pride. I wholeheartedly urge all constituents of the pet industry to join in and contribute towards strengthening our industry.”

    — Heather Coots, King Wholesale, Inc.
  • “We are in an industry built on giving! Whether it’s the unconditional love and compassion that a furry friend offers us or the support we extend to our community. From funding programs like ‘Pet in the Classroom,’ which allows children to experience the joys and responsibilities of pet ownership, to supporting the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, which investigates the well-being and positive health effects of pets, our commitment is unwavering. I am immensely proud of WPA’s vision to bolster and uplift our communities.”

    — Jeff San Souci, Rolf C. Hagen Corp
  • “Before joining the WPA Board of directors, I had no idea how many good works WPA contributed to. It has opened my eyes to several wonderful organizations that make such a difference in the pet industry. I truly hope that anyone that donates to WPA, exhibits at SUPERZOO, or pays membership dues, understands the impact they have through the WPA Good Works programs. The organizations benefiting from good works make such an impact on the pet industry regardless of what side of the industry you are on.”

    — Jennifer Larsen, Firehouse Pet Shop
  • “Thanks to WPA’s steadfast dedication to advocating for the pet industry, we’ve made an unwavering commitment to supporting organizations like the Pet Advocacy Network, NAIA, and others. Their ongoing efforts promote healthy pet ownership, making a real difference in our community.”

    — Micah Kohles DVM, Woodland Animal Hospital / Odyssey Consulting / University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Veterinary Medicine
  • “Numerous organizations contribute to a sustainable pet industry, aligning with WPA Good Works and bolstering my business’s success. Their efforts benefit my business by promoting responsible practices, maintaining healthy fish stocks, and fostering a thriving pet industry. USARK stands out among these organizations. Supported by WPA funding, USARK defends the rights to keep and breed reptiles, thereby enabling my business to provide a diverse array of reptiles to customers.”

    — Sandy Moore, Segrest Farms
  • “The World Pet Associations Good Works program instills a sense of collaboration that has built meaningful partnerships across the pet community. I am so very proud of WPA’s leadership and commitment to doing what is right for our wonderful industry. Protecting and promoting, pets and the human animal bond has proven to be incredibly beneficial for communities, households and schools across the United States and world.”

    — David Dieter, Zoo Med Labs, Inc.
  • “As a WPA Board Member, I am incredibly proud of all the fantastic and meaningful initiatives WPA supports, advances, funds, and creates to better the lives of pets and the community. WPA’s contribution to its Good Works pillar has dramatically improved the health and wellness of pets and created meaningful experiences for pet parents and the pet industry. Without WPA’s commitment to its Good Works platform, many areas of advocacy, education, community service, and pet programs would be underfunded and dramatically underserved.”

    — Sarah Goldberger, Lord Jameson

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
Email
Victor Mason
President
Mike Karsting
SVP
Mary Kate Martin
VP of Operations
Jessica Guzman
VP of Marketing
Elizabeth Spivak
VP of Sales
Sabra Soriano
Director of Marketing
James Keyston, CEM
Director of Sales & Exhibitor Services
Janelle Tamez
Director of Grooming
Lorie Gross
Operations Manager
Eric Moore
Account Manager
Christen Tye
Content Manager
Lixin Xiao
Comptroller
Alice Albanese
Exhibit Sales Manager
Deanna Webb
Sales Coordinator
Sharon Nettles
Grooming Coordinator
Angela Christiansen
Salesforce Administrator
Sandy Stein
Executive Administrator
Ashley Gonzalez David 
Marketing Coordinator