Governance
​Board and Council Assembly

The Foundation is governed by a diverse Board and Council specifically structured to reflect the One Health framework, ensuring representation across the medical, veterinary, and environmental sectors. This interdisciplinary leadership incorporates intersectional perspectives into strategic decisions, helping to ensure our work reaches and serves diverse communities through inclusive and transparent oversight.

The organization will assemble a Founding Board of Directors comprising approximately 6-9 individuals with experience in nonprofit leadership, veterinary medicine, animal welfare, environmental advocacy, finance, nonprofit law, education, and community engagement. 

ACF will also assemble a Founding Council comprising approximately 12 members. This non-governing advisory and ambassador body will be created to support the organization’s mission, visibility, and growth during its formative years. Council members may include:

• Community and institutional leaders
• Philanthropic supporters and donor connectors
• Subject-matter experts and advisors
• Respected professionals aligned with the mission
• Individuals being considered for future board service

Founding Board of Directors

Chris Feaster, VMD

Founder. President and Treasurer

Read bio here.

Lisa Miernicki, VMD

Vice President

Dr. Miernicki is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine with over 25 years experience as a practicing veterinarian. She spent a few years working as an Emergency Clinician shortly after graduating from veterinary school and has developed a special interest in Internal Medicine of cats and dogs since that time. She is a Partner and Medical Director of the Valley Veterinary Center.

Jennifer Georgia

Secretary

Jennifer is the Practice Manager of the Valley Veterinary Center. She has been in the veterinary industry since 2015 and graduated from the Penn Foster Veterinary Practice Management Program in 2025. Jennifer is passionate about client care, workplace culture, and adapting to the ever-changing world of veterinary care.

Sally Henriques

At-Large Board Member

Sally spent her career in the healthcare field. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, she focused in the care of children and adolescents in hospital, school, and community settings. Sally was raised in Bucks County and has lived in the area for many years. Now retired she has strong attachments to many non-profits locally especially those focused in the arts and culture, land preservation, and supporting those in need in the community. Sally welcomes the opportunity to serve as a Board member of the Animal Compassion Foundation during its inception and growth.

Timothy Rothwell

At-Large Board Member

Timothy G. Rothwell is currently the Chairman of Speracura LLC, a healthcare consulting company, which he founded in 2009. Mr. Rothwell was formerly Chairman of Sanofi from February 2007 to October 2009 in the U.S. He also served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Sanofi-Aventis from September 2004 to February 2007.

​Read more here.

Founding Council

Deborah Glessner

Debbie, a lifelong Pennsylvanian, migrated from Shippensburg to Bucks County in 1970 upon graduation from college when she was hired as a school librarian in the Council Rock School District. She taught there for 37 years with three of those years in an administrative position as district coordinator for Library-Media services. Debbie has nearly 30 years experience serving in the nonprofit sector. She served six years with the Bucks Co. Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing and five years with the Northampton Township Historical Society. Upon retirement from education in 2007, Debbie helped found the Nor’wester Therapy Dogs: Canine Partners in Education nonprofit organization and has served as its co-Director for 19 years. Debbie and her Labrador Retrievers have amassed well over 2000 therapy dog visits. She and her current Lab, Leia, do regular visits in a variety of educational venues. Debbie was also a horsewoman for more than 40 years and enjoyed breeding, training, and showing. She showed her homebred mare in dressage competitions. In addition, she organized and ran dressage shows and clinics. Her hobbies include photography, writing, arts & crafts, reading, walking in the woods, and spending time with her dogs.

Diana Florio

Diana Florio is a healthcare executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in nursing, healthcare operations, sales and specialty pharmacy. She began her career as an oncology nurse, where she developed a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Over the course of her career, Diana held senior leadership roles where she led national teams that partnered closely with healthcare providers to improve access to complex therapies for patients with serious and chronic conditions. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Diana has extensive experience building strong partnerships, aligning diverse stakeholders around a shared mission, and supporting initiatives that require strategic coordination and resource development. She brings these skills to the Animal Compassion Foundation working alongside fellow board members and community supporters to help advance the sanctuary’s mission and strengthen its fundraising efforts. Now retired, Diana is passionate about giving back and is honored to support the sanctuary’s work to protect and care for animals in need.

Dawn Fournier

Dawn has extensive experience in the philanthropic sector, having served as the Northeast Regional Director for the nation’s largest independent donor-advisor fund provider and also as the Philanthropic Services Director for a UK-based charity. She received an MEd from Harvard University and an MBA the Wharton School. Dawn and her husband have lived in Bucks County for almost 20 years and enjoy taking advantage of the area’s amazing features.

Kim Hawksworth

Kim Hawksworth’s work and service reflect a lifelong commitment to community and connection. With an extensive background in real estate spanning both Boulder, Colorado, and the Bucks County region, she has cultivated a strong professional network and a reputation for integrity, collaboration, and service. Prior to her career in real estate, Kim built a solid foundation in nonprofit leadership and event planning, and has served on community boards, helping to bring people together around shared values and meaningful causes. From an early age, Kim has held a deep respect for all living things and a belief in the interconnectedness of nature, animals, and humanity. This perspective continues to shape both her personal and professional life and informs her dedication to animal welfare and environmental stewardship. She and her husband, who is originally from New Zealand, are raising their two daughters with these same values, encouraging curiosity, kindness, and an appreciation for the natural world. The family looks forward to having their own farm someday, where they can live more closely with the land and animals they cherish.

Liza Heavener

Liza Heavener is the Chief Operating Officer of NEXUS, the leading international network of next-generation philanthropists, impact investors, and social innovators. In this role, she helps guide a global community of 6,000+ members from more than 70 countries, convening at the United Nations, the White House, and Parliament houses worldwide to catalyze collaboration and values-based capital for social change. With nearly two decades of experience spanning U.S. politics, international conservation and animal welfare, and nonprofit leadership, Liza brings an ability to bridge sectors and drive systems-level impact. She previously built national advocacy campaigns on Capitol Hill, co-founded an anti-deforestation initiative in Borneo and has been featured in the internationally acclaimed documentary and tv series featuring her work in Indonesia.

Michael Jennings
VMD, DAVDC

Bio to come.

Susan Magidson

​Read Susan's bio on her personal page.

Emily Sours

Emily is passionate about creating connections between gender equality, climate justice, and sustainable development. Currently based in Peru, she works with Asociación ANDES as a project manager and grant writer, coordinating programs that honor and amplify Indigenous knowledge in biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation. Her work builds on years of experience in international development, research, and advocacy for women, girls, LGBTQIA+ communities, Indigenous Peoples, and other marginalized groups. With a strong interdisciplinary background, Emily combines program coordination, grant development, and cross-cultural collaboration to advance inclusive, sustainable, and locally led initiatives worldwide. She brings this holistic perspective to the Founding Council at the Animal Compassion Foundation, supporting efforts that link equity, the environment, and community wellbeing.

Longterm Governance Plan

The Founder will initially serve as Founding Board Chair, relying on their background in business leadership and veterinary medicine, providing strategic oversight and continuity as the project advances. 

Within a year of the Sanctuary Campus being fully open and operating, the Founding Board of Directors will vote on a new Board Chair and the founder will transition to a permanent Board Member seat (not Board Chair). At the time this vote is held, the new Board Chair and Founding Board of Directors roles will begin a term of three to five years, with details and term limits determined by the Board at that time. All votes will be by majority.

Program Areas

1. Companion Animal Division
This division focuses on supporting local rescue organizations through nonprofit veterinary services, adoption programming, and training of future professionals.

2. Farm Animal Division
Supports farm animals rescued from neglect, abandonment, or medically complex situations. Provides long-term sanctuary and welfare education. 

​3. One Health Division
Rooted in veterinary and public health collaboration, the One Health Division integrates veterinary medicine, public health, and environmental health to support service projects in underserved communities. This division strengthens global animal health while empowering future leaders in the field.
Programs Include:

• Deployment of veterinary teams for service projects to underserved and low-income communities nationally and internationally
• Development or participation in high-impact One Health projects improving livestock welfare, zoonotic disease prevention, and community health 

When the Sanctuary Campus is complete, the Founder will initially serve as Executive Director, tasked with:

• Developing the Companion Animal Division 
  • ​Starting the veterinary clinic and hiring/training staff
  • Collaborating and continuing to build relationships with nonprofit rescue organizations in need of services
• Developing the Farm Animal Division and Sanctuary
  • Staffing/training the farm animal care team

​
When the Companion Animal Division is functional and pending the organization’s financial capacity, the Board will look to hire the following permanent paid roles: 

1. Executive Director
2. Companion Animal Division Director
   1. Medical Director of the Veterinary Clinic
3. Farm Animal Division Director
4. One Health Division Director
5. Development and Strategic Advancement Director 

​Development and Strategic Advancement Director
This role is dedicated to ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability and mission growth. Key responsibilities include managing donor relationships, conducting grant research and proposal writing, and executing donor prospecting strategies. Furthermore, this role is responsible for streamlining organizational communications and spearheading advocacy campaigns to amplify the Foundation’s impact and community awareness.

Some of these roles may be combined depending on need and financial capacity. The Founder may request to remain in one or more of these roles while also taking on the role of One Health Division Director, pending Board approval.

Permanent hires to Director-level positions will be compensated based on industry standards, role responsibilities, and the organization’s financial capacity. This structure ensures stable leadership throughout development while maintaining best-practice nonprofit governance once operations begin.

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The Animal Compassion Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of animals by funding veterinary care and supporting targeted animal wellness initiatives.