Board of Directors

	Lori L. Kirshner Founder and President Dr. Kirshner serves as President of Advancing the Interests of Animals (AIA). She founded the organization, previously named Desert Paws, in 2001. Lori provides leadership and energy to AIA, and guided it from an organization primarily focused on domestic animals to one which advocates for all animals around the globe. This is encompassed in the mission of AIA: To improve the lives of animals and to encourage compassion and respect for all living beings. Lori is also host of Animals Today, a nationally syndicated radio show now in its 12th year, that explores how animals are treated in society and advocates for their well-being.Dr. Kirshner, a native of Southern California, received a B.S. in Biology from UCLA, and then graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine. After completing a residency in Ophthalmology at University of Arizona, Lori began a successful Ophthalmology practice in Palm Springs, California. Married to Physician Peter Spiegel, Lori enjoys desert hikes, running, and classic rock music. Their two dogs and four cats provide endless affection and comfort.
	Dr. Peter Spiegel Vice President and Secretary Dr. Spiegel serves as Vice President and Secretary of Advancing the Interests of Animals, and is a founding member.  Along with Dr. Kirshner, Peter developed the radio show, Animals Today, which he produces and co-hosts.   He is constantly scanning world events for newsworthy animal stories to bring to the show, and presents the most important ones in his weekly news segment. Peter is also interested in children’s books about animals and the role of service animals in society.      Working alongside Dr. Kirshner, Peter has provided energy and vision during the organization’s growth.Peter Spiegel grew up in New York and graduated from Clark University, summa cum laude. He attended Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and after completing his training in Pediatric and Neuro-ophthalmology, settled in Palm Springs, California. He enjoys vegan cooking, hifi, and tinkering in his workshop.
	Bob Ferber Director Originally from Long Island, New York, Bob moved to Los Angeles after graduating from Franklin & Marshall College and Columbia University School of Law. Bob joined the LA City Attorney’s Office in 1979 as a prosecutor wherein he eventually contested street prostitution then gang violence while instituting successful initiatives which have since been used nationwide. In 2001 he changed his prosecution focus to animal cruelty and neglect cases, becoming the first full-time animal cruelty prosecutor in the nation. Bob was instrumental in the creation of the LA Animal Cruelty Task Force, the first joint effort to target animal abusers and those engaged in blood sports such as dogfighting and cockfighting. He also drafted local and state legislation to provide further legal protection for animals. Bob resigned from LA City in 2013 so as to make a greater impact on animal welfare as a private attorney. In addition to his professional successes Bob has created a humane education program called Baron’s Buddies whereby he takes disabled and unwanted rescue animals he rehabilitated to inner-city schools to teach empathy, compassion and nonviolence. Bob also serves on the board of several other animal related nonprofits and provides legal advice and services to animal advocates, rescuers and local nonprofits. Serving as a consultant and expert on topics ranging from the victimization of women as prostitutes, successful strategies to combat gang violence and issues involving animal welfare, Bob has appeared in various media outlets worldwide.
	Joe Seoane Director AIA’s newest board member has been dedicated to public service for virtually his entire life.  In 1986 Joe moved to California after retiring from the New York City Police Department where he specialized in rescue situations and suicide interventions as part of its SWAT team.  Once in California, his love of books and literacy led him to a position with the Los Angeles Unified School District as a middle school librarian. During this time, he also became active at a local church, teaching Sunday school and founding two non-denominational ministries.  One of his ministries provides spiritual support for professionals in the entertainment industry.  His other ministry, provides daily affirmations to over 2,000 people of all walks of life, including best-selling authors, Oscar nominated actors and Grammy winning musicians.  Joe’s commitment to serving his community presently includes his performing as the Dean of Medical Education for Buonora Child Development Centers, as well as his regular volunteer service as a licensed paramedic, specializing in pediatric trauma and his volunteer work for the Cancer Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization which hosts the annual “Camp Keepsake” weekend for adult cancer patients and their families.  Joe also previously served on the board of directors of The Gentle Barn, an animal sanctuary and rescue operation. Joe recently was elected to the Northridge East Neighborhood Council as Councilman At Large and was voted in as the Council Board’s Treasurer.  Joe is excited to bring his prior experience in the public service realm and love of animals to the AIA board.

Advisory Board

	Marc Bekoff, PhD Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado. Ethologist, book author
	Gary Francione Distinguished Professor of Law and Nicholas deB. Katzenbach Scholar of Law & Philosophy, Rutgers University. Expert in animal rights theory and law. Book author and blogger.
	Steve Hindi Founder and President, SHARK (Showing Animals Respect and Kindness). Undercover videographer, legal and legislative activist.
	Elliott M. Katz President, In Defense of Animals, now in its 25th year of fighting for the rights, welfare and habitats of animals.
	Frank L. Hoffman Operator of the expansive web based resource, all-creatures.org, which is supported by The Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman Family Foundation. Jewish-United Methodist Pastor (retired).
	Lori Marino Lori Marino, Ph.D. Founder and Executive Director of The Kimmela Center for Animal Advocacy, Inc, Senior Lecturer at Emory University. Faculty in the Emory Center for Ethics. Neuroscientist, comparative psychologist, cetacean expert.
	Eric Mills Founder and Coordinator, Action for Animals. Board member, PawPAC and Ohlone Humane Society.
	Eric L. Sakach Senior Law Enforcement Specialist, Humane Society of the United States.
	Paul Waldau Lead faculty member for the Anthrozoology graduate program at Canisius College. President of the Religion and Animals Institute. Philosopher.
	Barry Manilow Entertainer.