About Us

ABOUT US
 
Maryland Votes For Animals (MVFA) is an organization of individuals who feel a moral obligation to end the suffering of animals and who are committed to improving their lives. We acknowledge that letters to politicians, petitions and demonstrations all have their place in the animal protection movement. But we believe that the most helpful step we can take on behalf of animals is the creation and enforcement of laws that protect those animals who are subject to mistreatment.
 
Further, we believe that the best path to the enactment of effective laws is through creation of a humane voting bloc of informed and concerned citizens who will use their vote to insist that Maryland become a more animal-friendly state. After all, rescue organizations have been operating for centuries---doing courageous, compassionate and vital work---and yet the problem of animal suffering persists. Therefore, we’re asking that the “animal people” of Maryland join with us to help animals by getting politically involved for the sake of all the animals touched by Maryland law.
 
Note: Maryland Votes For Animals is not an animal rescue organization. If you see an animal in trouble or who needs a home, please immediately contact one of the many fine rescue organizations in Maryland.
 
MEET OUR BOARD
 
Carolyn Kilborn, Chair
 
Carolyn and her husband, Jeremy Kilborn, founded MVFA's predisessor, Annapolis For Animals, when they realized that animals desperately need an advocate to speak up for them in the Maryland General Assembly.  The group expanded rapidly, went state-wide and changed its name to Maryland Votes For Animals.  Carolyn and Jeremy have done rescue work, TNR and animal advocacy of various kinds, including lobbying at the federal level.  They love all types of animals but have a particularly soft spot in their hearts for cats.
 
Valerie Pringle, Vice-Chair
 
Valerie has loved animals her whole life and as an adult, has returned to her childhood passion--riding horses.  She is pictured with her horse Amber, who has brought her more joy than she ever thought possible.  She also has a golden retriever named Sugarbear and a cat named Kramer.  Valerie helped advocate for the carriage horses in Annapolis, who were being worked during a heat alert, by writing legislation to improve their conditions. That experience taught her the power of legislation for helping animals.
 
 
Kimberly Jackson, Treasurer
 
Kim has worked in the finance and accounting industry for over 20 years. With a bachelor’s degree in economics and specialized experience in financial management and oversight, she has held staff positions at public and private firms and for the past 6 years has owned her own business serving clients in Baltimore and New York. Kim has worked with and supported local animal welfare and rescue groups for years. As Treasurer for MVFA, Kim combines the depth of her professional experience and knowledge with her lifelong love of animals. 

 
Stephanie Dignan, Board of Directors
 
Stephanie Dignan is a Maryland native who spent over 10 years working for fortune 500 companies as a financial advisor. In 2008, she left the financial services field to pursue her passion for fitness. She is a certified personal trainer and boot camp instructor and is the owner of The Boot Camp Girl. In addition, Stephanie is a volunteer for the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County. Stephanie has always had a special love for animals. She believes that by building a voting bloc of animal lovers in Maryland, that she can have a more far-reaching effect on animals for years to come.  
 
Kathy Kirschnner, Board of Directors
 
Kathy has been in the travel business for the last 30 years, currently doing independent travel and event consulting.  She has loved animals all of her life and has always had dogs and cats in her home.  She is active with Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue and fosters cockers along with helping to place them for adoption.  Kathy became active in MVFA when she realized the best way to help the animals was through a voting bloc to elect humane legislators who will change the laws.
 
Joseph Lamp, Ph.D., Board of Directors 
 
Joe is a speech professor at Anne Arundel Community College. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Communications from the University of Maryland and a Certificate of Advanced Study from The Johns Hopkins University. In 1998, former Governor Parris Glendening appointed him to the Wildlife Advisory Commission of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. He is the first animal welfare person ever to be appointed to such a position in the United States, where he continues to serve. He received the Environmental Achievement Award from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2003, and the Excellence in Teaching Award from The Johns Hopkins University in 2001. He lives with his wife, JoAnn, and “a few” furry feline associates.   
 
Sara Poulin, Board of Directors and Co-Secretary
 
Sara has been dedicated to helping animals for most of her life.  She's volunteered for dog, horse and rabbit rescues doing everything from fostering, dog-walking at shelters, and transport of animals from kill to no-kill shelters.  She's also worked as a vet tech but now she owns her own pet-sitting business.