Meet Our Board

Heather Martin

President

​As VP, Operations for March of Dimes, Heather leverages her 20-years of multi-faceted executive experience to help solve complex business problems and drive organizational change. She was the Chief Operating Officer for a Boston-based non-profit for 18 years, a strategy consultant at IBM and a small business owner and has diverse skills in management, HR and leadership. Heather holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from McGill University. When she's not working, there is a pretty good chance she's looking for a tennis ball that her rescue chiweenie, Solo, has knocked under the couch.

Cara Laurello

Vice President

​Cara has 30 years of experience in the fields of Ethics & Compliance, Legal and Regulatory Affairs.  She is currently Chief Compliance Officer at Aspen Aerogels, Inc.  Cara’s family wouldn’t be complete without their rescue dogs, Lola and Cooper, who share their personalities and affection with everyone they meet.

Jeremy Crawford

Secretary

​Jeremy is an entrepreneurial enthusiast at heart. He is dedicated to advocating, coaching and advising small to midsize organizations, both nonprofit and for-profit. Jeremy serves on several boards and has many years of experience in consulting, analytics, marketing, and supply chain management, as well as being the former owner of a pet accessories company. He holds a Masters degree in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship and a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Temple University. He lives in the DC area with his family and their beloved goldendoodle.

Nick Santaferrara

Treasurer

​I was born and raised in Syracuse, NY where I attended LeMoyne college in which I double majored in Finance and Applied Management Analysis with a minor in Economics.  After college I have spent 16 years in the corporate Finance world with companies such as UPS, DOT Foods, and WYNIT Distribution.  Along the way I also worked with the Syracuse SPCA for 4 years which really cultivated my love for working with animals and giving back.  Currently,  my time is spent as the CFO for M&S Fire Protection in New York as well as operating a consulting business.  In my personal time I love playing and watching sports, weight training, and of course spending as much time as possible with the handsome guy in the photo.....my pup, Rocket J. Squirrel!

Kate MacFall

Board Member

A 13-year resident of Florida and long-time animal advocate, Kate MacFall became the Florida State Director of The Humane Society of the United States in April of 2012. Kate is a great fan of "bully breeds" and has also been a strong advocate for Florida's greyhounds for many years.

Cherie Fine

Board Member

Cherie Fine is a partner in the law firm of Fine, Farkash and Parlapiano, P.A. She is a double gator and has been on the board of the local Humane Society for over 10 years.

Paris Osaze-Allen

Board Member

My name is Paris Osaze-Allen. I am 29 years old. I have a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and a Masters in Science Management. I manage a Hertz Car Rental in Jax, FL. I’ve been married for almost six years, and I have an eleven year old daughter. I have served on the board of Project Canis for the last three years. I have worked with animals as long as I can remember, starting as a pet sitter, to grooming, to working at an animal shelter, to volunteer work within many different shelters. 

Drew Wiltsie

Board Member

Drew Wiltsie is a recent University of Florida graduate with a degree in Finance. His love for animals led him to get involved in Project Canis and he is excited to bring joy to the shelter animals' lives. He has a Golden Retriever named Miles and an English Bulldog named Ryder. Project Canis gives him the opportunity to further his passion of animals.

Kaidian Boubacar

Board Member

Kaidian received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Florida and a Masters in Social Work from Florida State University. She has worked with children and families in the Gainesville community for eight years. Kaidian hopes to positively affect the next generation by incorporating wellness practices and trauma informed interactions in Early Childhood Education. ​

Mike FitzGibbon

Board Member

Mike is a lifelong resident of Rocky River, Ohio. He has 30 years of experience in business ownership, consulting for nonprofit organizations, and volunteering primarily at the board level. Mike is the Executive Director of the World Group Foundation. Having received his BA in History from Miami University, Mike went on to get an MA in Classical Languages and Literatures at the University of Kentucky, and a PhD in Policy History from Case Western Reserve University. His areas of expertise include strategic planning, leadership, and revenue diversification for nonprofits. A lifelong dog dad, his best buddy is Marlen, a 12 year old golden retriever. Mike’s interests include reading, hiking, and snow-based activities.