Alesia Soltanpanah: U.S. Executive Director
New York, NY – World Animal Protection, one of the largest animal protection organizations in the world, has named Alesia Soltanpanah as its new U.S. Executive Director. She will lead World Animal Protection’s activities in the U.S. and help build a global movement that will inspire people to changes animals’ lives for the better.
Soltanpanah brings over 20 years of executive leadership, financial, operational and program development experience at a variety of nonprofits, including multiple animal welfare organizations.
Most recently, Soltanpanah was Executive Director of the Victim’s Information Bureau of Suffolk in Islandia, NY, where she managed the $2.9 million agency and created new programs on domestic violence law, witnesses to homicide, human trafficking, and pet therapy. During her tenure, she brought in $500,000 in new grants, built a robust volunteer program, and in two years, more than doubled the number of clients served.
Prior to her most recent position, Soltanpanah served in top-level development, communications and marketing roles in New York City. As Vice President of Development at the Ms. Foundation for Women, she raised $8.6 million in revenue and managed the highest grossing special event in the organization’s history. Previously, as Chief Development Officer at Safe Horizon, she was responsible for $50 million in fundraising revenue and increased private revenue by 42%.
Soltanpanah has also held leadership roles in animal welfare as Vice President of Development and Marketing Communications at Bideawee, the first animal rescue organization in New York City, and as Vice President of Development and Communications at the North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, NY. Prior to working in animal welfare, she was AVP, Direct Marketing at international NGO Save the Children, where she helped develop the direct marketing program.
Soltanpanah received an MBA from Golden Gate University in San Francisco and a BA from California State University, Sacramento.
From offices around the world, World Animal Protection works with businesses, governments, local partners and animal welfare organizations to help people find practical ways to prevent animal suffering worldwide. It seeks national and international policy change to improve the lives of millions of animals, because animal protection is a fundamental part of a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.worldanimalprotection.us.org
