President – Sarah Javier

Sarah Javier is the President of the Board of Directors for the Coalition for Pet Progress and the President and CEO of the Animal Protective Association (APA) of Missouri, where she has led since 2016. With a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Sarah brings over two decades of impactful leadership. She is a 2012 FOCUS Leadership St. Louis graduate and has received numerous accolades, including the Most Influential Business Women award from the St. Louis Business Journal in 2021, the BISSELL Pet Foundation Shelter Hero Leadership Award in 2024, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis MPPA Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024. Under her leadership, the APA has been celebrated as a Top Workplace by the St. Louis Post Dispatch in 2023 and 2024 and named among the Best Places to Work by the St. Louis Business Journal in 2024. Sarah chose to serve as the President of the Board for the Coalition for Pet Progress to help shape the future of animal welfare in our region. Committed to fostering inclusivity and equity, she serves on the AAWA National DEI Council, and is certified as a diversity facilitrainer through the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) of Metropolitan St. Louis. Regularly invited to present at national conferences, Sarah’s compassionate leadership and dedication to positive change make her a beacon of inspiration in the animal welfare community.

Secretary – Becky Kreuger

Becky Krueger began volunteering at an open admission shelter in Alabama in 2002. It wasn’t long before she was offered a job with the organization managing the satellite adoption facility. Since then, she has worked at shelters in Wisconsin and Missouri in various roles such as volunteer manager, marketing manager, education and public relations director and executive director. Becky was a member of the PetLover Coalition for many years prior to it becoming the Coalition for Pet Progress and joined the board in 2018. She shares her home with two cats and a pit bull — all adopted from local shelters.

Board Member – Rick Spiekermann

Rick joined the Coalition prior to us registering as a non-profit, serving as Board Treasurer. He contributed to our first strategic plan budget and was a proponent of hiring a full time executive director.

Rick lives a life full of pet and their people, having adopted /fostered countless dogs and cats, each of whom have brought unique talents into his home. A native of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, he attended Ocean County College, Seton Hall University and Indiana University. He worked for Nestle PURINA for 35 years in brand management, international business, digital marketing and pet welfare/Petfinder. He lives in St. Louis city with his wife Shelby, dog Blender, cats Monsignor Pus, The Peeper and Luna (foster, looking for a permanent home!).

Board Member – Anne Schmidt

Anne Schmidt is the Executive Director of Metro East Humane Society in Edwardsville and Highland, Illinois, where she has happily dedicated her blood, sweat and tears for the last 14 years. Anne’s academic background in organizational communication (BA) and public administration and policy (MPA) contributed to her success in helping guide government officials to maximizing partnerships to increase lifesaving in the Metro East. She is excited to bring her experience in collaborative and innovative efforts working with local animal control facilities and rescue groups to the Coalition. When Anne isn’t on the phone or putting out a fire, she can be found at a soccer field watching her son play or at the vet spending money, most notably on her angry cat named Biggie or her beast of a dog named Zeke.

Board Member – Katie Willis

In 1996, I attended the University of Missouri–Columbia, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2000. I had dreams of becoming a veterinarian and applied to vet school twice but was not accepted. That same year, I began working as a veterinary technician at the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center (PAC), where I also met my husband, Robert. We married shortly after 9/11.

During that time, I pursued further education online and became a Registered Veterinary Technician in December 2011. I fell in love with the profession and took the initiative to help create a foster program for shelter animals.

In 2016, I was promoted to Division Director at the Pet Adoption Center, where I continue to serve. Our shelter cares for stray and surrendered animals in St. Charles County, and I am passionate about serving both people and pets in our community. That same year, I helped create Friends of the Pet Adoption Center (Friends of the PAC), an auxiliary nonprofit that assists low-income families with pet care and provides funding for shelter animals’ medical 

In December 2021, I completed my Master’s in Public Health (with a focus on veterinary public health).

Today, I live on three acres with my husband and a beloved group of four-legged companions—dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, and fish. Our home is always busy and full of life. I find joy in quilting, reading, and playing games, and working in my garden.  Of course, I love playing with all my pets and my foster animals. I am committed to serving my community and caring for all the creatures in the world.

Board Member – Jackie Jackson

Jackie Jackson is the Director of Finance at Pairwise Plants, bringing over 15 years of financial and operational expertise to the Coalition. Prior to Pairwise, she worked at Nestlé Purina PetCare Company where she supported many teams, including the Pet Welfare group. She and her husband spent the early years of their marriage as volunteers for various local rescue organizations, fostering over 20 dogs for local rescues . Jackie holds a Bachelors of Business Administration from McKendree University in Accounting and Economics & Finance and is a licensed CPA (inactive) in the state of Missouri. Outside of work, she pursues her passion for dressage by training and competing horses and teaching riding lessons. She also enjoys travel adventures, food and wine exploration, dancing, and being a proud dog mom to her pack of pitties.

Board Member – Alex Levine Clardy

Alex Levine Clardy brings nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and development, along with a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, and a deep commitment to ensuring that pets and the people who love them have access to the care and support they need. As Director of Development at the Animal Protective Association of Missouri (APA), Alex leads the development team and advances fundraising strategies that support lifesaving programs, community partnerships, and long-term sustainability. Passionate about philanthropy and collaboration, Alex believes every pet deserves quality care and the opportunity to find a loving home. She is proud to support coalition-based efforts that strengthen organizations and create more equitable, community-centered solutions for animals and families in the Greater St. Louis region. Alex lives in St. Louis City with her spouse and rescue dog, Ruthie Rosemary.

Executive Director – Nev Fisher

Nev Fisher is the Executive Director of the Coalition for Pet Progress. The coalition leads strategic initiatives to advance animal welfare and support pet-focused organizations across the St. Louis and metro east region. Nev has over twenty years experience in animal welfare serving as the Director for Partners For Pets Humane Society as well as the Director of Operations for the Humane Society of Monroe County.  Nev is passionate about collaboration and creating sustainable growth within the animal welfare community.  Nev holds a Bachelors degree in Organizational Leadership and Management and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in management further strengthening her ability to lead the coalition through growth and collaboration.  Nev is excited to lead and expand the coalition’s impact through advocacy, education and support for all members of the Coalition for Pet Progress.