Advisors to the Board of Directors

David has served as the co-host of NBC’s National Dog Show Presented by Purina since its inception in 2002. With his partner, John O’Hurley, he is seen every Thanksgiving Day by more than 20 million viewers, the largest TV audiences for any dog show. It is the same role that David perfected in 27 years as the longtime (1990-2016) co-host of USA Network’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

A breeder-owner-handler and judge in the world of purebred dogs for more than 40 years, he has enjoyed much competitive success in the show ring with his Afghan Hounds, Brittanys and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

But his true passion comes from the work that David and his dogs have been doing over the past 20-plus years as therapy dog teams at the Ronald McDonald House and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, and at New York’s VA Medical Center (visiting David’s fellow veterans). Currently David and his Cavalier, True Dat, visit at the Seattle VA Hospital.

In 2004, he became founder and president of a 501(c)3 charity, Angel On A Leash, creating and advocating for therapy dog programs in many places around the country. David’s award-winning second book, Angel On A Leash (named after the charity), is his view of his world of therapy dogs and his life in dogs.

In 2018, David was named to the prestigious Dog Writers Association of America’s Hall of Fame. In 2015, Dog Fancy magazine, in its final issue, included him in a retrospective, “45 People Who Changed the Dog World.”

Kerry Mazzoni is a former member of the California State Assembly serving from 1994-2000 when she was retired from office due to term-limits. As a member of the State Assembly she served as the Chair of the Assembly Education Committee and as the Chair of the Women’s Legislative Caucus. She also served as the Chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures Education Committee. After her tenure in the legislature she was appointed Governor Gray Davis’ Secretary of Education advising him on all education policies from early childhood education through higher education. Prior to her election to the State Assembly she served on the Novato Unified School District Board of Trustees where she served twice as President during her 7 years on the board.

After her tenure in Governor Gray Davis’ cabinet, Kerry and her daughter Casey Mazzoni started their own consulting business advising and representing clients in the areas of construction, housing and education.

Kerry has always been active in her community serving on numerous non-profit boards, commissions and committees, often with a focus on education. She has received many awards and commendations for her service at the local, state and national level. Currently she is enjoying retirement in San Rafael, California spending time with friends, family, her two grandchildren and the family Labs. Kerry and her family have an enduring love for Labs. From her first Lab, Rosie who helped her raise her two children to her grand children’s Labs, Levi and Harley there is always a Lab somewhere close.

Born in Ohio, Kerry moved to California with her parents when she was an infant and has lived in Northern California ever since. She was educated in California’s public schools and is a graduate of the University of California, Davis. She loves the arts, travel, politics and history and continues her interest in public service.

Mike Bober joined the Pet Advocacy Network as the Vice President of Government Affairs in 2013 and has led the Council’s advocacy efforts ever since. In January of 2016, he was named President and CEO. He has been a Certified Association Executive since 2020, and his specialties include legislative analysis, connecting with lawmakers, coalition-building and outreach.

To spread the word about the power of pets and the benefits of the human-animal bond, Mike and the team at PAN have established or expanded several popular events on Capitol Hill including Pet Night, an annual legislative fly-in for the pet care community, and therapy animal interactions.

In the early days of COVID-19 response, Mike led PAN’s nationwide effort to ensure that pet retailers and service providers were included as “essential” businesses and permitted to remain open as closures went into effect across the country.

Last year, he was recognized as the Legislative Advocate of the Year by Aviculture United for his work with bird breeders across the country. The National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics named him among their “Top Lobbyists of 2021,” and in 2022 he was recognized by Association Trends as a “Leading Association Lobbyist.” In 2020, the World Pet Association presented him with their Pawsitive Impact Award, and he was included in Pet Age’s “Power 50” lists in 2021 and 2022.

Mike is a former Jeopardy! champion who sometimes answers in the form of a question and a Certified Barbecue Judge on the KCBS circuit. He and his family welcomed Scruffles, their cocker spaniel, as one of the earliest pandemic pups in April of 2020.

James A. Wynne CPA
Jay.wynne@outlook.com

James (Jay) is an Investment Advisor and Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years of experience in industry and financial services. He earned his B.S/B.A. in Accounting from The Ohio State University and served in the U.S. Army in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. After returning home, he worked as an Accountant and Division Controller for about 10 years at a publicly traded automotive supplier based in Northeast Ohio. During this time, he led an accounting department and provided financial reporting, strategic business planning, budgeting, and operations support for several manufacturing facilities.

In 2000, Jay changed career paths and began working in Financial Services with Merrill Lynch and specialized in Financial Planning and Portfolio Management for Individuals, and in 2009 he became an independent investment advisor with a local Financial Services firm. In 2023 he founded James A Wynne LLC, an Ohio based Registered Investment Advisory firm. He specializes in providing asset management but begins by working with clients to implement an investment plan that is a good fit for their objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon and overall financial situation. His daily routine includes tracking the news, economy, and various business sectors and companies as part of the investment process. Jay is married to Kathy, and they have raised five wonderful children together. He enjoys riding his bike for exercise, spending time outdoors playing golf and watching sports.