ABOUT US
CT Votes for Animals is a state-wide, grass roots animal advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of CT’s animals by championing legislative changes in the CT General Assembly. CVA effects policy change by mobilizing animal supporters in legislative districts throughout CT.
Mission
Connecticut Votes for Animals:
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Advocates pro-animal policies;
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Educates the public regarding animal protection issues;
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Rallies an engaged public to support passage of animal-friendly laws and the defeat of proposals harmful to animals;
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Safeguards the interests of animals by making their well-being a priority for our elected leaders.
Connecticut Votes for Animals is a not-for-profit 501(c)(4) organization.
Leadership
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Susan Linker
Susan Biella-Linker founded Our Companions Animal Rescue in 2002. Under her leadership, the organization has grown to include the Valerie Friedman Program Center in Manchester and a 47-acre Animal Sanctuary in Ashford, CT.
Susan is a Board Member of Connecticut Votes for Animals, and the former President of the Animal Welfare Federation of Connecticut, a coalition of organizations working together to advance animal welfare.
Before founding Our Companions, Susan spent eight years at the Connecticut Humane Societyand its Fox Memorial Clinic, holding various roles in animal welfare. She also gained valuable fundraising experience as part of the American Red Cross development team.
Susan lives with her husband, Mitchell, who chairs Our Companions’ Development Committee, along with their beloved dog, Jason, and three adorable cats.
Susan Linker, President/Treasurer
Anne Foley
Anne is a retired social worker with more than thirty years of experience as a Connecticut state government policymaker including developing administrative and legislative policy and overseeing state agency implementation of policies, programs, and initiatives in the areas of health and human services. Anne has been an adjunct lecturer at the University of Connecticut School of Social work for over thirty years teaching social welfare policy analysis, political advocacy, program evaluation, macro practice, research, and human behavior in the social environment. She is currently a member of the board of directors of Chrysalis Center, a gubernatorial appointee to the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund board, and co-chair of the Homemakers and Companions Task Force. Anne lives in West Hartford with her spouse Tom, dog Maurice, and cat Johnny.
Anne Foley, Secretary
Karen Laski
Legislative Board member, Karen Laski, has been an advocate for animals for 58 years, stirred by her parent’s activism in social causes. She and a friend joined the CT Animal Welfare League in 1966 and helped re-home dogs and cats. During that time Karen and her friend opened a dog grooming business called “Lemon and Lime” after they were trained for that skill in NYC. They also went to London and met the Beatles at Abbey Road.
She became active in many causes for people and animals while working at Manchester High School helping students who had problems with truancy.
At various times Karen went to the Hartford, Boston and DC to rally for animal bills such as testing on primates, banning the decompression chamber for euthanasia and several tries to ban circuses that used animals.
She was happy to attend the first meeting for the then unnamed “CT Votes for Animals” in 2008.
Karen Laski, Director
Growing up on a small family dairy farm in western MA, Jim’s love for animals was instilled early in life and his compassion for creatures large and small endures. Through high school he was a dog groomer and later opened a pet supply store and dog grooming facility, partnering with local shelters and rescue organizations for adoption days and providing education on animal nutrition, grooming, and training. After a 14-year career as president of multiple CT State Colleges, public service and giving back to the community has become part of who Jim is. As the president of CVA, he is able to continue giving back by working to improve the lives of animals through legislation, advocacy, and community education. Jim’s family reflects his long-time work with rescues; it includes three rescue cats and a rescue puppy, Khali, who stole his heart as a foster and found her forever home.
Jim Lombella
Dr. James Lombella, Director
Fiercely dedicated to protecting wildlife and the environment, Andrea Kerin brings decades of non-profit philanthropy experience to the CVA board before joining CFA. Her admirable professional background includes director of leadership giving from the CT Fund for the Environment/Save the Sound and development positions at the CT Audubon Society and Save the Children.
Andrea’s recent retirement from her job is allowing her more time to devote to the many issues she cares about. This past year she has been involved in developing a local ordinance for Fairfield regarding shelter requirements for outside dogs. The proposal offers a stricter approach than the recently passed state law in providing adequate shelter for any dogs left outside.
Andrea and her husband Chris Kerin, already a friend of CVA, are generous donors to a number of animal and environmental causes. They are the proud “parents” of two rescue mini-Australian shepherds.
