Leadership

Jerry Rosenthal

CEO

Jerry Rosenthal is the CEO of Associated Humane Societies in New Jersey. Previously he served as Executive Director of the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation and Monmouth County SPCA . He currently serves on the Deans Leadership Council at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, State Council for HSUS and the board of El Faro de los Animales (Puerto Rico) and is a past member of the board of the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to becoming involved in the non-profit side of animal welfare, Jerry spent 25 years in the financial services industry holding a number of senior marketing, lending and administrative roles.

Jerry graduated from Haverford College with a B.A. in History and holds a MBA from Columbia University.  He currently resides with his family in Little Silver, New Jersey.

John Bergmann

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – POPCORN PARK

John Bergmann is the Executive Director and General Manager of Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park in Forked River, New Jersey. John started with AHS back in 1975 working in Animal Care and as an Animal Control Officer. After becoming Shelter Manager of Tinton Falls, John was presented the opportunity to break ground on our Popcorn Park facility in 1977, Popcorn Park opened it’s door and the Animal Refuge was born. 
John truly devotes his life to all of the animals in our care. On any given day, you can find John walking the grounds and checking in on each and every resident. Over the years, John has been able to care for countless animals, including Sonny the Elephant, Princess the Camel, along with many lions, tigers, cougars, primates, just to name a few. John shares his incredibly special life with his wife Diana, their daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and three amazing grandchildren.

Veronica Ehrenspeck

GENERAL MANAGER – TINTON FALLS

Ronnie is the General Manager of the Associated Humane Societies Tinton Falls, New Jersey branch. Ronnie began working in animal welfare in 1987, when she left her job on Wall Street and moved to New Jersey. Quickly moving through the ranks of the Monmouth County SPCA, Ronnie went from working in Animal Care to becoming the Shelter Manager, with a long 12 year career as the Lieutenant of the Animal Cruelty Law Enforcement Division. AHS welcomed Ronnie in 2015, where she immediately fell into the role of General Manager. Ronnie works to support her staff unconditionally, and has truly found her passion in Animal Welfare.

Ronnie enjoys spending her free time with her husband, and they share their home with one dog and three cats. Ronnie and her husband enjoy traveling.

Dr. Laney Baris

MEDICAL DIRECTOR – LACEY

Dr. Baris grew up in Connecticut and fell in love with animals at an early age. She adopted her first cat, Fuzzy, and learned to horseback ride while she was still in preschool. Eventually, she attended Yale University where she majored in Biology. She was captain of the Equestrian Team and she taught horsemanship to New Haven high school students. She moved to Philadelphia and entered the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Four years later, she graduated cum laude with a focus on mixed animal practice. Heeding a call to help underserved animals, Dr. Baris began her career as a shelter veterinarian at Popcorn Park Animal Clinic in 2000. The animals under her care there have inspired her every day since. Dr. Baris’ clinical interests include Heartworm treatment, shelter preventative medicine, high quality spay/neuter of cats, dogs, and rabbits, and equine medicine. She is very committed to continuing education to further her goal of providing excellent medical and surgical care to shelter animals. In her spare time, Dr. Baris enjoys trail running with her adopted Jack Russell, Pika, and participating in Ride n’ Ties and ultramarathons.

Brian R. Hackett

Director of Government & Community Relations

As Director of Government and Community Relations, Brian is our spokesperson spearheading the progress of animal welfare policy on the state and local level in New Jersey. In addition, he is responsible for building partnerships with community stakeholders as we expand AHS’s animal welfare services. Prior to joining AHS, Brian worked as a Legislative Affairs Manager for the Animal Legal Defense Fund, successfully advancing projects to elevate the legal status of animals in our society.  

Before his tenure at ALDF, Brian served as the New Jersey state director for the Humane Society of the United States. In that role, he engaged in all levels of government, placing an emphasis on effective collaboration with various stakeholders to advance animal protection policies. 

Hackett is magna cum laude graduate of The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science and public policy management. He also once served as a local town council member and is the proud pet parent of two shelter dogs and many rescued cats.

Executive Leadership

Medical Directors

Directors

Volunteer & Rescue Coordinators

Board of Directors

Robert Baerenbach – President

Sean Byrnes – Treasurer

Dante DiPirro – Secretary

John Bergmann – Executive Director, Popcorn Park

Lynne Bono – Board Member

Susan Mann – Board Member

Rodney P. Watson – Board Member

 

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