Our BOARD MEMBERS
kristin schrank - president
Kristin Schrank is an attorney by occupation, a lover of all things Wisconsin by birth, but, first and foremost, her passion is advocating for animals. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (B.A.), Marquette University Law School (J.D.), and Vermont Law School (LL.M.), Kristin currently is in private practice handling a wide variety of legal matters on behalf of Schrank Law, S.C.
Kristin previously worked for the State of Wisconsin as an Assistant District Attorney where she served with distinction in several specialty units, including the Violent Crimes Unit, the Domestic Violence Unit, and the Sensitive Crimes Unit. As a member of the Domestic Violence Unit, Kristin held the position of Regional Resource Prosecutor where part of her responsibilities included assisting and training other attorneys on how to handle cases involving violence against women.
During her entire tenure with the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, Kristin also handled Crimes-Against-Animals prosecutions. Her expertise in this area led to her being asked to train law enforcement, veterinarians, and attorneys state-wide on investigation and prosecution of crimes involving animals. For her efforts in prosecuting wildlife cases, Kristin was awarded a Special Service Award by the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Working both on a professional and personal level, Kristin has been directly involved in legislative efforts at a local, state, and national level to protect both domestic animals and wildlife. Her background and experience has made her a sought out partner with other animal advocates and organizations that seek to end injustice to animals everywhere.
Outside of the office, you can usually find Kristin spending time with her beloved cats, Luis and Brinkley, her spirited chihuahua/papillon mix, Foxy, and her energetic three-legged pit bull, Beau, enjoying outdoor activities, or cheering on a Wisconsin sports team.
mary telfer - vice president
Mary has been a dedicated vegan and passionate animal rights advocate for over 16 years. She began working with Alliance for Animals in 2017 as the organization’s Executive Director, a role she held through 2019. From 2020 to 2022, she continued her commitment as a volunteer, eventually joining the Board of Directors in 2022. She served as Board President from 2022 to 2024 and now serves as Vice President for 2025.
Throughout her years with AFA, Mary has been a driving force behind many of its most visible and impactful campaigns. She has helped plan major community events like the Vegan Chili Cook-Off and Vegan Fashion Show, and led protests opposing animal cruelty in entertainment and local wildlife management, including the lethal removal of geese by the Madison Parks Division.
Mary’s activism is grounded in both academic study and creative expression. From 2012 to 2014, she focused on animal rights in graduate school, which continues to shape her perspective as an artist and advocate. Her artwork often explores themes of animal liberation, and she has donated original portraits of rescued animals to sanctuaries to help support their mission and share the individuality of each animal.
With a deep belief in intersectional compassion, Mary brings strategy, creativity, and heartfelt commitment to every part of her work. Whether organizing campaigns, mentoring fellow advocates, or creating animal-centered art, she is devoted to building a kinder world for all beings.
She currently shares her home—and her heart—with Lily, her beautiful, independent dog who carries herself like an empress and graciously allows Mary to serve as her loyal subject.
Lesley has been involved with the AFA since 1991, and has served on the board for several years. She has worked on major campaigns such as the Vilas Monkeys [1997-1998] and the Vilas Zoo Elephants [1999-2000]. She has worked on planning or assisting at numerous events, including our spring and fall dinners/auctions, chili cook-offs, Vegan Fests, circus protests, Remembering Winkie event [2017], and the Vilas Monkey 20th Anniversary event [2018]. Lesley also enjoys reading, movies, travel, cooking vegan dishes, creating doll displays, watching true crime documentaries, seeing family/friends, and eating out.
Lesley Crocker - SECRETARY & TREASURER
Amy has been involved with AFA since 1991 and prefers to stay behind the scenes, working on the computer and data side of things. She’s been enthusiastically vegan for over 30 years. Amy and her husband, Mark, are fortunate enough to live with over 50 senior/special needs animals (dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats) and have two lovely adult (vegan) daughters who have carried on with animal rescue work and a toddler (vegan) grandson, who they hope will do the same!
Amy Burns
mark Dwyer
Mark has been involved with AFA since 1999 and while modest, doesn't mind mentioning winning the Vegan Chili Cookoff Contest twice in the past. Mark's background is landscape design and he's been managing public gardens for close to 30 years. Mark lives a vegan lifestyle with wife Amy and their expanded family of critters keeps them busy and fulfilled.
Lisa McQueen
Karen has been helping animals most of her life. She have fostered special needs cats and worked with feral cats. She has volunteed and been involved with some AFA causes and other animal organizations. She had a children's humane education club called the Wi. Critter club. Veterinarians and Humane Societies brought all kind of animals for the kids to see and learn about. She has lobbied at the Capitol for puppy milll inspection and other animal causes. She taught Pet First Aid & CPR for the Red Cross and she had a professor pet sitting service. She also loves nature and conservation.
karen swanson - Research and Data Specialist – Fur Industry
Mary Hubl
Mary Hubl is a dedicated and passionate advocate for animals. What began as a childhood bond with companion animals evolved into a deep and enduring respect for all creatures with whom we share the Earth.
Mary’s path as an advocate has been marked by profound lightning bolts of realization—each a reminder that compassion is a journey of ever-widening circles.
Her full-hearted love for all animals continues to inspire her commitment to creating a more compassionate world.