Staff
Elisabeth Jennings
Elisabeth Jennings has served as Animal Protection Voters’ and Animal Protection of New Mexico’s Executive Director since 1993, but began lobbying in New Mexico in 1989 as a volunteer. Since then she has worked to encourage a broader segment of New Mexicans to get actively involved in promoting animal protection legislation and holding legislators accountable for their important votes on bills that impact animals. Elisabeth grew up around all kinds of animals, including dogs, cats, and horses, where she learned to appreciate what animals offer to our lives. Jennings has lived in New Mexico since 1987, and enjoys spending time doing just about anything outdoors with her husband.
Jessica Shelton
As Senior Program & Policy Strategist, Jessica Shelton leads Animal Protection Voters’ legislative and political efforts for the protection of all New Mexico’s animals. With over a decade of experience in government relations on behalf of animal protection, her expertise includes grassroots advocacy training, legislative analysis, campaign strategy, and digital communications. Previously, Jessica worked in the ASPCA’s Government Relations department in Washington, DC, where she led efforts to organize grassroots support for state and federal legislation, ballot measures, voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts. Jessica earned a J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, OR, where she specialized in environmental and animal law, and received the Animal Law Leadership Award upon graduation. She lives in Santa Fe, NM with her husband and daughter, her beloved flock of companion chickens, and intrepid rescued canines, Zelda and Edwin.
Alan Edmonds
Alan Edmonds serves as the Cruelty Response and Advocacy Director. Alan is from New Jersey and moved to New Mexico in 1997 after falling in love with the Southwest. He has been involved in grassroots ordinance development and revision processes in the City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, Valencia County, and Sierra County. Alan and his wife Tisha live with their beloved feline companions Nona, Chauncey, and Pippi, all rescued from the streets of Albuquerque.
Board
Anne Coller, President
Anne was born in Canada and started her career as a buyer for the Hudson’s Bay Company. In the late 1980s, she moved to Texas and became a U.S. citizen in 2004. While living in Midland, Texas, Anne volunteered for the Midland SPCA. She learned firsthand how important advocacy is in order to break the cycle of animal abuse and neglect. This inspired her to join the board of the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN). Anne lobbied for animal issues as a volunteer in Austin for several years. While serving in Texas, she became aware of APNM as a model of effective animal advocacy. Anne moved to New Mexico in 2005, where she and her husband now share their home with Millie, a mixed-breed dog adopted from a shelter. APNM welcomed Anne to the board in 2008, where she is proud to serve this powerful, full- circle advocacy organization, the only one of its kind in the nation.
Budd Berkman, Vice President
Budd Berkman is a strategic thinker with extensive experience as a professional Training Manager working for a New Mexico nonprofit organization. Budd’s accomplishments include leading his educational team to “Top Training Department in New Mexico”, as well as multiple certifications in instruction, leadership, team building, mindfulness, and communication. Budd is a former APNM Board member, has volunteered as both a park ranger and national park/wilderness tour guide, and has been an animal advocacy supporter for more than 40 years.
Robanne Harrison, Secretary
Robanne Harrison has been a High School teacher for more than two decades. In addition to a passion for teaching, Robanne has a background in legal work. Robanne holds multiple special teaching qualifications and is a member of educational and professional organizations including Model United Nations Sponsor and AP Ambassadors co-founder and sponsor. Robanne is an advocate of community and animal welfare and was previously a Board of Directors member of Animal Protection New Mexico and Animal Protection Voters.
