Board of Directors

Amy Kerwin - President; B.S. Medical Microbiology and Immunology, M.B.A.

Experienced in: Animal welfare legislation, positive reinforcement training, primate research issues, and nonprofit management
With a five-year history as a non-human primate researcher, Amy Kerwin has a unique view on what captive non-human primates need. Her experiences in the field allowed her to recognize first-hand the need for a nonhuman primate retirement facility.  Her background includes scientific training, experience with rhesus monkeys in a laboratory setting, and a Masters degree in Business Administration. Her leadership skills emphasize flatly-run organization principles and so she developed a volunteer program that focuses on collaborative problem-solving.  She believes that researching and discussing issues regarding non-human primates in captivity and disseminating information to the public, government, sanctuaries, and scientific community will help everyone work together to maximize the retirement of nonhuman primates into a naturalistic setting.

Gayelen LaFluer- Vice-President; B.S. Medical Microbiology and Immunology

Experienced in: Microbiology, statistical design, primate research issues, and primate handling
GayeLyn was a primate researcher for four years. She is supportive of improving the welfare of primates in research and recognizes the need to increase retirement of monkeys from research laboratories. She is skilled in statistical design, data-analysis and educating students. GayeLyn will use her former experiences to rehabilitate monkeys and enhance their psychological wellbeing.

Jeff Hoyt - Secretary; B.S. in Public Policy & Administration

Experienced in: Fundraising, non-profit management, and leadership
Jeff comes to Primates Incorporated with a passion for all things primate! He has active memberships in several animal welfare organizations and is currently the Executive Director of Hands of Faith, Inc.; a homeless shelter in Beloit, WI. Jeff has previous experience as Secretary of the Board for the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Rock County. Jeff looks forward to providing dedicated service to the cause of Primates Incorporated as he believes that primate retirement is a concept that a caring, progressive society should embrace to the fullest extent possible.

Kristin Greene - Treasurer; M.B.A.

Experienced in: Nonprofit accounting and management
Kristin Greene met Amy Kerwin during their MBA program in August, 2003.  Kerwin recognized Greene’s talents in accounting and asked her to be the Treasurer for Primates Incorporated.  Greene recognized the importance of the retirement of monkeys and agreed to be on the Board of Directors.  Greene is well-qualified for the Treasurer position as she is an accountant with three years of experience in nonprofit accounting. She assists in developing budgets and reviewing financial documents for Primates Incorporated.  Her financial and budget skills will help Primates Inc reach its goals at a faster pace.

Tabitha Zehms - BS in Spanish, MA in Microbiology

Experienced in: Animal rescue, pharmaceutical drug development, Spanish language, and microbiology
Tabitha Zehms grew up in a house full of rescued pets and wildlife, and the experience has led her to become an active voice in the promotion of their welfare. Tabitha has spent many volunteer hours with the humane societies of Oshkosh and Dane County and a Green Bay area lost pet search group. She regularly writes her government representatives to remind them of the needs of wild and domestic animals alike, and has helped fundraise for local animal shelters. Her professional experience in the pharmaceutical industry provides her with an understanding of the current drug application system, the clinical animal trials it requires, and the inherent need for--and lack of--adequate care for these animals after their service in medical research.