Vanessa Gagne Joins Our Government Affairs Team
We are thrilled to welcome Vanessa Gagne to our Government Affairs Team! Vanessa will be working alongside Tom Albert, ZAA Government Affairs Consultant, supporting all government affairs initiatives. With her extensive experience advocating for animal welfare and legislative issues, we are excited for the expertise and passion she brings to our team.
Kerbi “Vanessa” Gagne
Animal Care Legislative / Government Affairs Consultant
Click Here to View Vanessa's CV
About Vanessa
As a lifelong lover of animals, Vanessa has taken on the challenge of serving as member advocate for multiple national organizations to promote animal welfare and husbandry best practices for ownership, care, and conservation of exotic animals. She currently serves as Government Affairs / Legislative Liaison and Public Educator for such organizations as the United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK), Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA), International Association of Fairs and Expos (IAFE), and several others.
Over the course of her career, she has served as an industry expert and organization advocate attending and testifying at numerous federal, state, and municipal legislative sessions to promote the passage/removal of stringent laws that promote the proper breeding, training, and care for exotic animals, including elephants, reptiles, and large cats with a focus on strengthening the bond between humans and animals while safeguarding the rights of responsible animal owners. She has played a key role in building a strong network of contacts with America's most respected animal professionals, advocates and enthusiasts, including pet owners, rescue groups, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, research scientists, farmers, fishermen, hunters and wildlife biologists. Utilizing her skills in writing and communication to develop and distribute weekly legislative updates via email newsletter, blog posts, and new website content that keeps the various member organizations up to date on current legislation being proposed around the country.
Previous to taking on the Legislative Affairs roles, Vanessa served as Secretary on the Board of Directors for Asian Elephant Support, a role dedicated to the conservation of Asian elephants in their range countries. Originally an environmental geologist turned zookeeper, Vanessa has worked hands on with a variety of animals from tarantulas and Burmese pythons to Arabian Camels and elephants.
Additionally, Vanessa was appointed to serve as member of Licensed Breeder Advisory Committee for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in 2022 and holds memberships with the Exotic Wildlife Association, Elephant Managers Association, Outdoor Amusement Business Association, United States Association of Reptile Keepers, International Independent Showmen’s Association, National Animal Interest Alliance, and Responsible Pet Owners Alliance.
In her spare time, she enjoys cheering her daughters on in their sports and traveling together with her husband of 20 years.
We are confident that Vanessa’s passion, expertise, and dedication will make a tremendous impact on our government affairs efforts, and we are excited to have her on board!
