Centennial Speaker Series: Perspectives on Best Practices in Nonprofit Governance from ASPCA Board Chair Sally Spooner and President and CEO Matthew Bershadker

Join us for a lunchtime fireside chat featuring Sally Spooner, recently appointed chair of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (ASPCA) board of directors, and Matthew Bershadker, president and CEO. Founded in 1866, the ASPCA has emerged as one of the most effective and venerable nonprofit organizations in the world. Spooner will join Donna Rapaccioli, dean of the Gabelli School of Business, and Bershadker to explore the history and mission of the ASPCA, lessons in leadership from the C-suite, and how the ASPCA pivoted during the COVID-19 public health crisis to care for pets and their owners.

Agenda
12 p.m.: Welcome Remarks and Speaker Introductions: Donna Rapaccioli, dean of the Gabelli School of Business

12:08 p.m.: Sally Spooner and Matthew Bershadker, moderated by Dean Rapaccioli

12:45 p.m.: Audience Q&A

1 p.m.: Closing Remarks: Dean Rapaccioli

About the Speakers
Spooner has been a member of the ASPCA’s board of directors since 2004, most recently serving as vice chair. Her 16-year board tenure also included serving as chair of the Development Committee and the Animal Welfare Committee and serving on committees dedicated to the ASPCA Humane Awards Luncheon and the ASPCA Bergh Ball. Spooner, who has worked as an advertising executive in New York and Chicago, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from University of Chicago and her Master of Business Administration degree from University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Bershadker is president and CEO of the ASPCA, the first animal welfare organization in America and a national leader in the rescue and protection of at-risk animals. He is a national thought leader in modern animal welfare, and his vision and commitment have catapulted the ASPCA into a leadership position advancing the field’s evolution and national impact. Before becoming president and CEO, Bershadker was senior vice president of ASPCA Anti-Cruelty, vice president of development, senior director of major gifts and special events, and senior director of partnership marketing. Prior to joining the ASPCA in 2001, Bershadker worked for ICF Consulting, Share Our Strength, and other organizations.

A board member of the Global Animal Partnership, Bershadker received his Master of Business Administration degree from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Ohio University. Bershadker and his family have two dogs, Tarzan and Loki.