About us
DC Voters for Animals is a political organization that coalesces the voice of the animal voter in Washington, DC. DCVFA is inclusive of all who want to pass laws for animals, whether wildlife, farm animals, or companion animals. By equipping ordinary citizens with the tools to be effective in the halls of DC Council, we can normalize strong animal policy and reshape our society’s relationship with non-human animals for the better.
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The most important thing you can do is sign up for our action alerts to respond as new policies and political opportunities arise.
Take Action
The most important thing you can do is sign up for our action alerts to respond as new policies and political opportunities arise.
Volunteer
Contact us--you can help with lobbying, legal, logistical, and many other types of support.
Our History
DCVFA started in 2019 after seeing the potential for political advocacy for animals in the DC. Much like sister organizations in other cities and states, we sought to organize the community of animal lovers behind voting and lobbying. The need for this was demonstrated by the widely supported bill to ban ivory that languished for 5 years. The bill failed in DC Council twice and was continually reintroduced despite having no opposition. What was the problem? The measure to cut off the ivory market and support an end to elephant trafficking was simply not a priority—the animal community had not channeled their energy in passing this bill. After founding DCVFA, we worked with a coalition of animal groups and private citizens to rally DC Council and the Mayor to sign this bill into law, signaling fresh momentum to make DC the best city for animal protection.
Our Team
Meet DCVFA’s Board of Directors
Our mission is to lift up the policies and politicians doing the most for animals and our community in DC.
Legislation: We advocate for laws in the wide spectrum of animal issues. The first bill we championed was to address elephant trafficking by banning the sale of ivory in DC.
Elections: We organize a unified voice in support of the most animal friendly candidates in DC elections. This includes candidate questionnaires, forums, and endorsements.
DCVFA is a 501(c)(4) non-profit. Contributions are not tax-deductible. Your support helps us conduct political advocacy to lobby our government for change, with aspirations of making DC the best city in the country for animals.
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Max Broad
Max Broad is the Founder and Executive Director of DC Voters for Animals. As a long time climate advocate, Max saw how influential a small group of passionate citizens can be in the policy process. With a masters in environmental science and management from UC Santa Barbara, Max has worked at the National Wildlife Federation, as a contractor at the US Department of Energy, and AmeriCorps NCCC. Max is also an avid Civil War history buff, mushroom hunter, and meditation enthusiast.
Emily Hovermale
Emily Hovermale is a professional community organizer, and she uses her decade-long experience in government relations to fight for animal welfare legislation. She is a lifelong animal advocate and supporter of local animal shelters and rescues. Currently, she works on housing justice as the External Affairs Director at the Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership. Prior to coming to BHRP, Emily worked at the Humane Rescue Alliance, and as the Maryland State Director for the Humane Society of the United States.
Claudia Malloy
Claudia Malloy is a nonprofit leader who, for more than four decades, has woven together public policy, communications, advocacy, and movement building into a powerful force for change. She has crafted and led numerous successful grassroots and policy campaigns and has inspired countless tens of thousands of citizens to join her in the work to make our nation and world a better place. While working in the public interest, Malloy also has served on numerous volunteer boards. As the President and board member of Friends of Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park, her work helping save and restore the Washington, DC park was recognized by President Bill Clinton.
Kerry Contini
Kerry Contini has been involved with the DC animal advocacy and vegan community since moving to DC from California in 2002. She thought she was only going to stay in DC for a few years, but she fell in love with the city and never looked back. Kerry is a lawyer and has worked on a number of animal-related pro bono matters for several different animal advocacy organizations. On the weekends, you’ll probably find her running on the trails in Rock Creek Park, hoping to catch a glimpse of a deer or two. Kerry shares her home in Adams Morgan with one human and five non-human rescue animals.
Stark Sutton
Stark Sutton has lived and worked in DC for 15 years. He loves local politics and working with others to help advance policies that improve the lives of animals in the District and beyond. In his spare time he enjoys seeing live music, going to Nats games, and exploring Rock Creek Park. He and his better half reside in Adams Morgan with their rescue dog and cats.
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn has been involved in animal rights advocacy since attending law school in New York City. She now lives in D.C. with her dog, Nina, and works as a Litigator at Legal Impact for Chickens fighting illegal cruelty on factory farms. In her spare time you can find her out collecting signatures for animal-friendly DC bills, performing improv, or trying to find the perfect vegan mac and cheese recipe.