About Us
UAPPEAL was founded in 2003 by Barbara Doherty and Mark McDaniels in order to unify exotic animal owners so that together laws negatively affecting exotic animal owners could be fought with more efficiency. The duo started the first successful (501) C 4 organization which could lobby, along side Animal rights groups, in order to show the responsible side of exotic ownership to our legislature, and contradict the negative AR Group propaganda. UAPPEAL has given non-traditional pet owners a voice in Washington.
Over the past three years we have made huge strides on making UAPPEAL's existence known. In 2008, Nancy Nighswander, along with Bill Hanka, and Primatologist Sian Evans appeared before the House Committee to voice their opposition to the Captive Primate Safety Act. We have been successful in having amendments added to the bill, such as allowing travel between states to visit a veterinarian, or to place a monkey in end of life care following the death of an owner. Although our goal is to keep the bill from passing all together.
Through UAPPEAL's Yearly Exotic Animal Expos we have also been able to educate the public regarding the responsible side of ownership, gaining public support, as well as showing them the hard work involved in properly rearing a non-traditional companion.
Over the past three years we have made huge strides on making UAPPEAL's existence known. In 2008, Nancy Nighswander, along with Bill Hanka, and Primatologist Sian Evans appeared before the House Committee to voice their opposition to the Captive Primate Safety Act. We have been successful in having amendments added to the bill, such as allowing travel between states to visit a veterinarian, or to place a monkey in end of life care following the death of an owner. Although our goal is to keep the bill from passing all together.
Through UAPPEAL's Yearly Exotic Animal Expos we have also been able to educate the public regarding the responsible side of ownership, gaining public support, as well as showing them the hard work involved in properly rearing a non-traditional companion.
UAPPEAL hired The Ferguson Group to help guide us in the legislative arena. Bill Hanka is represents us in Washington. We have worked closely with him over the past few years. His experience working with legislatures, and his sound advice have been instrumental in fighting legislation which negatively affects private owners.
William Hanka, Management Committee
Bill Hanka joined TFG in 2000, bringing ten years of experience working in Congress and at the White House. Bill has applied his knowledge of government and his problem-solving abilities to his work with city and county governments and joint power authorities to advance their federal appropriations, authorization, and regulatory agenda. From helping to garner $17 million over two years in Federal Highway Administration dollars for a light rail project's right of way acquisition to authorizing $2 million in Department of Defense funds to establish a business incubator, Bill enjoys creating innovative, creative solutions for his clients.
Bill's government career included serving as deputy director of legislative affairs for Vice President Quayle from 1989 to 1993, legislative director for Congressman George Nethercutt from 1995 to 1997, and investigative counsel for the House Government Reform Committee from 1997 to 1998.
After leaving government service, Bill was of counsel to the firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, & Caldwell from 1998 to 2000, where he worked with a wide range of public and private sector clients on transportation and federal election issues. Bill received his B.A. from Purdue University and a J.D. from the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University.
The Ferguson Group
President
Nancy Nighswander
Email Nancy
Vice-President and Secretary
Amy Flory
Email Amy
Treasurer and Membership Secretary
Eileen Perez-Carrion
Email Eileen
DIRECTORS
Federal Legislation Director
Nancy Nighswander
Email Nancy
State Legislation Director
Evelyn Shaw
Email Evelyn
SPECIES REPRESENTATIVES
Director of Representative
Cindy
Email Cindy
Non-Human Primate Representative
Michelle Smith
Email Michelle
If any members are willing to help us in our fight please contact any of the Directors above. All of the Board of Directors and Element Representatives volunteer their time and are not compensated in any form, other than the satisfaction of knowing they are doing their part to preserve our right to own our animals. The $25 membership fee and any other money donated go directly to paying our federal lobbyist. Other expense such as Newsletter Printing and Mailing, promotional materials, etc are paid for by the Board members.
