Leah Garces - President, Mercy For Animals

Professional Overview

Leah Garces is the President of Mercy For Animals, a leading international non-profit organization dedicated to preventing the exploitation of animals for food. With over 20 years of experience in animal welfare and environmental advocacy, Garces is a seasoned leader in the animal protection industry.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As President of Mercy For Animals since 2018, Garces is responsible for overseeing the organization's strategic direction, campaign planning, and global operations. Under her leadership, Mercy For Animals has expanded its international reach, developed innovative corporate engagement initiatives, and driven meaningful policy changes to improve the welfare of farmed animals.

Career Progression

Prior to joining Mercy For Animals, Garces served as the USA Executive Director at Compassion in World Farming from 2011 to 2018, where she led successful campaigns to improve farm animal welfare standards and influenced major food companies to adopt more humane practices. She also held the role of International Campaign Manager at Compassion in World Farming from 2001 to 2003. Earlier in her career, Garces worked as the Director of Campaigns and Programmes at the World Society for the Protection of Animals from 2003 to 2010.

Academic Background

Garces holds an MSc in Environment and Development from King's College London, University of London, and a BSc in Zoology from the University of Florida.

Areas of Expertise

Garces is a recognized expert in animal welfare advocacy, corporate engagement, and policy development. She has a proven track record of designing and implementing successful campaigns that drive systemic change in the food industry. Garces is also a skilled communicator and public speaker, frequently sharing her insights at industry conferences and through media appearances.

Professional Impact

Under Garces' leadership, Mercy For Animals has secured numerous victories for farmed animals, including securing cage-free commitments from major food companies, advancing state-level legislation to ban certain extreme confinement practices, and launching innovative digital advocacy initiatives that have reached millions of consumers. Garces has also been recognized as a prominent voice in the animal protection movement, receiving awards and accolades for her contributions to improving the lives of farm animals worldwide.

Conclusion

With her extensive experience, strategic vision, and commitment to animal welfare, Leah Garces is a respected leader in the animal protection industry. As President of Mercy For Animals, she continues to drive meaningful change and advocate for the humane treatment of all animals.