IPATA Officers - Regional Directors
January 4, 2012—Manuel Leunda was elected President-Elect of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) at the organization’s recent Annual Membership Meeting in Hong Kong. Members also voted to restructure the board of directors and to add six Regional Director positions and three Directors-at-Large positions. 
During the transition from the old structure to the new regional structure, there will be some overlap of positions and additional directors on the Board with varying terms in office.
Sally Smith, owner of Airborne Animals, will serve one more year as IPATA President.
“IPATA members provide the highest standard of care for animals, providing constant attention to their security, safety and well-being,” says Sally Smith, IPATA President. “I am honored to lead an organization composed of members truly dedicated to the care and welfare of pets and small animals during transport.”
“Manuel has shown great leadership and volunteerism skills while serving on the Board of Directors,” continues Smith. “He will soon serve the organization as the first non-USA president and we are all looking forward to his guidance.”
| Introducing the IPATA Board of Directors: | ||
| OFFICERS |
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| President: | Sally Smith, Airborne Animals | |
| President Elect: | Manuel Leunda, Las Lunas | |
| Past President: | Gay O'Brien, O’Brien Animal Transportation Services | |
| Secretary: | Stacy Tucker, Ferndale Kennels and Cattery | |
| Treasurer: | Barbara DeBry, Puppy Travel | |
| REGIONAL DIRECTORS (RD) and DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE (DL) | ||
| Asia | Stacy Tucker, Ferndale Kennels and Cattery (RD: 2011-2012 and serving as Secretary) | |
| Middle East/Arica | Estelle Fourie, Animal Travel Services (RD: 2009-2012) | |
| Europe | Marcel Brozius, Ace Pet Moving (RD 2010-2013) Colette Robe-Hughes, Goldenway International Pets (DL: 2010-2013) |
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| North America | Derek Huntington, Shady Springs Pet Relocation (RD: 2009-2012) Jack Russo, Bobbi’s World (DL: 2010-2012) |
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| Latin America | Manuel Leunda (RD: 2011-2012 and serving as President-Elect) | |
| Oceania | Simon Jackson, Dogtainers Australia (RD: 2009-2013) | |
| Directors-At-Large | ||
| Karen Shiel, Boomerang Pet Carrier | ||
| Todd Carson, Dubai Kennels & Cattery | ||
| Kay Wissenbach, G.K. Airfreight Service | ||
Assistant Regional Directors were also appointed. They will be responsible for working with the Regional Director in their region and work toward developing more interaction with members and addressing industry concerns within the region.
About IPATA
The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association, Inc. (IPATA) is a non-profit, worldwide trade association for animal handlers, pet moving providers, kennel operators, veterinarians and others who are dedicated to the care and welfare of pets and animals during transport. The organization was founded in 1979. It began with six founding members and now has more than 325 members in over 70 countries. IPATA serves its members, the pet transport industry, and the public at large. For more information, or to find a professional pet shipper, visit http://www.ipata.org/.
