May 26, 2025
We are so happy to welcome Mike as the newest member of the Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) Board of Directors. He cares deeply about animal rights and loves helping the community. We know he will be a great addition to our team. His dedication and passion for animal advocacy will help CAA continue to grow and make a difference for animals everywhere.
A Strong Commitment to Animal Advocacy
Mike has been volunteering with CAA for over four years. He has helped with many events, like Twin Cities Veg Fest, bike crawls, ThanksLiving, and even moving the CAA office. His involvement in these events has allowed him to connect with many community members, spread awareness about animal rights, and support CAA’s mission of advocating for farmed animals. He is very dedicated to CAA’s mission, and he is excited to get even more involved as a Board Member.
When asked why he wanted to join the Board, he said, “Animal rights are extremely important to me, and I believe CAA does wonderful work to further this mission. CAA’s values closely align with my own, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to its efforts. I am proud to be associated with an organization that promotes such meaningful change.”
Leadership Experience and Community Work
Mike brings lots of leadership experience to CAA. In college, he took on many roles, including Webmaster, Vice President, and President of student groups. He also led the Institute of Transportation Engineers (NCITE) Younger Member Committee in the North Central Section. Right now, he is the co-chair of the NCITE Intersection Traffic Control Committee.
His time in these roles shows how much he cares about helping others and building strong communities. Mike’s leadership style is all about teamwork and inclusivity, making sure everyone feels welcome and valued. His experience in planning events and working with different organizations will be a big help as CAA continues to host impactful community events.
A Thoughtful Approach to Leadership
When talking about what a Board of Directors should do, Mike shared that he believes it should help guide the organization and make sure everything is running smoothly. He said, “I see the Board of Directors as a governing body that can provide direction, perspective, as well as checks and balances. CAA has a strong Core Values Statement, and it is the Board’s duty to ensure that the organization’s actions align with these values. Financial oversight and organizational sustainability are also key responsibilities.”
Mike believes that the Board’s role is not just about oversight—it’s about building relationships in the community, promoting CAA’s mission, and inspiring others to get involved. He is excited to bring his ideas and energy to the team, focusing on growth and outreach that can help even more people discover compassionate living.
A Journey to Veganism
Mike’s journey to veganism started when he was very young. One day, he visited a neighbor’s farm and met some chickens who he loved. At that time he did not realize that the animals he played with were the same ones people eat, but his family filled him in later over a chicken dinner. That experience made him start thinking differently about food.
By the time he was in college, he became fully vegan. He described the transition as both eye-opening and challenging, especially since he did not have a strong vegan community around him at the time. Finding CAA changed that for him. He said that becoming involved with CAA made him feel connected and supported, giving him the encouragement to keep going and to advocate for others to join the movement too.
Now, as a Board Member, Mike hopes to help others feel that same sense of belonging. He knows that the path to veganism can sometimes feel lonely, but with the right support and community, it can also be inspiring and powerful. He wants to help build that community through CAA’s events, volunteer opportunities, and outreach efforts.
More about Mike
Mike was co-coordinator of volunteers for several years of Twin Cities Veg Fest. At that time we devoted a blog post to him which contains additional information.
Looking Forward
We are excited to have Mike on the CAA Board. His passion for animals, his experience in leadership, and his kind heart will help CAA grow and make a bigger impact. We look forward to seeing all the great things he will do. Mike is ready to roll up his sleeves and work alongside the team to spread CAA’s mission and inspire more people to make compassionate choices. He believes that together, we can create lasting change for animals and build a kinder world.
Please join us in welcoming Mike to the CAA family! We are grateful for his commitment and excited to see the positive impact he will make in the years to come.
