Brian Hackett is a magna cum laude graduate of The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science and public policy management. He previously served as the New Jersey state director for the Humane Society of the United States, where he engaged in all levels of government, emphasizing effective collaboration with various stakeholders to advance animal protection policies. During his tenure, he played a leading role in advancing anti-puppy mill measures, with 140 NJ municipalities and nine counties passing measures addressing the puppy mill problem. He also worked to advance humane community cat management through Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) policies throughout NJ. Additionally, he served on an ad hoc committee formed by the Cumberland County governing body to study and promote TNVR. He is also a board member for People for Animals, a NJ-based network of low-cost spay/neuter and wellness clinics. Before joining the Humane Society, he briefly served as a local town council member [citation][3].