BANFIELD FOUNDATION - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Chief Medical Officer, Banfield Pet Hospital
Alison Benninger, Director of Finance. Alison Benninger has been the director of finance for the Banfield Foundation since its launch in 2015. Alison also serves as Treasurer for the Better Together Fund, a separate public charity that provides financial assistance to Mars Veterinary Health associates in the event of a natural or manmade disaster or those fleeing domestic violence. Additionally, Alison has been working with several other nonprofits within the Mars Veterinary Health sphere helping and supporting accounting and compliance work.
After receiving education in business and finance and beginning her career in the U.K., Alison moved to Oregon. Her professional experience spans 25 years in finance leadership roles for both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Alison and her husband, Brion, live in West Linn, Oregon with their 15-year-old son, Jack and 6-year-old English Labrador, Max.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Treasurer, Global Chief Medical Officer, Royal Canin
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Community Programs Coordinator
- the Community Programs Coordinator
Claire Lawson, Community Programs Coordinator. Claire joined the Banfield Foundation as the Community Programs Coordinator in 2021, a role where she pulls from her innate care for animals and background in client relations and communications to support the wide range of projects and grants. Claire has lived, worked and studied across the United States and abroad, developing her perspectives and interests that allow her to relate and work thoughtfully with a variety of partners and pet owners.
Programs such as Wamakanskan Wawokiye Oti on the Rosebud Reservation is close to Claire's heart as she has worked in neighboring towns and has family across the South Dakota and the Midwest. Additionally, Claire supports the Better Together Fund, a program supporting Associates across Mars Veterinary Health needing financial assistance because of disasters, domestic violence or other hardships. Outside of work Claire can be found tootling around with Kai, jogging through Portland, tending her garden, and fostering dogs from local rescues.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Secretary, Executive VP, Corporate Reputation Brand Purpose, WE
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Global VP of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Mars Petcare
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President and Chairman of the Board, Banfield Foundation VP, Corporate Affairs, Banfield Pet Hospital
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- VP Strategic Sourcing, Mars Veterinary Health
Job Titles:
- Community Member
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Community Programs Manager
Lane LaPlante, Community Programs Manager. With a squad of two bunnies and Rosie the rescue dog at home, it's easy for Lane Murphy bring her love of pets to her role as the Banfield Foundation's Community Programs Specialist. Lane started her career in the veterinary world as an associate at a local Banfield Pet Hospital. From there, Lane has contributed to Banfield's philanthropic efforts through various roles over the past nine years, and joined the Banfield Foundation two years ago.
Overseeing our grant programs that support nonprofit organizations across the country as well as our HOPE Funds program in partnership with Banfield, she thrives on building new relationships and finding ways to say "yes" to helping pets in need. Lane recently earned her MBA degree and when she's not working to help pets, she is out camping, hiking, or exploring her new home state of Vermont with her husband.
Job Titles:
- Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives
Paula brings more than 20 years of fund development leadership and contemporary perspectives on nonprofit and philanthropic sectors to the Banfield Foundation. Spearheading initiatives to educate and engage associates and donors in the work of the foundation, she works with the team to raise awareness and financial resources to increase the impact and care for vulnerable pets. Paula also utilizes her expertise in strategy and program development to guide leadership and the board in building and supporting foundation programs and partnerships.
Outside of work, Paula volunteers with nonprofit organizations supporting youth education, including serving on the board of Social Venture Partners Portland. Originally a city girl from the East coast, Paula moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2005 to enjoy the beauty and bounty (as a foodie!) of the region. She currently resides in Southwest Washington with her husband, two daughters, dog, cat, and seven chickens.