Board of Directors
Michael Labos, CFP®, CCFS®
President
Michael Labos is from Pittsburgh and enjoyed attending Central Catholic High School. He is principally driven and focused on being an advocate for others. Professionally Michael is a financial advisor of almost 20 years’ experience and founder of Gen X Wealth Partners. He enjoys being outdoors playing golf, tennis and running. He also hopes to make a difference in the lives of our furry friends.
Kat Weiser
Vice President
Katlyn ‘Kat’ Weiser is a government affairs and public policy professional who is passionate about serving the Pittsburgh region. She has experience working in various fields of public policy and at each level of government. When she isn’t advocating, she enjoys spending time with her furry friends at home. Kat received her bachelor’s degree in Government and International Affairs from George Mason University.
Natalie Ahwesh, M. Ed.
Secretary, Nonvoting Member
Natalie Ahwesh monitors and evaluates pending policy, regulatory, and legal action at the federal, state, and local levels that may impact animal protection. She works with local stakeholders, including policymakers, law enforcement, and community members, to ensure current laws and policies are being enforced. As Executive Director, she directs and supervises all campaigns, programs, and personnel at HAP, while also spearheading educational initiatives.
Natalie has several awards and accolades, including the 2024 City & State Above and Beyond, 2023 City & State PA Power 100, 2019 Incline’s “Who’s Next” Animal Advocates and PUMP’s and Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 honorees, 2017 Humane Society District Leader of the Year, and is a founding member of The Humane League’s Animal Policy Alliance. She was also awarded a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellowship in 2023. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s Degree from George Washington University.
Michelle Johns
Treasurer, Board Member
Michelle Johns is a Pittsburgh native with a strong background in nonprofit accounting and human resources. A graduate of Robert Morris College, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Throughout her career, Michelle has combined financial expertise with a deep commitment to organizational missions for people and animal welfare. Currently working in the green energy sector, Michelle brings a unique perspective shaped by years of experience in mission-driven work. She aims to use her training and insights to foster meaningful collaboration.
Joe Culp, MBA
Board Member
Joseph Culp is an entrepreneur who has nearly 20 years’ experience in senior leadership positions in the energy industry. A Pennsylvania native, Joseph received his Bachelor’s in Marketing and Master’s in Business Administration from Waynesburg University. Currently, he serves as founder of Joco Holdings, LLC, which has a mission to provide high level construction service solutions to the Industrial, petrochemical, heavy civil, and renewable energy sectors in both the domestic and international markets.
Joseph resides in Washington, PA with his wife, Tiffany, and son, Christian. They are the parents of three furbabies and proud to support HAP’s mission to advance animal protection.
Dr. Kylie Lichtenstein
Board Member
Dr. Kylie Lichtenstein is a licensed psychologist passionate about building a more compassionate
and equitable world for people, animals, and the planet. She brings a trauma-informed and
justice-centered approach to her work, grounded in years of experience supporting individuals
and communities through healing and advocacy. With a doctorate in Counseling Psychology
from Carlow University, Dr. Lichtenstein’s background includes leadership in gender-based
violence prevention, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and mental health access. She is proud to support
Humane Action Pennsylvania’s mission to create lasting change at the intersection of animal
welfare and environmental sustainability.
James Miller
Board Member
James Miller is originally from London and has lived in Pittsburgh for the past five years. With a career in Business Development and Account Management, he brings experience in building relationships, leading effective conversations, and influencing decision-makers, which he’s eager to utilize in support of HAP’s mission. He spent three years serving on the board of an LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group at a previous company and has also volunteered with animal rescue organizations. He is motivated to continue that impact with HAP.
Vegan for the past ten years, James believes that compassion has the most impact when put into action. In his spare time, he enjoys discovering new restaurants, exploring Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods, playing on local sports teams, watching the Pirates lose, and spending time with his two cats, Tofu and Rocket.
Dr. Kevin McCluskey
Board Member
Dr. Kevin McCluskey is a lifelong animal advocate and proud native of Western Pennsylvania. A physician and interventional radiologist with Allegheny Health Network, he has called Pittsburgh home for more than 30 years. Kevin supports animal welfare organizations locally and nationally, volunteering as a dog walker and serving on the Board of Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh.
He enjoys spending time on the North Side with his three dogs—Gator, Dutch, and Kim Possible. Gator is also a certified Therapet through Animal Friends. A Penn State graduate with a degree in biochemistry, Kevin earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In his free time, he stays active playing ice hockey.
Grant Regan
Board Member
Grant Regan serves as the Political Strategist and an Account Executive at Blink Advertising, where he specializes in managing accounts spanning government, political campaigns, labor unions, issue advocacy, and non-profits. A firm believer in animal welfare, Grant is deeply committed to driving positive civic impact. In addition to his role on the board of Humane Action Pennsylvania, he serves on the Ad 2 Pittsburgh board as the Government Relations Chair. He is highly passionate about how marketing and advertising can intersect with the public good to create meaningful change.
A Pittsburgh native, Grant lives in the South Hills with his fiancé, Amanda, and their dog, Marlo. When he is not working or volunteering, he can usually be found on long neighborhood walks with Marlo, cheering on Liverpool FC, or hosting dinners and gatherings for friends and family.
Halen E. Sav
Board Member
Halen E. Sav is a legislative policy & research professional who is dedicated to using her public policy skills to advance causes about which she’s passionate. Prior to her current role at the University of Pittsburgh, Halen spent several years as a legislative aide in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and has experience supporting several animal advocacy organizations. When she isn’t working or traveling, she enjoys cooking, crafting, and spending time with her cats. Halen received bachelor’s degrees in both Political Science and Economics from the University of Pittsburgh.
Brian Bonsteel, DMD
Founder and President Emeritus
Dr. Brian Bonsteel is a practicing general and cosmetic dentist honored to be chosen as one of Pittsburgh Magazine’s “Top Dentists.” Understanding that lawmaking is key to solving animal problems that are too big for rescue alone, he founded Humane Action Pittsburgh (HAP) to introduce local legislation and educate the public about animal advocacy and lobbying. In 2015, the HSUS presented Brian with the “Advocates We Love” award.
