About AAVS

The mission of AAVS is to end the use of animals in science through education, advocacy, and the development of alternative methods. Founded in 1883, the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS) is the first non-profit animal advocacy and educational organization in the United States dedicated to ending experimentation on animals in research, testing, and education. We work with individuals, students and parents, educators, grassroots groups, corporate and government decision makers, and members of the scientific community.

Do you want to support the mission of AAVS?

Learn.

AAVS provides you with the latest, most accurate information about the use of animals in science and the development of alternative methods. Learning is the first step in the long journey to ethical science and animal rights. Make sure you’re advocating for animals with all the information you can gather – click here to learn about Animals in Science.

Act.

Use the AAVS Action Center to add your voice to the conversation about the use of animals in science. Active citizenship is essential to positive change – we cannot move forward with out you. Communicate your concerns and desires for an ethical and compassionate future to your representatives and corporate leaders – click here to take action.

Give.

AAVS’s work would not be possible without the support of its members. Become a real friend to the animals with a gift to further the campaign of your choice. Click here to find out how you can make a difference.

Board of Managers

Sue A. Leary, President

Joseph Ludwig, Vice President

Aaron McIntyre, Treasurer

Denise Cowie, Secretary

Nadia Adawi

Robert Finn

Luke Klein

Key Staff

Sue. A Leary, President

Sue Leary has a B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Nonprofit Management. Her career has focused on coordination of programs and services; education and advocacy; administration and planning; and membership development in nonprofit organizations. Since 1995, she has served as President of American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS) and the Alternatives Research & Development Foundation (ARDF). Aligned with AAVS’s mission, ARDF funds and promotes the development of non-animal alternative methods for use in biomedical research, product testing, and educational demonstrations. Ms. Leary is Executive Editor of the AV Magazine and Chair of the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), which operates the Leaping Bunny Program. She has served on a number of boards, including the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the World Federation for Animals.

Luke Klein, Executive Vice President

Crystal Schaeffer, Director of Outreach

Christopher Derer, Director of Development and Membership Services

Nicole Green, Director of Animalearn

Kim Paschen, Director, Leaping Bunny Program

Financial Information and Conduct Policies

EIN: 23-0341990