{"id":991,"date":"2023-02-24T11:56:04","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T11:56:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spca.org.hk\/?page_id=991"},"modified":"2025-11-24T09:32:44","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T01:32:44","slug":"executive-committee","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.spca.org.hk\/about\/executive-committee\/","title":{"rendered":"Executive Committee"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” el_class=”content-title-line” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D”][vc_column el_class=”content-title-wtbg” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Executive Committee<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”col-padding” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D”][vc_column][vc_column_text]The SPCA is a registered charity, run by its members through an Executive Committee. Officials serving on this group are:[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1700109513751{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Mathew-Gollop” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Mr. Mathew Gollop, Chair” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]With my extensive networks and board experience, I look forward to supporting the SPCA as it grows its talent pool, expands fundraising connections, and strengthens board engagement.<\/p>\n

I have been in the recruitment industry since 1997 and in Hong Kong since 2001 where I run ConnectedGroup \u2013 a 50+ employee recruitment and search business. We have developed a social impact strategy to support charities with reduced fee recruitment and launched www.recruit4good.com as a free job advertising platform for the not-for-profit community.<\/p>\n

I am an animal welfare advocate and love animals having spent time growing up on my grandparent\u2019s farm. My family includes four rescued dogs and six rescued cats.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1704255478155{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Baldwin-Cheng” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Mr. Baldwin Cheng, Honorary Treasurer” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]I grew up in Hong Kong and Australia and trained as a finance lawyer in Hong Kong, London and Beijing.<\/p>\n

For the past 15 years, I have served as a partner in a global law firm where I have taken on some management responsibilities. Although this is my first experience as an active part in the governance of an NGO, I have recently completed the Financial Times Non-Executive Director Diploma and I am keen on supporting SPCA\u2019s growth and contributing to the welfare of animals in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n

We are a pet-loving family that enjoys spending time with our family dog called Winston (aka Wizzy) and one of my three kids dreams of becoming a vet one day. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1737516510858{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Joanna-Eades” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Ms. Joanna Eades, Chair” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]In my newly-appointed role as Chair, I am excited to support the SPCA by giving my time, and the expertise gained from more than 25 years as a lawyer. I\u2019m also looking forward to applying the knowledge from a recently-completed Financial Times Non-Executive Director Diploma that has given me insight to best practices for the governance and management of NGOs.<\/p>\n

I am committed to ensuring that the Executive Committee provides the advice and guidance required by the Executive Director and the management team to help them deliver our strategic goals as this amazing organisation embarks on its next 100 years in its vital role in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n

Being a lifelong dog owner, I currently have two much-loved, rescued “tong-gau\u201d whose poisoning and various illnesses have meant spending more time at the SPCA than I would have wished. The experience vividly demonstrated the excellence of the SPCA\u2019s veterinary staff, the care they provide and the services we offer. I am a fervent supporter of the work our incredible staff do for our members and for the animals of Hong Kong.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1700109486515{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Amanda-Whitfort” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Ms. Amanda Whitfort, Honorary Secretary” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]I am a law professor teaching Hong Kong\u2019s only Animal Law course. I am also a barrister advising the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Department of Justice on animal related matters, including welfare. My research and knowledge exchange in animal-related laws have resulted in legislative and policy changes for Hong Kong including the legislation which outlawed puppy mills and the new animal welfare law to be introduced by AFCD soon.<\/p>\n

I am married to a conservation ecologist and have two rescued dogs from the SPCA.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”col-padding” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” animation_type=”fadeInUp”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

(In alphabetical order by last name)<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1734399774142{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”John-Barnes” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Mr. John Barnes, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]I am an animal lover and I am delighted to play an active part in the SPCA, supporting its development as a protagonist for animal welfare.<\/p>\n

My professional career began in hospitality where I held senior management positions in the hotel and property development sectors in Hong Kong. I then moved into manufacturing and I am now involved in property and telecommunications investments and developments in Myanmar .[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1700109500460{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Vannesa-Barrs” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Ms. Vanessa Barrs, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]I am the BOCHK Chair Professor of Veterinary Medicine at the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences (JCC), Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences of City University of Hong Kong – Hong Kong\u2019s first and only veterinary school. I am also a specialist in feline medicine and worked for many years in Australia at the University of Sydney\u2019s Valentine Charlton Cat Centre.<\/span><\/p>\n

I love all animals, big and small, and I am a passionate advocate for educating pet-owners about preventive health. I look forward to sharing my veterinary expertise to advance the health and welfare of animals in Hong Kong through the excellent initiatives of the SPCA.<\/span><\/p>\n

I have two adopted cats: Joey, a Siamese from Australia, and Ginger Roger, adopted in Hong Kong from the SPCA\u2019s Wanchai Centre. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1759995151024{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Nathaniel-Chan” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Mr. Nathaniel Y. Chan, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Having both volunteered with, and donated to, urban wildlife centres and animal sanctuaries in Canada as well as the United Kingdom for many years, I am delighted to further my love of animals and now serve on the Executive Committee of SPCA (Hong Kong).<\/p>\n

Currently, I work in the higher education sector as Assistant Director of Development & Alumni Relations at a leading university. Prior to this, I have worked across both the corporate and nonprofit sectors since moving to Hong Kong and have had roles as the Director of Sustainability for a local hotel group, Programme Manager at an international NGO, and Communications Manager at a global education prize. I am looking forward to contributing my experience and knowledge in the areas of philanthropy cultivation, donor engagement, and digital fundraising to support the SPCA.”<\/p>\n

Back in my hometown of Toronto, I used to have a beloved pet budgie and I fully expect that, working with the SPCA, my wife and I will quickly fall in love with our next adopted pet very soon.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1759995178219{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Vanessa-Chan” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Ms. Vanessa Chan Hiu Yu, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]I grew up in Sai Kung, where my grandmom had a farm with livestock, dogs, and cats. I later received my education from the USA before returning to Hong Kong in 2006.<\/p>\n

For the past 15+ years, I have been in the technology industry, playing various roles in the region, from Leader of Strategic Accounts and Partnerships to Head of New Business and Business Development, and most recently Head of Strategy. I am also a mental health advocate and certified Yoga and Meditation teacher.<\/p>\n

I am a mom to four rescue Hungarian Vizslas: Momo, Lulu, Dada, and Yuyu. I often teach meditative hikes with one of my Vizslas, who also serves as a fur therapist for students. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1763364959716{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Cherry-Chau” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Ms. Cherry Chau, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]I have more than 12 years\u2019 experience in corporate HR roles where I have led organisational and cultural transformations, directed HR strategies to support business goals and driven employee engagement.<\/p>\n

I hope to apply these skills to the SPCA, bringing positive changes to help inspire and motivate the wonderful staff who work tirelessly on behalf of animals in need.<\/p>\n

I grew up with animals in Canada and after relocating to Hong Kong in 2013, fostered many animals and adopted three dogs rescued from puppy mills.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1737684658412{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_class=”col-padding” el_id=”Tammy-Che”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Ms. Tammy Che, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]I first learnt that animals are friends when I was 3 years old, thanks to “Xiao Bao”, a white Mongrel with whom I grew up.<\/p>\n

I have been a life member of SPCA since 2012, and my love for equestrian sports makes me even more concerned about the well-being of animals. It has long been my wish to join projects dedicated to advancing the cause of animal rights and benefits.<\/p>\n

As a Chartered Certified Accountant, I’ve had leadership roles in global companies. Now, running a small start-up, I get more latitude to contribute to the good work already done by SPCA and to help solidify SPCA’s leader position as one of the most impactful animal advocates in Asia.<\/p>\n

Currently I am blessed with the company of “Biffa”, a lovable poodle adopted from SPCA. She makes my day, every day.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1700109479715{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Nick-Debnam” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Mr. Nick Debnam, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]I am delighted to support the SPCA in its financial development and oversight. In my role as Honorary Treasurer, I also sit on the Board of Trustees for the Society and bring to both roles decades\u2019 worth of experience as an audit partner at KPMG.<\/p>\n

I came to live in Hong Kong in 1990 and have seen first-hand the role the SPCA plays. I am a huge advocate of the Society, and I am delighted to play my part in its continued development.<\/p>\n

I have two rescue dogs, one of which came from the SPCA and the other we rescued as a puppy from the street.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1759239338677{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Sue-Kendall” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Ms. Sue Kendall, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]I came to Hong Kong from England in 1990 for a two-year exploration of the Far East and never left. For 35 years, I have happily called Hong Kong my home.<\/p>\n

A lawyer by training, I worked in London and Hong Kong for over 35 years, most recently as a partner in a large international law firm, specialising in dispute resolution, noncontentious corporate matters, and insolvency. I have sat on several committees and had broad management responsibilities. Since retiring in 2019, I have volunteered for a local NGO supporting vulnerable and marginalised members of our society with their legal issues. I am also an accredited mediator.<\/p>\n

I have a lifelong passion for animals, having grown up in England with a menagerie of rescued pets. I now have three cats of my own \u2013 Ido, Grumble, and Weasel \u2013 all SPCA adoptees. I am a registered Cat Colony Carer and a long-term supporter of the SPCA and other animal charities.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1759239428119{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Stefan-Kracht” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Mr. Stefan Kracht, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]I am a dedicated animal lover and philanthropist with a strong commitment to the SPCA. This is where my family adopted nearly all our pets from over the past 50 years, including our two dogs Momo and Maya.<\/p>\n

Over the past 20 years, my work was to help overseas investors grow in Greater China, and since 2010 my team, my wife and I are deeply engaged in active charity work, especially animal welfare, community education, and fundraising. I also serve as a board member at the German Chamber in HK, where I was the Vice-Chairman.<\/p>\n

As I wind down my operational responsibilities at work, I look forward to bringing my skills and passion to bear in supporting the SPCA members and staff – and of course the animals! I am an avid sportsman, playing squash in local leagues; ski-touring and climbing; golfing; hiking and stand-up paddling with my dogs![\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1719884751640{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”stephanie_lau” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Ms. Stephanie Lau, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]I have extensive experience across corporate strategy, business planning and investor relations, having worked for various multi-national investment banks, local corporates and Chinese SOEs. Now, I am leveraging on the skills I acquired in my corporate and banking days to help push forward the strategic and corporate priorities of one of the largest NGOs in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n

As a child, I spent many weekends at SPCA. SPCA has always been close to my heart and I am delighted to be a part of its growth journey.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1759995194089{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Jennifer-Van-Dale” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Ms. Jennifer Van Dale, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Hong Kong has been my home since 1991, and I have worked with the SPCA in various capacities since the mid-1990s. The SPCA is the leading animal welfare organisation in Hong Kong and I hope to contribute to its continued growth and success.<\/p>\n

I studied law at the University of Hong Kong and was a solicitor specialising in employment cases for 25 years. I recently retired and look forward being able to devote more time to the SPCA in whatever way I can contribute.<\/p>\n

I have lived with animals all my life, including dogs, cats, horses, turtles and fish. I currently share my home with two dogs adopted from the SPCA.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1759239138702{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Trilby-White” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Ms. Trilby White, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Growing up in Australia, I was never allowed to have pets of my own (my mother is allergic). I have attempted to make up for lost time by spending my adult life working closely with animals.<\/p>\n

Over the last couple of decades in Hong Kong I have managed a number of animal related businesses including veterinary clinics and hospitals and an online retail store. I hope to bring my veterinary business expertise to support the continued successful operations of the SPCA in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n

My family has a little dog named Rocket, who loves nothing more than going for walks with his family in the country parks of the New Territories.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1695086377199{margin-bottom: 60px !important;}” el_id=”Amy-Ka-Sum-Li”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Amy Ka Sum Li, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Growing up, I always felt a special connection with dogs, and I have been an animal lover ever since I can remember, becoming a lifetime member of the SPCA in 2006.<\/p>\n

I co-founded the HK Guide Dogs Association, for which I am Chairperson of the Fundraising and Public Relations Committee. I am honoured to work with organisations which showcase how animals can provide critical assistance to a whole range of people and I love raising awareness of this to all parts of Hong Kong society.<\/p>\n

Apart from helping educate the public about animal welfare and to secure resources and effect policy changes that protect the overall welfare of animals, my goal is also to help the public and policymakers understand the link between animal welfare and the well-being of society as a whole.<\/p>\n

I foster dogs for the SPCA and have adopted a number of rescued dogs.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1737516782676{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Rob-Morris” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Mr. Robert Morris, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]I was Honorary Treasurer of the SPCA from 2003 to 2017 and during my tenure helped build a solid financial platform that has allowed the Society to withstand the tumultuous economic impact of the last few years. I am delighted to continue serving on the Finance sub-committee during this period of global uncertainty which will require the SPCA to navigate through operational and financial risks.<\/p>\n

I arrived in Hong Kong in 1983 specialising in investigative accounting, litigation support and corporate restructuring, first with HSBC and then as a Partner in Ernst & Young. I retired in 2014 and moved to Malaysia.<\/p>\n

I am still active on animal welfare issues and I am on the committee of SPCA Selangor. I am married with two grown-up children and am joined by three, locally-rescued cats.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1701136787664{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Myree-Mueller” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Ms. Myree Mueller, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]I am the third generation of my family to live in Hong Kong and this is my home. My passion and expertise are in PR & Communications which are core tools the SPCA can use to increase its impact.<\/p>\n

In addition to my role on the Committee, I am also co-administrator of the Hong Kong Dog Owners Facebook group \u2013 the \u2018go-to\u2019 place for dog owners to come together to help each other with advice and tips on caring for dogs in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n

Both of my dogs, Ruby and Sasha, are rescues from the SPCA. In pre-Covid times, I would often pop in to the Wanchai Centre to visit the dogs and cats. I hope this soon can be revived but for now, I visit them virtually via their web pages![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” animation_type=”fadeInUp” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D” css=”.vc_custom_1700615451986{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” el_id=”Tim-Sollis” el_class=”col-padding”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Mr. Tim Sollis, Committee Member” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]My involvement with SPCA started back in early 2000 when I was employed as the HR & Facilities Manager. With decades of experience with the organisation, I am proud to Chair the Steering Committee for the Tsing Yi Project, in addition to my Executive Committee contributions.<\/p>\n

During my time at the SPCA, I was involved in numerous projects including the rebuilding of the Kowloon Center, the fitting out of Mui Wo, Hang Hau & Mongkok centres, the Spay Neuter Vehicle and its recent replacement. I was also involved in setting up the Cat Colony Care Program and I am a registered volunteer.<\/p>\n

I am confident that, together, we can make a difference to animal welfare by educating the public, lobbying Government and being available 24\/7 to help animals in need.<\/p>\n

My wife, Joyce, and I have been active foster parents since 2002 and specialise in looking after neonatal kittens.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”col-padding” conditional_render=”%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”60px”][vc_column_text]