Adam coordinates policy related to cruelty intervention and response for all HSI offices, works to develop global strategies, and assists with enacting and enforcing animal protection laws. He also rescues and responds to animals in crisis from the dog meat trade, animal fighting and natural disasters. Before joining HSI in 2015, Adam led the HSUS Animal Rescue Team, saving animals from animal fighting, puppy mills, hoarding and other forms of cruelty and neglect. Adam’s work has involved overseeing all aspects of animal rescue, from handling and caring for dogs, cats and other domestic animals to running traditional shelters and large-scale emergency shelters.

Dr. Katherine Polak leads the Companion Animals & Engagement team for Humane Society International, working to improve companion animal welfare around the world through humane management of street dog populations, community engagement, veterinary training, and ending the cruel dog and cat meat trade in Asia. Before joining HSI, Dr. Polak managed animal welfare programs and campaigns across Southeast Asia with Vienna-based FOUR PAWS.

Dr. Polak is a veterinary specialist, double-boarded in veterinary preventive medicine with the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and in Shelter Medicine with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. She holds master’s degrees in both forensic medicine and public health, and has authored numerous scientific papers and articles. She is a frequent speaker at veterinary conferences and co-editor of the book Field Medicine for Small Animal Medicine published by Wiley Publishing. She currently sits on the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Animal Wellness and Welfare Committee and International Advisory Board for the Alliance for Contraception of Cats and Dogs. She also serves as Courtesy Faculty at the University of Florida, where she teaches International Shelter Medicine.

Katherine Shenar brings 26 years of experience to her role as executive vice president for The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement. She has served as CEO for two animal welfare organizations and held leadership roles with four others. Katherine became a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) in 2020.