Catherine Leon, President 

An attorney in San Francisco and New York City for twenty years, Catherine has worked in private law firms handling business litigation.  An animal lover at heart, Catherine ventured to Namibia for the ultimate wildlife experience and founded Harnas African Wildlife Rescue to help preserve that wildlife.  Catherine graduated from Occidental College in Los Angeles and Seattle University School of Law in Seattle.   (catherine@harnasusa.org)

Marcie Rash, Secretary/Treasurer

Marcie has been an environmental consultant in San Francisco for fifteen years, with a focus on geologic fieldwork.  Marcie recently graduated from Dominican University of California with an MBA in Sustainable Enterprise.  Through the MBA program, Marcie combined her passions of travel, outdoor recreation, conservation and sustainable business models.  Marcie consulted with the Shikahogh State Reserve in Armenia in developing an ecotourism business plan.  Marcie received her BS in Geosciences from the University of Arizona.

Bruce Wagman

Bruce, an attorney in San Francisco for twenty years, specializes in animal law.  Bruce co-authored the law school text book “Animal Law,” is an Adjunct Professor at four Bay Area law schools, and is Chief Outside Litigation Counsel of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.  Bruce received his Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University and his Juris Doctor from University of California, Hastings College of the Law.  Bruce is a partner at the law firm Schiff Hardin LLP and, most importantly, the guardian of three dogs and five cats, all rescued.

Barbara Bennett

Barbara is an Associate Professor of English at North Carolina State University.  Barbara is the author of The Soul of a Lion, the story of Marieta van der Merwe and the Harnas Farm.  Barbara began her journey with Marieta and Harnas as a volunteer in February 2007.  Barbara traveled back to the Harnas Farm to hear stories, record interviews, write her book, and feed her passion and love for Harnas and its animals. When she is not feeding cheetahs or sleeping with baboons, Barbara lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her partner Fred Hobson and their two dogs, Milo and Henry.

Adria DeFalco

 Adria works as a financial analyst at Standard & Poor’s in the Commercial Real Estate group.  Adria is finishing her Master's Degree in Fundraising Management for Non-Profit Organizations at Columbia University in New York City, after receiving her Bachelor's Degree from Case Western Reserve University.  Adria is a life long animal lover and brings to Harnas USA extensive experience volunteering with animal shelters and rescue organizations, along with her formal education in fundraising.

 The Van Der Merwe Family

Also on the Board of Directors are two of the family members from the Harnas Farm in Namibia.

Marieta van der Merwe

Marieta has dedicated 30 years of her life to rescuing wild animals, first taking abused animals into her home and ultimately establishing a formal refuge for African wildlife.  Marieta oversees all of the operations at the Harnas Farm.

Jo van der Merwe

Jo, the daughter-in-law of Marieta, has worked at the Harnas Farm for eight years managing the office, handling accounts and financials, and interfacing with the Harnas volunteer program.  Jo also works with corporate sponsors for Harnas, television, media, and publicity crews.  Jo and her husband Schalk epitomize a 24/7 commitment to the welfare of animals in Africa.

oPERATIONS

Harnas African Wildlife Rescue is operated solely by volunteers, ensuring that the animals in need receive the maximum benefit from each dollar donated.

Please send your tax-deductible donation to:

Harnas African Wildlife Rescue

P.O. Box 475311

San Francisco, CA 94147-5311

Thank you for your generosity!