photograph provided by Bill Wegener
Andrew Lacqua DVM
Founder and President
Kelly is a true environmental advocate who passionately speaks for the trees and everything above, within, and below them. He received his PhD in Zoology from Louisiana State University and a Fullbright scholarship both to teach at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and research Amazonian fish fauna. He is the founder and director of the Boston University Tropical Ecology Program which has educated and inspired thousands of future environmental advocates and scientists all over the world. Currently, he is a professor of environmental science at USFQ, adjunct professor in the Department of Biology at Boston University, and is the acting director of the Tiputini Biodiversity Station within the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve. A huge proponent of ecosystem health and balance, his influential writings and ideas have appeared in news outlets all over the world and in journals like Science and Nature. He has consulted on documentaries produced by BBC Nature, Animal Planet, and National Geographic; has been interviewed by NPR, NBC, BBC, and CNN; and is co-author of the book “Yasuni, Tiputini and the Web of Life.” His current and important interests include the environmental impact of the oil industry and the pressures of modern industry on indigenous peoples and their culture in Cameroon and Ecuador. Kelly’s goal is to preserve the natural environment and indigenous cultures through photography, documentary, and education.
Kelly Swing PhD
Board Member
After receiving his DVM from Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary medicine, David spent a few years working for various large and small animal practices throughout Connecticut. With these experiences and well-developed business acumen he founded the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital where he is currently the Head Veterinarian and Practice Owner. While here he has developed an affinity for diagnosing and treating allergy issues and performing various orthopedic surgeries. He puts great emphasis on fostering high-quality doctor-patient relationships with compassion, and this evident in his nomination for Norwich Magazine’s Best Veterinarian of Northeastern Connecticut in 2017 and 2018. David actively volunteers his time with many local organizations including the North East Regional Animal Control, Pet Pals Northeast Inc., and Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue Inc.. At the end of the day he is faithful to Boston sports, his wife Rebecca and four children, and his many dogs.
David Lambert DVM
Board Member
After receiving his BS in accounting from Xavier University, Anthony went on to be an accountant for Plante Moran, the 11th largest certified public accounting, professional services, and business advisory firm in the United States. After a fulfilling year with the company he then started working for 777 Partners, a Miami based specialty finance investment firm. He made the move to Miami, Florida last year to hold this selective position, but also to get more sunshine and because his dog, Ollie, wanted more dog parks and beaches to play on. Anthony is an active member in the Miami tennis community, a proud finisher of the 2018 NYC Marathon, and active member of the Lululemon Run Club.
Anthony Lacqua BS
Treasurer
Jennifer Long DVM
Team Member
With passion, devotion, and enthusiasm Chris has made many important advances in the fields of veterinary medicine and One Health. He received his DVM from Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine (TUCSVM) and a PhD in population medicine with focus on infectious disease in wild gorillas. His guiding force in all the work he does stems from an innate interest in the natural world and from inspiration while working alongside world renowned primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall early in his career. He has a research associate position with the Smithsonian and contributes to the USAID PREDICT project, serves as Co-director of the Tufts Institute for the Environment, acts as the regional field veterinarian with the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, and currently serves as the Director of the Masters in Conservation Medicine program at TUCSVM. Additionally, he is heavily involved in wildlife health and epidemiology training in Thailand, Vietnam, and Gabon and active field veterinary work in the Central African Republic. Throughout his career, he has truly shown himself to be an essential component of global research and conservation efforts while providing the next generation of students with a trans disciplinary conservation medicine education that is critical in the ever so interconnected world we live in today.
Chris Whittier DVM, PhD
Board Member
Michael’s 22 years of surgical practice in NYC are marked with professionalism, high quality care, and utmost concern for patient health and well-being. After completing a residency in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery in 1997 he went on to train in the Department of Hyperbaric Medicine at the Palmetto/Richland Memorial Hospital, assumed a Chief position in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery at Victory Memorial Hospital, and obtained an MBA in Health Care Administration and Management. He currently serves as Division Chief of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC); Medical Director of The Center for Wound Healing at RUMC; Chief Supervising Hyperbaric Physician at RUMC; and as a healthcare consultant for the Gerson Lehrman Group, Incorporated. Most recently, he acts as an advisory board member for Q-Bank Group, a private equity firm which commercializes technology and healthcare solutions. Michael’s wide breadth of experience in healthcare culminated in the founding of The Healing Hands Abroad Foundation, which to date has provided the equivalent of $1.5M of specialized surgical care to underserved communities worldwide.
Michael Lacqua MD, MBA
Board Member
Samuel grew up in rural community near the University of Connecticut, where he graduated with a BS in Animal Science. While at UConn, he spent time volunteering in many different community outreach initiatives and developed a passion for social and environmental justice. After graduating from this undergraduate program, he worked at his family’s business, Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital, as a veterinary assistant. He moved on to veterinary school at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, with his main focus being the study of small animal medicine. While at Tufts, he served as President of the Integrative Medicine Club and earned a Business Certificate from the Veterinary Business Management Association. After graduation in May 2020, he returned to his family’s practice to focus on supporting the human-animal bond through high-quality, affordable and accessible veterinary care. Sam enjoys comedy, plant-based cooking, and urban mushing with his Siberian husky, Indie.
Samuel Lambert DVM
Team Member
Curry Keoughan DVM, DACVS
