Virginia Chipurnoi

An animal welfare advocate and executive with years of leadership experience, Virginia Chipurnoi is the president of the Humane Society of New York (HSNY), one of the most prominent and highly respected animal nonprofits in the United States. Founded in 1904 to protect New York City's working horses, HSNY provides medical services to more than 38,000 cats and dogs each year, operates an adoption center with a dedicated and caring staff, and promotes animal-friendly causes and legislation. Under the guidance of Virginia Chipurnoi, HSNY earned the coveted America's Best Charities Seal of Excellence and maintains a Charity Navigator 4-star rating with 97 percent of all funds raised going directly toward program activities.