Our Story & Our People
Committed to a constructive and pragmatic approach to change, we know that supporting boots on the ground and having skin in the game is essential. We believe we do better together.
United by a shared commitment to animal welfare, the Kinder Ground team is a devoted group of individuals driven by a clear mission.
Kinder Ground Origins
While organizing their estate planning and annual giving, Dr. Walker and Dr. Tucker could not find an organization dedicated to improving the welfare of farmed animals that shared our values. It is easy to understand how farmers would be hesitant to collaborate with groups they feel are not supportive of them. They recognize that there are lots of folks asking, or demanding that farms do better, but few have the network, expertise or bandwidth to help make it happen.
Supported by the passion and expertise of its founders and their network, Kinder Ground grew from their shared vision, applying lessons learned on the farm, at the university and across the supply chain.
Jen Walker, DVM, PhD
Co-founder, Chief Animal Welfare Officer
A veterinarian by trade, with advanced degrees in Epidemiology and Animal Welfare, Ethics, Policy & Law, Dr. Jen’s life’s work is improving the lives of animals in production systems. Leaving traditional practice in 2010 to create change at the corporate level, she has been developing industry leading programs designed to elevate the welfare of dairy cattle and manage risk for the business.
Cassandra Tucker, PhD
Co-founder, Chief Science Officer
Dr. Tucker is the Director of the UC Davis Center for Animal Welfare, and Professor in Animal Science, with over 100 published scientific articles related to the welfare of farmed animals, Dr. Tucker is considered one of the world’s leading cattle welfare scientists. In addition to her work at the university, Dr. Tucker has served PAACO through developing and delivering dairy auditor training. She also serves in an advisory role for industry groups and several corporations in developing positions and programs specific to animal welfare.
Lisa Cranfill, BS
Co-founder, Chief Financial Officer
With over 18 years of experience in corporate finance, having managed the dairy financials for one the largest dairy processors in the country, Lisa is excited to be able to focus her expertise in business and accounting to the transformational work of Kinder Ground.
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