Key Points:
- Role and Tenure: Matthew Bershadker has served as President and CEO of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) since May 2013, leading the organization to become a national leader in animal welfare.
- Major Achievements: Under his leadership, the ASPCA has launched innovative programs, including a $25 million initiative in Los Angeles, Community Veterinary Centers in multiple cities, and a $5 million COVID-19 response effort in 2020.
- Background: Holds a BA in Communications from Ohio University and an MBA from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School; previously worked at ICF Consulting and Share Our Strength.
- Controversies: His high salary (over $1 million in 2023) and the ASPCA’s spending priorities have drawn criticism, with some arguing funds should focus more on direct animal care.
- Impact: Bershadker’s vision has advanced animal welfare through legislative advocacy, media presence, and groundbreaking programs, though debates persist about nonprofit spending.
Who is Matthew ?
Matthew Bershadker is a transformative figure in animal welfare, serving as the President and CEO of the ASPCA since 2013. His leadership has driven significant advancements in animal rescue, protection, and advocacy, positioning the ASPCA as a national leader in the field. A lifelong animal lover, Bershadker’s strategic vision and innovative programs have saved countless animals and supported communities across the United States.
Career Highlights
Bershadker’s career began in consulting and nonprofit management, with roles at ICF Consulting and Share Our Strength, where he developed skills in strategic planning and advocacy. Joining the ASPCA in 2001, he rose through various roles, including Senior Vice President of the Anti-Cruelty Group, before becoming CEO. His tenure has been marked by initiatives like the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center and partnerships with the NYPD to combat animal cruelty.
Controversies
While Bershadker’s leadership has been widely praised, his compensation reportedly over $1 million in 2023 has sparked debate. Critics, including former ASPCA CEO Edwin Sayres, argue that the organization’s focus on activism and administrative costs may not align with donor expectations. Supporters, however, highlight his role in scaling the ASPCA’s impact and driving systemic change.
Current Role and Influence
As of 2025, Bershadker continues to lead the ASPCA, advocating for stronger animal welfare laws and expanding access to veterinary care. His work includes overseeing field rescues, community clinics, and legislative efforts, making him a prominent voice in the fight for animal rights.
Matthew Bershadker: The Driving Force Behind the ASPCA’s Transformation
In the realm of animal welfare, few leaders have made as profound an impact as Matthew Bershadker, the President and CEO of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) since May 2013. A lifelong advocate for animals, Bershadker has transformed the ASPCA into a national powerhouse, driving innovative programs, legislative advocacy, and systemic change to protect and save animals across the United States. His journey from a communications graduate to a visionary nonprofit leader reflects a blend of compassion, strategic acumen, and relentless dedication. This biography explores Bershadker’s life, career, achievements, and the challenges he has faced, offering a comprehensive look at a leader who has redefined modern animal welfare.
Early Life and Education: Building a Foundation
While specific details about Matthew Bershadker’s early life, such as his birthplace and childhood experiences, are not widely documented, his educational background laid a strong foundation for his career. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Ohio University, where he likely developed skills in public engagement and advocacy key attributes for his future role in nonprofit leadership. Furthering his education, Bershadker pursued an MBA at Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School, equipping him with the strategic and managerial expertise needed to lead a large organization like the ASPCA. His academic journey reflects a commitment to blending communication skills with business acumen, preparing him for the complex challenges of nonprofit management.
Early Career: From Consulting to Advocacy
Before joining the ASPCA, Bershadker built a diverse career in consulting and nonprofit work. He served as a Senior Associate Analyst at ICF Consulting in the Washington, D.C. area for over three years, where he honed his skills in strategic analysis and problem-solving. This experience provided him with a strong foundation in organizational management, which would later prove invaluable in his leadership roles. Bershadker also worked as a Regional Manager at Share Our Strength (now No Kid Hungry) for over two years, a nonprofit focused on ending childhood hunger. This role deepened his understanding of advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement, setting the stage for his future contributions to animal welfare.
Additionally, Bershadker contributed to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), further showcasing his commitment to mission-driven work. These early experiences in consulting and nonprofit advocacy shaped his ability to navigate complex organizational landscapes and drive impactful change.
Joining the ASPCA: A Passion for Animals
In 2001, Matthew Bershadker joined the ASPCA, the first animal welfare organization in the United States, founded in 1866 by Henry Bergh. As a lifelong animal lover, Bershadker found his calling at the ASPCA, where he could combine his professional skills with his passion for protecting animals. He began his tenure in roles that leveraged his expertise in communications and business development, including Senior Director of Partnership Marketing and Director of Business Development for the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center.
Over the next decade, Bershadker’s contributions to the organization were significant. He served as Senior Director of Major Gifts and Special Events, Vice President of Development, and eventually Senior Vice President of the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Group. In this latter role, he oversaw programs and initiatives that confronted animal cruelty and suffering on a national scale, including large-scale puppy mill busts, dog fighting raids, and responses to natural disasters like the 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado. His leadership in the Anti-Cruelty Group helped establish the ASPCA’s Field Investigations & Response team, which provided skilled support to state and federal agencies in combating animal cruelty.
Rise to CEO: A New Era for the ASPCA
In May 2013, the ASPCA Board of Directors named Matthew Bershadker President and CEO, succeeding Edwin Sayres, who had led the organization since 2003. Bershadker’s appointment was praised by the board, with Chair Tim F. Wray noting his “extensive experience, energy, and unwavering commitment to animal welfare” as well as his “strong understanding of business management and the nonprofit world” . His 12-year tenure at the ASPCA and his proven track record in the Anti-Cruelty Group made him the ideal candidate to lead the organization into a new era.
However, Bershadker’s early tenure was not without challenges. A 2013 New York Times article highlighted internal disagreements and board resignations at the ASPCA, noting that over 15 members of the roughly 20-person board had resigned and been replaced in the preceding seven years . While the article did not directly implicate Bershadker, these organizational tensions underscored the complex environment he stepped into as CEO. Despite these challenges, Bershadker quickly stabilized the organization and set it on a path of innovation and growth.
Key Achievements: Transforming Animal Welfare
Since taking the helm, Matthew Bershadker has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have solidified the ASPCA’s position as a national leader in animal welfare. His strategic vision has driven systemic change, expanded access to care, and amplified the organization’s impact. Key achievements include:
- 2014: Partnership with the NYPD
In 2014, Bershadker forged a groundbreaking collaboration with the New York City Police Department to enhance animal cruelty protection across NYC’s five boroughs. The ASPCA took on responsibilities for victim care, forensics, and prosecutions, leading to a tripling of animal cruelty arrests and the number of victimized animals treated . This partnership has become a model for urban animal welfare programs. - 2018: ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center
Bershadker led the establishment of the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in Weaverville, North Carolina, the first facility dedicated to the behavioral rehabilitation of canines, particularly those rescued from cruelty cases. The center includes a Learning Lab that trains shelter professionals nationwide, advancing the field of animal behavior . - Community Veterinary Centers
Recognizing the need for accessible veterinary care, Bershadker oversaw the creation of ASPCA Community Veterinary Centers in Miami, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. These facilities provide affordable services to pet owners facing financial hardship, addressing a critical gap in animal welfare . - 2020: COVID-19 Response
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bershadker directed a $5 million response effort to support animals and communities. This included distributing free pet food in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Asheville; providing grants to struggling animal welfare organizations; offering emergency pet boarding; and expanding stationary and mobile veterinary care. This initiative ensured that pets and their owners received vital support during a global crisis (ASPCA). - Los Angeles Commitment
Bershadker spearheaded a $25 million commitment to save animals in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. This included establishing a subsidized spay/neuter facility in South Los Angeles and launching a fostering campaign for kittens, significantly reducing shelter overcrowding . - Legislative Advocacy
Bershadker has been a vocal advocate for animal welfare legislation, testifying before Congress and the New York City Council on issues like shelter funding and pet store regulations. In 2020, he led a push to end the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in New York State pet stores, aiming to disrupt the “puppy mill pipeline” . His advocacy has also supported stronger legal protections for horses and efforts to combat farm animal cruelty. - Media and Thought Leadership
Bershadker has authored over 100 editorials for publications like The New York Post, New York Daily News, and CNN.com, and has been featured in interviews with The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, the Today Show, and Good Morning America. His media presence has amplified the ASPCA’s mission and established him as a thought leader in animal welfare (ASPCA).
| Initiative | Year | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYPD Partnership | 2014 | Collaboration with NYPD for animal cruelty protection in NYC | Tripled animal cruelty arrests and victimized animals treated |
| Behavioral Rehabilitation Center | 2018 | First facility for canine behavioral rehabilitation in Weaverville, NC | Advanced animal behavior field with a Learning Lab for shelters |
| Community Veterinary Centers | Ongoing | Centers in Miami, Bronx, Brooklyn for affordable veterinary care | Increased access for underserved communities |
| COVID-19 Response | 2020 | $5 million effort for pet food, grants, boarding, and veterinary care | Supported animals and owners during the pandemic |
| Los Angeles Commitment | Ongoing | $25 million initiative for spay/neuter and fostering programs | Reduced shelter overcrowding in LA |
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite his transformative leadership, Bershadker has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding his compensation and the ASPCA’s financial priorities. As of 2023, his annual compensation was reported at over $1 million, including a $750,000 base salary, $276,000 in bonuses, and $47,859 in benefits . Critics, including former ASPCA CEO Edwin Sayres, have argued that this salary is excessive for a nonprofit leader and that the organization’s focus on activism, fundraising, and administrative costs may not align with donor expectations . A 2020 Change.org petition highlighted Bershadker’s salary, noting it was over six times the average nonprofit CEO’s pay, and questioned the ASPCA’s financial transparency, including over $20 million in offshore accounts.
A 2021 CBS News investigation further noted that the ASPCA is not an umbrella organization for local SPCAs, and its spending on activism, such as lobbying against “factory farms,” has drawn criticism for diverting funds from direct animal care . In response, ASPCA Senior Vice President of Communications Elizabeth Estroff defended Bershadker’s compensation, stating it is benchmarked annually by an outside consultant and aligns with IRS regulations for nonprofit pay.
Supporters of Bershadker argue that his leadership has been instrumental in scaling the ASPCA’s impact, from innovative programs to legislative advocacy. They contend that his compensation reflects the complexity of leading a national organization with a $300 million annual budget and the significant results he has achieved.
Affiliations and Leadership Roles
Beyond his role at the ASPCA, Bershadker serves on several boards, reflecting his broader commitment to animal welfare and philanthropy. He is a board member of the Global Animal Partnership, which focuses on improving farm animal welfare, the Gruber Family Foundation, and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, which supports sanctuaries worldwide. These affiliations underscore his influence in the global animal welfare community.
Personal Life: A Lifelong Animal Lover
Matthew Bershadker’s personal life reflects his deep commitment to animals. He resides in New York with his family and shares his home with three dogs: Tarzan, Loki, and Whiskey. His personal connection to animals informs his professional mission, making him a relatable and authentic leader in the eyes of many supporters.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Compassion and Innovation
Under Matthew Bershadker’s stewardship, the ASPCA has not only rescued and protected countless animals but has also inspired a nationwide movement toward more humane treatment of all creatures. His legacy is one of relentless advocacy, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to the voiceless. From forging partnerships with law enforcement to establishing groundbreaking facilities and advocating for stronger laws, Bershadker has left an indelible mark on animal welfare. Despite criticisms over compensation and spending, his contributions have positioned the ASPCA as a leader in the field, ensuring a brighter future for animals across the United States. As he continues to lead in 2025, Bershadker remains a driving force in the fight for animal rights and welfare.