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Executive Vice President, National Programs, and Science Advisor, ASPCA
When animal welfare is in question, Stephen L. Zawistowksi ’77, PhD, is called to action. As executive vice president for national programs and science advisor for the American Society for the Prevention for Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Zawistowski oversees 16 departments and a staff of more than 400 throughout the United States. Based in New York City, he is responsible for animal care operations, community-based efforts that assist animal shelters; animal cruelty field services; education programs and legislative efforts.
A certified applied animal behaviorist (C.A.A.B.), Zawistowski led the team that evaluated more than 60 pit bulls that were confiscated from the home of former NFL quarterback Michael Vick in April 2007. He also offered expert commentary to the media. In 2005, Zawistowski spearheaded the ASPCA’s emergency response to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
Given all of the animal suffering he has witnessed, it could be easy for Zawistowski to get discouraged. But instead he has adopted a positive attitude that allows him to keep going. What motivates Zawistowski to go to work every day is his love and compassion for animals, which developed during his childhood in Woodlawn, NY, where he and his father bred and trained beagles.
Zawistowski obtained master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology/animal behavior and genetics at the University of Illinois at Urbana. He taught animal behavior at both the University of Illinois and St. Johns University in New York City before he joined the ASPCA in 1988.
Twenty years later, Zawistowski is the national face of the ASPCA. He is often called upon by the media to comment on issues related to animal care, behavior and welfare.
Zawistowski says that the Jesuit education he received at Canisius College prepared him well for his crusade, which has become more of a challenge in today’s tough economic environment.
“Whether I need to prepare for a Congressional hearing or a media interview, I constantly fall back on the critical thinking skills I learned at Canisius. The faculty emphasized the ability to read with an open mind and then express your thoughts in a clear and concise fashion.”