LAUREN CAMPBELL

President

Lauren Campbell serves as the President of Friends of Long Beach Animals (FOLBA), where she works closely with veterinarians, municipal shelters, and local rescue groups to expand spay/neuter access, education, and direct support for shelter pets and pet owners. Lauren is known for building strong, long-term relationships across the veterinary and rescue communities, aligning nonprofit efforts with clinical and shelter realities to create sustainable impact.

Lauren Campbell is a nonprofit leader and animal health professional with nearly 30 years of experience advancing animal welfare through community-based programs, trusted veterinary partnerships, and collaborative work with shelters and rescue organizations. Born and raised in Scotland, she moved to the United States in 1995 and has dedicated her career to improving access to care for animals and the people who love them.

In parallel with her nonprofit leadership, Lauren has worked across pet insurance, veterinary diagnostics, oncology testing, targeted chemotherapy, and pharmaceuticals, including contributing to the commercialization of a next-generation sequencing–based cancer detection test for dogs. Earlier in her career, she worked as a cosmetologist and barber in Beverly Hills before transitioning into animal health in 1996.

A passionate advocate for animal welfare, Lauren is a proud mother to her daughter, Lauren, who will graduate with a nursing degree in 2026, and shares her home with three cats—Calvin, Caiden, and Caia.

NONA ACOSTA

Secretary

I am deeply committed to animal welfare because pets are not just animals—they are family. They provide unconditional love, companionship, and stability, and they deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. My work with Friends of Long Beach Animals matters to me because reducing animal overpopulation is one of the most effective ways to prevent homelessness, suffering, and unnecessary euthanasia. Through strong spay and neuter programs, responsible pet ownership, and community education, we can create healthier outcomes for animals and the families who love them. I believe every animal deserves a safe home, proper medical care, and a chance at a good life. As Secretary for Friends of Long Beach Animals, I am proud to support the organization’s mission through advocacy, organization, and action that strengthens both animal welfare and our community.

Greg Covey

Treasurer

Greg Covey (treasurer) has lived in or near Long Beach for his entire life. Currently he is the CFO of two film and television production companies, and he resides in East Long Beach with his wife of 30 years and their 7 rescue cats! As you may know, the cat distribution system is a real thing, and it’s working hard in Long Beach. Thirteen years ago, Greg retired from working with a contractor and the United States Air Force. It was that experience, and the fact that his parents bought him an Apple //e when he was 10 years old that Greg currently enjoys writing code, and he has developed more than a few data-driven web-based applications for various customers over his retirement. Greg also restores vintage Italian motor scooters.

Maria Alvarez Braunstein

Dedicated Advocate

Maria Alvarez Braunstein is a dedicated advocate for animal welfare, bringing a professional background in Business Administration and Human Resources to the Board. Since 1991, when she arrived to attend CSULB, Maria has been rooted in the Long Beach community, serving with the Long Beach Unified School District since 2002.

Maria’s passion is deeply personal. In 2008, she and her late husband adopted their dog, Reinhard (Rhiney), who thrived in the community. Whether swimming at Rosie’s Dog Beach or playing with his best friend, Bella, at local dog parks, Rhiney’s life in Long Beach inspired Maria’s commitment to ensuring all animals have the support needed to lead healthy, happy lives.

Known for her creative and open-minded approach, Maria prioritizes integrity and ethics in all her endeavors. She combines her organizational expertise with a lifelong love for animals to drive community engagement and collaborative support for the city she calls home.

BLAIR STANFORD

Director

Blair moved to Long Beach in 1989 from Denver Colorado to help his brother run a veterinary medical laboratory, which he did for over 22 years. After his brother sold the lab, a chance word from an acquaintance led to his current job working in the field of geophysics, mapping out seismic faults in Southern California. Since childhood and through his life, he has cared for horses, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, assorted birds and even a cow! All of his pets have either been rescued or given to him.

Wendy Gutierrez

Wendy Gutierrez is a Los Angeles rooted creative, rescuer, and professional whose life is guided by care, compassion, and responsibility. Born in East LA and raised in Baldwin Park, she found her purpose early through street cats, shaping a lifelong commitment to protecting animals. Professionally trained in high level administrative and tech roles within fast paced emergency room environments, she balances precision with empathy. An artist at heart, she works through visual storytelling, photography, videography, and mixed media. For the past eight years, cat rescue has been central to her life, with hands on experience in fostering, TNR, advocacy, community education, and medical support. Now based in Long Beach with her fiancé, three cats, and one bunny, Wendy continues to live by the belief that caring for the most vulnerable is both a calling and love made visible.