WASHINGTON – The American Humane Association (AHA) named Michelle Ganci national director of its Humane Heartland program, which administers the American Humane Certified animal welfare auditing program for farms and ranches. 

Michelle Ganci

Ganci has an extensive background in animal agriculture. Ganci worked for major poultry producers as a quality-assurance and quality-control manager. She worked as a rancher overseeing fertility practices for 300 cows and heifers. She is a certified PAACO Animal Welfare Auditor, is HACCP Certified by the International HACCP Alliance, has Verification and Validation, HIMP, and advanced training from the USDA Training Center in College Station, Texas, is a Certified Poultry Health Inspector for the State of California, and is a professional livestock judge.

She holds a Master of Science Degree with Distinction in General Agriculture from California Polytechnic State Univ., San Luis Obispo and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from California State Univ., Fresno.

"My life's work has been with animals and I went into the field of animal science because of my love of them," she said. "As more and more consumers demand the humane treatment of our nation's farm animals, my goal will be to significantly increase the percentage of those living under American Humane Certified standards, which will benefit everyone involved – farms, families, and most of all, the animals!"

Ganci currently is a faculty member and lecturer in the Department of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education at California State Univ. She begins her new job on Oct. 1.

"Michelle Ganci has been a lifelong advocate for animals and has a wealth of experience that will help make a difference for the creatures on America's farms and ranches," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of AHA. "She is an extraordinary leader and knows how to build bridges between farmers, ranchers, producers, animal advocates and the public to create the best outcomes for America's animals and America's families."