Founding Members
Brian Bonsteel, DMD
President
Dr. Brian Bonsteel is a practicing general and cosmetic dentist honored to be chosen as one of Pittsburgh Magazine’s “Top Dentists.” Understanding that lawmaking is key to solving animal problems that are too big for rescue alone, he founded Humane Action Pittsburgh (HAP) to introduce local legislation and educate the public about animal advocacy and lobbying. In 2015, the HSUS presented Brian with the “Advocates We Love” award.
Natalie Ahwesh, M. Ed.
Executive Director, Nonvoting Member
Mario Costanzo
Secretary
Mario is a full time realtor with over 23 years experience in the greater Pittsburgh area. He is an avid horseman, having bred, trained, and raised horses in the U.S. and abroad. He enjoys gardening and is a certified Master Gardener with Phipps Conservatory. He has a BA in Psychology from John Carroll University with a background working with at risk juveniles and seniors. Mario has been with HAP from its inception and is serving as Secretary.
Sam Ahwesh, Esq.
Treasurer, Nonvoting Member
Sam manages fundraising monies and conducts all financial reporting as needed. He has a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon University.
Board Members
Joe Culp, MBA
Board Member
Joseph Culp is an entrepreneur who has nearly 20 years’ experience in senior leadership positions in the energy industry. A Pennsylvania native, Joseph received his Bachelor’s in Marketing and Master’s in Business Administration from Waynesburg University. Currently, he serves as founder of Joco Holdings, LLC, which has a mission to provide high level construction service solutions to the Industrial, petrochemical, heavy civil, and renewable energy sectors in both the domestic and international markets.
Joseph resides in Washington, PA with his wife, Tiffany, and son, Christian. They are the parents of three furbabies and proud to support HAP’s mission to advance animal protection.
Michael Labos, CFP®, CCFS®
Board Member
Michael is from Pittsburgh and enjoyed attending Central Catholic High School. He is principally driven and focused on being an advocate for others. Professionally Michael is a financial advisor of almost 20 years’ experience and founder of Gen X Wealth Partners. He enjoys being outdoors playing golf, tennis and running. He also hopes to make a difference in the lives of our furry friends.
Dr. Karen Phillips
Veterinarian
Karen S. Phillips, VMD is a University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School graduate and practicing small animal veterinarian, specializing in high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter surgical procedures. She concentrates her efforts in local animal shelters to combat the challenge of pet overpopulation.
Seeing the numbers of neglected farm animals entering those very shelters, she committed to providing them safety and love by founding Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary in 2011. Since then she has been presented with the PVMA’s Animal Advocacy Welfare Award and HAP’s very own Compassionate Living Award.