Mia Bendixsen
Position: Executive DirectorMia is an attorney and a seasoned nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience and a demonstrated track record in fundraising, strategic management, and community engagement. She has held senior roles with nationally recognized organizations, including Executive Director of the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region, Director of Philanthropy for the Humane Society of the United States in New England, and Director of Development for the Boy Scouts Cradle of Liberty Council in Philadelphia.
Complementing her professional experience, Mia has long demonstrated a deep commitment to animal welfare, serving on boards supporting animal advocacy and leading efforts to protect companion animals in times of crisis. At the American Red Cross, she served as Regional Pet Sheltering Lead, working alongside emergency managers, law enforcement, and community partners to ensure disaster response efforts kept pets safe and with their families.
Mia is based in Austin and lives with her two rescue dogs, Mishka and Riley, and her fiancé, Michael.
Kolby Monnig
Position: Senior Director of Government RelationsKolby Monnig is a government relations and public policy professional with experience in legislative strategy, advocacy, and coalition building across Texas. As Senior Director of Government Relations for THLN, she leads the organization’s legislative and public affairs efforts at the state level, working with lawmakers, stakeholders, and advocacy partners to advance animal welfare policy and strengthen protections for animals across Texas.
Drawing on years of experience in and around the Texas Capitol, Kolby has built a reputation for navigating complex policy issues, fostering bipartisan relationships, and leading collaborative advocacy initiatives. Her background spans public affairs, statewide policy engagement, and strategic partnership development, with a focus on creating practical solutions that drive meaningful impact.
Kolby is based in the Austin area, where she lives with her husband, Kyle, and their three rescue dogs, Puddles, Ziggy, and Wiggles. She is passionate about animal welfare, public service, and building stronger communities across Texas.
Karen Rankin
Position:Â Director of OperationsKaren, a highly experienced Administrative Professional with over 25 years of career experience, brings a diverse professional background to the organization. Her passion for service led her to join THLN in May 2019, where she adeptly provides administrative support to the staff, board members, and volunteers. Her exceptional organizational and teamwork skills ensure smooth operations.
Before her position at THLN, she managed the Lower Colorado River Authority grant program. Karen says the best feeling is giving money to other nonprofits in need. She is a conscientious steward of donations and previously worked as a business administrator for a 400-member church in the Houston area.
Outside work, Karen enjoys volunteering at the local shelter, day-tripping in central Texas, and challenging herself with jigsaw puzzles.
John Moring
Position: Director of DevelopmentJohn brings more than two decades of nonprofit development and fundraising experience to THLN, with a career focused on connecting people and organizations with causes that make a meaningful difference. As THLN’s Development Director, he is excited to bring his experience in fundraising strategy, donor relations, grant development, prospect research, and nonprofit leadership to support THLN’s mission and help expand its impact for animals across Texas.
John has served in development leadership roles with organizations including Nora’s Gift Foundation, Houston Audubon Society, Archway Academy, The Westview School, Houston Food Bank, and the Boy Scouts of America.
When John isn't working to support THLN's mission, he is busy driving all over the Greater Houston area, keeping his middle- and high-school-aged boys on schedule for all of the activities, and constantly walking—or running—his shadow, Jack, the Australian Shepherd. Between family, Jack, and everything else life brings, there is never a dull moment. John is excited to be part of the THLN team and to help advocate for stronger protections and a better future for animals throughout Texas.
Erin Van Landingham
Position: Director of Volunteer ProgramsErin has an extensive professional background in the non-profit sector, including in animal welfare and older adult health care quality. Before joining THLN, Erin wore many hats and advocated for and served underrepresented populations throughout Central Texas. Complementing her professional experience, Erin represents the constituents of Austin City Council District 1 on the Animal Advisory Commission. Additionally, Erin’s commitment to community animals includes fostering and finding loving and responsible homes for nearly 200 dogs since 2016, and volunteering for a variety of municipal shelters and rescues in the State.
Erin holds a Master of Science from Texas State University. She and her husband, Steve, live in Austin with their menagerie of rescue dogs. Erin enjoyed her time serving as a THLN Ambassador, and she looks forward to partnering with you to make positive change for Texas animals!
Haylee Plumley
Position:Â Government Relations AssistantHaylee previously served as a legislative staffer and committee clerk in the Texas Senate. She has always been passionate about animal welfare, from caring for horses at a summer camp at a young age to graduating from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, determined to work in the best interest of animals in any way she could.Â
As a young professional, she is eager to embark on this new journey with THLN, passionately educating people on animal welfare and advocating for policies that further that goal. Even when hard at work, Haylee’s two cats and bearded dragon are always in the back of her mind (or interrupting her meetings) and reminding her why the work we do is so vital.