 | JAMES MARTINEZ / President James is a US Army veteran and former Law Enforcement Officer. He is the founder of Southwestern SPCA and has served in leadership roles for two other Non-Profit organizations. James holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology as well as a good understanding of California Corporate Regulations. James has excellent leadership skills and great ideas that will help us develop the Southwestern SPCA Humane Society and their Outreach Programs. |
 | LATEFF HINTON / BOARD MEMBER Philanthropist and community outreach organizer. Advocate for animals and specific trainer of the German Shepherd breed. he has a background in business management and entrepreneur opportunities. |
 | GONZALO MARTINEZ / BOARD MEMBER Gonzo Martinez, a business owner from Riverside, is a dedicated supporter of youth sports and animal protection. With over 30 years as a high school coach, he proudly serves on the boards of the SPCA and Little League, and is a member of the Riverside Police Chief’s Advisory Committee. |
 | ALLAN ABSHIRE / BOARD MEMBER Business owner and philanthropist Allen Abshire has been a member of the original board of directors since its inception and creation in 2019. |
 | RODNEY K. SINGLETARY / BOARD MEMBER Security and protective services, Former business owner. Computer concepts and services with a philanthropic love for cats and rehoming feral cats. |
SPECIAL SERVICES UNIT – AGENTS
 | SEAN KANAN Sean Kanan’s career encompasses many facets of the entertainment world including actor, author, comedian, and producer. Early in his career, Kanan was chosen at an open call by Oscar-winning Director, John Avildsen from over 2000 hopefuls for the role of Mike Barnes in the Karate Kid III. He went on to create two iconic characters, AJ QUARTERMAINE (GH) and DEACON SHARP (B&B/Y&R). Kanan’s popularity as DEACON in Italy and ability to speak fluent Italian landed him on the Italian version of the popular show Dancing with the Stars where he lasted 9 weeks. On the comedy stage, Kanan has performed at some of the countries leading clubs including the Laugh Factory, the Comedy Store, Dangerfield’s, the Brokerage, Uncle Vinny’s and other venues. On the theater stage, he has performed in Sam Shepard’s True West twice, once at the Zephyr theater and once at the Palm Canyon Theater. |
 | MICHELE KANAN Michele Kanan was living in the suburbs, carpooling and running a successful medical practice when she decided to step out of her comfort zone to make a movie. Fast forward, Michele finds herself and four kids married to the Bad Boy of Karate Sean Kanan, producing, writing and directing. Kanan has produced over 7 films including the My Trip to the Dark Side series and Cannes Film Festival darling, sci-fi film, Colonials, staring Greg Kriek. In 2021, Michele won an Emmy for OUTSTANDING DIGITAL DRAMA for STUDiO CiTY (streaming on Amazon Prime), which has over 20 Emmy nominations. As an Emmy nominated writer, she also won the ISA for Best Writing. Kanan is in pre-production on her follow up young adult television show, Pretty Little Gun and set to direct feature films, A Gift of Magic and Moon Dogs. As if that wasn’t enough, Michele is launching a web3 interactive game and token in conjunction with her show Pretty Little Gun, and runs a flourishing e-commerce/digital marketing boutique agency. In her spare time, she pampers her spoiled Pug, Charli and international superstar husband, Sean Kanan. |