After years of writing and exploring how dogs bring people together and teach us important human lessons about life, loss, love, joy, and living in the moment, Fern decided to create the real-life version of this message by founding New York Dog Parade. As the host and lead organizer of the 33rd Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade, this idea for more elegant and creative dog events sparked after she helped save and launch the biggest dog parade in the history of New York City. Her books about dogs have been translated into 20 languages and optioned for film, and her work has been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, the LA Times, and more. Fern grew up in an addictive household. At an early age, Fern turned to dogs to help her through hard times, and dogs have always been her greatest teachers. Her life's work focuses on how dogs help us become kinder, more empathetic people—to ourselves and to each other. Coincidentally, she is also named after a dog.

Katrina is passionate about all things related to business innovation and entrepreneurship, and is the founder and CEO of Uplevel Solutions, a social enterprise that helps leverage virtual assistants to optimize and grow companies. In between running her businesses and serving on New York Dog Parade's board, Katrina enjoys adventuring and traveling the globe with her loyal rescue dog Lucy.

Max Horwitz grew up in Florida with a sheepdog named Winston, who went by Winnie. They enjoyed looking for minnows in the lake by their house and long walks to get the paper at the end of their driveway in the morning. After Winnie, Max had a red dachshund named Snoopy, who liked to dig holes. Then, Max got Oscar, a labradoodle, six weeks before the pandemic. They are best friends and live on the Upper West Side. In between walks, belly scratches, and many grooming appointments, Max also enjoys being a Vice President at the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), a non-profit founded by President Eisenhower in 1955. And, of course, he serves as New York Dog Parade’s Treasurer.

Lauren Galea is an entrepreneur, artist, creative marketing executive, and dog mom to a beautiful rescue dog, Lady. She began her career at Facebook within the Global Sales Organization, prior to launching her private performance marketing consultancy. As a designer, artist, and marketing power house, Lauren infuses her creative magic into New York Dog Parade.

Nancy Gallagher has years of experience working with New York City's most beloved parks, including Central Park and Prospect Park, where she has focused on business development and creative partnerships. She has extensive experience collaborating with the parks department and brands to enhance strategic marketing and visitor experiences. She has two human kids and one beloved rescue dog.

Although she (technically) considers herself “a cat person,” Rebecca brings a fresh and diverse perspective to New York Dog Parade’s creative visions and goals! A longtime executive producer and lover of New York City, Rebecca has a “we can do anything” personality and a creative eye that greatly benefits the canines of New York City and helps launch our initiatives.