Leanne Kocian

As Human Resources Manager, Leanne supports the Animal Legal Defense Fund through the entire employee life cycle including recruiting and onboarding, training and development, compensation and benefits, performance management, diversity and inclusion, conflict management, labor relations, and employee engagement.  Her primary goal is to provide a supportive and positive work environment for the team members of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

Prior to joining the organization in April 2024, Leanne worked in HR for over 15 years in a variety of industries including higher education, manufacturing, information technology, and wildlife conservation. This broad experience enables her to bring knowledge and best practices in the field of HR. She has a passion for leadership development, coaching and mentoring, and aligning the people strategy with the organizational goals.

Leanne earned her Bachelor’s in Philosophy and her MBA, both from Baldwin-Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. She also has obtained her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification, and certification in Non-Violent Communication.

Leanne resides in Cleveland, Ohio. When she’s not working to support the team members of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Leanne enjoys reading, gardening, road trips, and spending time with her family which includes her husband, two human children and two rescue pups – Chewy and Penny.