Meet the New Members of the WPA Board

COMMUNITY SERVICE NEVER goes out of style, and these leading business professionals prove that by coming together from various parts of the pet world for the benefit of the pet industry. Combining their expertise, the members serve in these positions on the World Pet Association Board (WPA) for the next two years and, for some, beyond.

CURRENT WPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As of SUPERZOO 2025, the new board of directors are:

• Chairman: Mike Lou
• 1st Vice Chair/Treasurer: David Dieter
• 2nd Vice Chair/Secretary: Micah Kohles, DVM, MPA
• Member: Lorin Grow
• Member: Mark Dunn
• Member: Jennifer Larsen
• Member: Carla Ng-Garrett
• Member: Kirbay Preuss
• Immediate Past Chair: Jeff San Souci
• Past Chair: Chris Clevers

BOARD POSITION CHANGES

These board members took on new duties:

• David Dieter, Zoo Med senior director, transitions to 1st Vice Chair/Treasurer.
• Micah Kohles, DVM, MPA, Woodland Animal Hospital and Odyssey Consulting owner, transitions to 2nd Vice Chair/Secretary.

With gratitude and appreciation for their service, these members step off the board:

• Keryn Rod, Waggles Puppy Boutique CEO
• Sarah Goldberger, Lord Jameson founder and CEO
• Heather Coots, King Wholesale Pet Supplies president
• Sandy Moore, new Pet Advocacy Network (PAN) CEO

Kirbay Preuss | Carla Ng-Garrett

NEW TO THE BOARD

The 2025-26 WPA Board ushers in its two newest members: Kirbay Preuss, the third-generation owner of Preuss Pets, and Carla Ng-Garrett, earthbath’s Western region VP of sales and e-commerce brand strategy.

Kirbay Preuss was literally born into the pet industry as the third-generation owner of 40-year-old Preuss Pets, a nearly 30,000 square-foot full-line, brick-and-mortar store in Lansing, MI. A passionate yoga teacher with an education in professional communications, she manages a team of 70 employees with a mission of inspiring responsible pet ownership. This dynamic store owner’s integrity, strong engagement skills, business experience and advocacy make her a valuable addition to the WPA board.

Independent pet retailer Preuss says that one of her greatest aspirations is to channel her passion and dedication for the pet industry into something meaningful that can be shared with others. “When I interviewed with the current WPA Board, I immediately felt a sense of belonging,” she says. “From growing up attending trade shows that doubled as family vacations, to my current work in a full-line pet store, where I advocate for our industry and engage daily with passionate pet owners, this field has shaped every part of my life.

“Initiatives like Pets in the Classroom and HABRI have further deepened my commitment to supporting the health and well-being of pets and their people. I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to contribute to this industry at a broader level and to collaborate with fellow professionals who share this mission.”

Preuss is especially passionate about representing the perspective of independent, full-line brick-and-mortar pet stores. “I am eager to bring that voice to the table as we work together to support and strengthen the pet industry.”

Passionate, enthusiastic, well-connected and knowledgeable of the pet industry, Ng-Garrett brings over 22 years of experience in grooming products through her work with market leader earthbath. She also owned retail stores, served on three WPA and one Pet Advocacy Network committees, as well as serving on the board of trustees in Jefferson Union High School District. Her staunch interest in advocacy, strong collaboration and communication skills, plus commitment to the pet industry make her a great addition.

“I’m truly honored to join the WPA Board of Directors and grateful for the opportunity to serve an industry that has shaped my life and career,” Ng-Garrett says. With over two decades in the pet industry working alongside independent retailers, groomers, distributors and manufacturers, she understands how deeply connected everyone is in making the industry thrive.

She says, “I’m fully committed to helping WPA lead with purpose: strengthening advocacy efforts, supporting innovation and championing the voices of businesses of all sizes, especially the independents, who are at the heart of our community. Serving on the WPA Board is more than an honor — it’s a chance to give back, to listen and lead with collaboration, integrity and passion. I look forward to contributing to WPA’s mission and supporting a strong, sustainable future for our industry.”

WPA Chairman Mike Lou says, “We’re proud to welcome Kirbay Preuss of Preuss Pets and Carla Ng-Garrett of earthbath to the WPA Board. Their leadership, insight and commitment to responsible pet care will strengthen WPA’s mission to drive industry collaboration and promote meaningful growth through education and advocacy.”