From childhood, my heart belonged to rescuing animals. Growing up in the countryside, I witnessed firsthand the plight of abandoned and neglected cats, a reality amplified by limited resources. Despite my best efforts as a child, the suffering I saw ignited a lifelong commitment to animal welfare.
At 12, I volunteered at a veterinary hospital, gaining valuable insights into responsible pet ownership and the heartbreaking reality of pet surrenders due to financial constraints. The experience solidified my resolve to make a tangible difference.

While my professional journey initially led me to launch a local magazine to amplify the voices of local nonprofits, my passion for animal rescue remained a driving force.

Jason brings over two decades of retail and operations leadership to The Mickey and Mouse Project board. Currently, as Regional Vice President at Burlington Stores, Inc. since September 2024, he oversees 69 stores across Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, managing over 3,000 team members and driving annual sales exceeding $600 million.

Prior to this, Jason served as Executive Vice President at Palmetto Goodwill, where he led retail and logistics operations while supporting equitable access to opportunities. Before that, as Regional Director at Dollar General from June 2020 to June 2023, he led 258 stores across the Raleigh, North Carolina region, developing 12 District Managers and 1,500+ associates. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Worcester State University, Jason combines strategic insight with a proven track record of leadership.

Outside of work, Jason is an avid cat lover with a deep commitment to animal welfare, often spending time advocating for rescue efforts or enjoying quiet moments with his feline companions. His passion for ensuring animals are cared for and protected is a cornerstone of his personal life.

In 2011, Jason’s initial foray into cryptocurrency was sparked by his wife, Leah’s, casual interest. This foundation proved valuable when he joined the XOX team in December 2024, contributing to the launch of their first coin, XOX. Deeply inspired by the story of dear Mouse, the entire team united with a powerful purpose: to ensure her suffering would lead to positive outcomes for others. This vision materialized in the creation of the $MOUSE Coin, designed to raise awareness and support for the Mouse Fund. The rapid and widespread international support for this cause has been truly remarkable.

Jason’s dedication to The Mickey and Mouse Project Inc. is rooted in his lifelong love for pets and his desire to support those who struggle to provide for them. Inspired by the organization’s mission to offer low-cost spay and neuter solutions and affordable care for pet owners in need, he is eager to apply his leadership skills to expand access to these vital services. Jason sees this work as a natural extension of his commitment to animal welfare, ensuring every pet has a chance at a healthy, happy life.

Animals have always held a special place in my heart, and I currently share my home with two beloved cats. Carrying a deep sense of empathy into everything I do, I am truly excited to channel that care toward a whole community of animals in need through The Mickey and Mouse Project.

​Professionally, I have spent my career in accounting, most recently managing accounts payable for a solar installation company. Taking on the role of Executive Treasurer allows me to align my financial skillset with a cause I am genuinely passionate about. To further expand my expertise, I am also working toward an Associate’s degree in Computer Information Systems, with an eye toward growing into systems-focused work down the road.

​I am honored to bring both my financial background and my dedication to animal welfare to the team, and I look forward to helping this vital mission grow.

My love for cats started when I was a toddler and my parents brought home an orange kitten named Peanut. I loved him a little too much “toddler style,” so my parents wisely found him a safer home. Fortunately, by the time I was eight, cats were back in our lives, and I was much better at sharing space with them!

​I’ve always been in awe of nature. Having lived in several states, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by incredible, diverse beauty. When I was younger, I spent most of my time outdoors observing the world—often bringing home cool rocks, leaves, or the occasional insect. As I grew up, those treasures evolved into stray or lost cats and dogs. My parents taught me the responsibility of scanning for owners, finding their original homes, or ensuring they transitioned to a suitable new one.

​For the past 25 years, I’ve built a career in customer service, first in hospitality and now in retail. My favorite part of the job is deeply connecting with people and finding ways to meet their needs. I thrive on learning new things and believe that sharing information is one of the best ways to connect with those around you.

​Moving to South Carolina opened my eyes to the abundance of unhomed animals, which immediately moved me to dive into fostering, rescue work, and TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) events. I am incredibly excited to combine my passion for feline welfare and education through outreach with The Mickey and Mouse Project.

​When I’m not working or volunteering, I’m usually hanging out with my spouse and our cats. If I’m indoors, you can almost guarantee I have a crochet project in hand—with at least one feline assistant “helping” me out.

I wanted to become a veterinarian so that I could make a difference. When I was in college, I had a deep interest in science and research, and I loved to challenge myself. I was fortunate as a child to have parents that understood my love for animals and would allow me to “bring home the strays”, so to speak. I worked for several years in the restaurant industry before deciding to use my gifts with people and animals, as well as my science background, to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian. I believe in the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. To me, this means treating the people I meet and the pets I take care of with respect, dignity, and compassion. I liken being a veterinarian to a pediatrician: Since both pets and small children cannot always communicate to me what is wrong, or where it hurts, it is up to me to listen to the pet parent and use what they say to help diagnose and treat their pet.

Helping the Mickey and Mouse Project is a exciting opportunity because of the critical need for such an organization. Working together will make a profound difference for those in need – both for animals and pet parents alike.

Tangela Griffin brings over three decades of senior retail and nonprofit leadership to The Mickey and Mouse Project board. She currently serves as Vice President of Operations at Miracle Hill Ministries, the largest provider of homeless services in Upstate South Carolina. In this role, she oversees operational strategy aligned with the organization’s mission to ensure that homeless children and adults receive food and shelter with compassion, hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, and move toward healthy relationships and stability.

As the founder and owner of KT Building LLC since 1998, she has led residential real estate acquisitions, sales, and property management efforts throughout the Southeast. In addition, she has held regional leadership roles with top-tier retailers including Walmart and Dollar General, where she was selected by senior leadership to lead high-impact initiatives focused on customer experience and operational excellence. She has consistently driven strong performance outcomes, leading a billion dollar P&L while coaching rising leaders, and helped organizations deliver measurable improvements in customer satisfaction and employee engagement.​

A lifelong animal lover, Tangela has adopted and cared for rescue dogs and cats for many years. Her home has always been a safe haven for animals in need, and she passionately supports causes that protect and care for vulnerable pets.​

Tangela’s involvement with The Mickey and Mouse Project stems from a personal commitment to making veterinary care and spay/neuter services more accessible for families facing hardship. She is honored to bring her leadership experience and heart for animals to an organization making a real difference in the lives of pets and their people.

Zach Cooper serves as a Board Member and Treasurer for The Mickey and Mouse Project Inc, bringing his expertise in banking, leadership, and business management to the team. With a background as a Universal Banker II, he has developed a strong foundation in financial services, customer relationships, and team leadership. Zach is set to graduate in Spring 2025 from Spartanburg Community College with an Associate’s degree in Business Management and a certification in Personal Finance and Banking. He is also a certified leader through the National Society of Leadership and Success and the Truist Emerging Leadership Program. Zach is passionate about leadership development and takes pride in mentoring others to help them grow both professionally and personally.

Originally from Abbeville, SC, Zach moved to Spartanburg, SC, for college and to embark on a journey of self-development. When he’s not focusing on his career and studies, he enjoys spending time with his six cats and his dog. Zach is honored to contribute his expertise to The Mickey and Mouse Project and is excited to see the impact it has on the community and the legacy it paves for other animal lovers alike.

When I was five years old, my father brought home a kitten for my mother, sparking a lifelong love for animals. While my professional career did not begin in animal care or rescue, I am deeply committed to supporting animal welfare through community education, advocacy, and legislative change in alignment with the mission of The Mickey and Mouse Project.

I bring extensive experience as a media professional and creative project manager, primarily within the nonprofit sector. My background includes live media, television, film, video, and stage production, with roles spanning director, production coordinator, casting director, television producer, talent booker, and commercial photography producer. I have also led marketing and fundraising campaigns, managed large-scale events, and served as communications director for a large church. I currently serve on staff at a local church.

I am motivated by a strong sense of purpose—to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people, their pets, and animals in need. I share my home with six cats and one dog, and firmly believe that compassion for animals strengthens our communities.