Ben Kutschied, New Director of Volunteer Programs

Ben volunteered briefly with CAA before taking the job. In 2006 he helped with the Twin Cities Turkey-Free Thanksgiving Potluck and volunteered at Veg Week. He was first introduced to CAA by an old co-worker, who was also one of his first vegan friends.

So far, Ben's favorite thing about working with CAA is getting to meet inspiring people who are working to make changes in the world to benefit the lives of animals.

Ben is a graduate of Hamline University in St. Paul and also a founding member of the Upright Egg Theater Company, a green theater company. He has been working with them and other local theaters as a director, stage manager, actor, and designer. He also found veg-friendly work in the natural foods industry.

In addition to theater and animal rights, Ben is interested in gardening, preparing delicious vegan foods, reading, and being out in the wilderness.

Ben says, "To me, the suffering of an animal is no easier to ignore than the suffering of a human being" and "I am very grateful for this opportunity and am looking forward to getting started!"