MEET OUR

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors includes some of the most magnificent minds of our time. Each member offers unique insight and expertise. Humankind Alliance relies on these varying perspectives to solve the pressing issues that we face as a Nation.

Janice Niederhofer

BOARD PRESIDENT & FOUNDER

Janice Niederhofer, MA, is the innovative Founder and Board Chair for Humankind Alliance. Janice has a unique skill set both in law enforcement and in human behavior which serve as the basis for HA’s initiatives. She is a thought-leader with immense passion. Janice’s personal experiences as a female law enforcement agent informed the creation of both the Law-Enforcement Community Initiatives and the Women’s Programs.

Podcast: Listen to this inspirational podcast by Janice about her life and the incredible mission of Humankind Alliance.

“Leadership with a Purpose,” LA Tribune Editorial Recognizes Janice.

Janice Niederhofer

Dr. Robert Mozayeni

BOARD MEMBER

Dr. B. Robert Mozayeni is a founding Board Member of Humankind Alliance and his extensive experience in medicine, research, nonprofits, policy, and community wellness provides the Board with a unique, intelligent, and thoughtful perspective. Dr. Mozayeni has an impressive history and career. He is an expert in Translational Medicine, the science and art of advancing medical science safely and efficiently, and is the Founder and General Medical Director of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Vascular Inflammatory Diseases of the Translational Medicine Group.

Jeanne Allen

C.O.O. & BOARD TREASURER

Jeanne Allen is the Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer of the the Humankind Alliance (HA) Board of Directors. Jeanne brings experience from her long career as a Federal Government Professional with over thirty-six years of law enforcement experience as a Special Agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in addition to sixteen years in recruitment, selection and hiring as the Recruitment Coordinator for the Northern California Region. Jeanne retired in 2016 and joined the HA Board when Founder, friend, and fellow special agent Janice Niederhofer shared her mission and vision for change. Jeanne joined without hesitation and has been an active and dedicated member since the beginning.

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James Wagstaffe

James Wagstaffe

BOARD MEMBER

Recipient of the 2017 California Lawyer Attorney of the Year Award, Jim Wagstaffe, is a highly accomplished and decorated attorney. Jim graduated with Distinction from Stanford University in 1977 and received his J.D. from Hastings College of the Law in 1980. He is partner and co-founder of WVBR Law LLP. Jim handles a diverse range of litigation matters and also leads the firm’s successful Federal Practice Group. He has an impressive resumé of high profile trials and litigations, notable publications, prestigious awards, and unparalleled experience.

MELVIN RUSSELL

BOARD MEMBER

Retired acting deputy commissioner of SISS & chief of Community Collaboration Division with Baltimore police department Melvin T. Russell joined the Humankind Alliance Board in 2019 and is excited to be an active and involved voice within the organization. His work has created incredible change in Baltimore and is directly in line with the larger goals and mission of Humankind Alliance.

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Jim Poole Headshot

Jim Poole

BOARD MEMBER

Jim is an accomplished business executive with extensive experience in the life sciences, biotechnology, healthcare, market research, and IT industries. Mr. Poole manages the strategic direction and ongoing operations of NuCalm, a neuroscience company on a mission to change the world by liberating humanity from stress without the use of drugs. In 2015, NuCalm was granted the world’s first and only patent for “Systems and Methods for Balancing and Maintaining the Health of the Human Autonomic Nervous System.”

PAST BOARD MEMBERS

Frank Shakwitz # 1

IN LOVING AND BEHOLDEN MEMORY

FRANK SHANKWITZ

FORMER BOARD MEMBER

On January 22, 2021, Distinguished Board Member, Frank Shankwitz passed away. Here at Humankind Alliance, we will forever emulate Frank’s giving heart. The world lost a precious one. Rest in Peace Frank.

We encourage you to watch a feature motion picture about Frank’s life called, Wish Man, released in June 2019. The film details his life and the experiences that led him to starting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Frank also wrote a book, Wish Man, released in August 2018.