For over 50 years, David has lived and pursued his career in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China. He established his own world-class manufacturing campus which, to date, has grown to over 1,200,000 sq ft.
David Hammer is a public equity impact investor and a private equity impact investor in agriculture, medical research, waste disposal, communications and retail. Throughout his philanthropic endeavors, he has followed his mandate of Charity is a business. “In order for a charity to survive and thrive, it must create its own income streams to effectively manage its own beneficial programs in addition to seeking donor support.”
David serves on the Board of Directors of several corporations and charities. Upon meeting with Christy Stevens at Hearts Alive Village, he was impressed with her honesty, integrity and dedication to helping animals. He wanted to help her succeed.
Now David lives in bliss with his high school sweetheart (now wife!) pursuing his dreams and visions…in Las Vegas.
Crystal is the owner of Freddie Ramon Design and Pro Services, a creative residential and commercial design company located in Las Vegas. She specializes in conceptual design, unique finishes and millwork design. Crystal’s high-profile clients include Wynn Resorts, Cosmopolitan and many others. As an HAV board member she focuses on program development and animal rescue coordination.
Alice’s love of animals has been life-long. When she and Christy met, it was the perfect match!
Acknowledged in the entertainment industry as Voice-Over Coach to the Stars, Alice Whitfield has for over 40 years been a writer, casting director, producer and director. The founder of one of Manhattan’s top creative production houses, she has produced and directed such celebrities as Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Jason Robards, King of Queens co-star Leah Remini, Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Jeff Garlin, among many others.
As a performer, Alice wrote the vocal arrangements for and starred in the original cast of the iconic “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.” She later went on to perform her One-Woman show at Carnegie Hall.
In 2013, after years of searching, Alice reconnected with her high school sweetheart. And in 2017 Alice Whitfield became Alice Whitfield-Hammer!
Nicole’s journey in the nonprofit sector began with a strong educational foundation, earning her degree from Purdue University and furthering her studies at the University of Massachusetts and the University of Auckland in New Zealand. With a career spanning multiple countries—including Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, the United Kingdom, and now Costa Rica—Nicole has held nearly every role within the nonprofit world, from executive leadership to consulting and board service.
Her expertise in fundraising and organizational leadership has helped raise millions of dollars for causes close to her heart, with animal welfare always at the forefront. Today, she serves as the founder and director of Guayabo Animal Rescue & Sanctuary in Costa Rica, a life-saving initiative that provides spay and neuter programs, adoption services, a pet food bank, and educational opportunities. The sanctuary also welcomes eco-tourism guests from around the world, fostering compassion for animals through immersive experiences.
Nicole is known for her friendly and approachable nature—she’s never met a stranger. When she’s not working to make the world a more generous place, she enjoys spending time with her family and rescue pets and staying active through various sports.
Her unwavering dedication to the nonprofit sector continues to drive meaningful change, ensuring a better future for animals and the communities that care for them.
Jennifer J. McGrath is a lifelong animal lover and passionate advocate for animal welfare. She recently founded a 501(c)(3) foundation focused on improving the lives of animals and their caregivers, and proudly joined the board of Hearts Alive Village in 2024.
A distinguished attorney and law firm co-founder, Jennifer has devoted recent years to representing adult survivors of sexual abuse, including over 300 women in a landmark case against a health system and abusive physician. Her legal work is rooted in justice, accountability, and systemic change.
Jennifer also serves on the Board of Regents for the Nevada System of Higher Education, representing District 2, where she champions student success and workforce readiness in a rapidly evolving world.
At Hearts Alive Village, Jennifer supports expanding access to veterinary care and leads the Figaro Forensics Committee, named in honor of a beloved family cat. The committee strengthens partnerships with law enforcement to ensure animal abuse cases are investigated and prosecuted.
She shares her home with three cherished rescue cats: Zorro, Anthony, and Chester.
