Abbey Benesh, a native of the Finger Lakes region in New York, developed a profound love for the environment and animals from a young age. She pursued her B.S. in Management and Industrial Relations at the University of Bridgeport, where she was also a member of  the women’s lacrosse team. Following her undergraduate studies, Abbey said goodbye to the east coast and relocated to Salt Lake City to begin law school at the University of Utah's S.J. Quinney College of Law, concentrating on environmental and natural resources law as well as public interest law.

During her legal education, Abbey gained valuable experience through clerkships with organizations such as Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, Western Resource Advocates, and the Humane Society of the United States. This foundation led her to a career in animal protection law, where she has focused on public policy, grassroots advocacy, and legislation at multiple levels of government.

Currently, Abbey serves as the Law and Policy Manager for the American Wild Horse Conservation. She resides in Salt Lake City with her two Australian Shepherd mixes, enjoying outdoor adventures in her converted van, skiing, mountain biking, and training for her next ultramarathon.

Abbey is excited to bring her passion and expertise to the board, contributing to the organization’s mission of environmental stewardship and community engagement.