Michelle Dunivan, PhD
Sr. Director Insights & Analytics at Best Friends Animal Society
Michelle Dunivan, PhD is a dynamic leader in data analytics with extensive experience transforming data into actionable insights for mission-driven organizations. As the current Senior Director of Insights and Analytics at Best Friends Animal Society, Michelle launched the Shelter Pet Data Alliance, serving over 2,200 animal welfare organizations across the U.S.
With a PhD in Communication from the University of Arizona, Michelle combines her expertise in data with a passion for problem-solving and organizational transformation. A former board member of the National Association of Court Management and member of Women Leaders in Data and AI, she is committed to fostering data-driven cultures that drive positive outcomes in cause-driven organizations.
Sessions
Data Under Pressure: Orchestrating Multi-Platform Emergency Response During the LA Wildfires
When LA's 2025 wildfires threatened animal shelters, Best Friends Animal Society used integrated data systems—Tableau dashboards, Airtable workflows, CRM platforms, and geospatial mapping—to coordinate emergency response. This case study reveals how existing business intelligence tools enabled real-time decision-making that ultimately saved 2,037 animals across three major fires.