About US
The Global Working Dog Consortium is an international initiative dedicated to advancing the welfare, protection and recognition of working dog teams worldwide. Our mission is to unite non-profits, working dog professionals and policymakers in a shared commitment to improving the lives of working dogs and their handlers—during active service and in retirement.
Through strategic advocacy, we support the development and implementation of legislation that ensures better care, safety and post-service support for working dogs. We also work to establish standardized protocols and best practices that can be adopted globally, promoting consistent, compassionate care across all phases of a working dog’s life.
In addition to policy work, the Consortium is committed to public education, raising awareness of the vital roles these dogs play in military, law enforcement, homeland security, search and rescue, and fire service capacities around the world.
We also provide direct assistance and resources to working dog teams in need—ensuring they are supported and honored for their service.
Together, we are building a global coalition to protect those who protect us.
Our Mission
To foster a strong global consortium of non-profits, working dog professionals and legislators who are united in our mission to improve the lives of working dog teams around the world.
Our Purpose
To advocate and assist in legislative processes to promote laws and regulations that provide better protections and care of working dogs.
Our Founder
Christina M. Roof is the Executive Director and Founder of the Global Working Dog Consortium, and a nationally recognized advocate for Working Dogs. Before transitioning into the Working Dog nonprofit sector at the K9s of Valor Foundation, she served as a federal policy advisor on Capitol Hill and as National Legislative Director for one of the nation’s largest veteran service organizations. Throughout her career, Christina has testified before Congress numerous times and played a key role in authoring landmark legislation amending Titles 10 and 38 of the U.S. Code to strengthen protections for veterans, service members, and working dogs.
At K9s of Valor, Christina spearheaded national outreach and fundraising initiatives, providing ballistic vests to hundreds of law enforcement K9s across the U.S., as well as critical medical training for handlers and other lifesaving equipment. Her work has been instrumental in raising awareness of the challenges facing K9 teams while fostering stronger connections between the public and the law enforcement community. With a distinguished record in policy, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership, Christina continues to drive high-impact, collaborative solutions that support working dogs and their handlers—both on the front lines and beyond.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Jason Johnson
Board President
Jason Johnson is a globally recognized leader as a nonprofit executive and entrepreneur. As the Founder of Project K-9 Hero, Jason has dedicated his life to making sure retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs receive the care they deserve once their service to our country is complete.
He is a former K-9 Subject Matter Expert in the U.S. Government working for Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Department of State in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jason served as a Police SWAT and K-9 Officer, as well as a U.S. Army Military Police Officer.
Jason holds a Masters in Security Management, is a published author, and executive producer of television and film.
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Mark Tappan
Board Treasurer
Sergeant Mark Tappan is a 19-year veteran of the Alpharetta Police Department, a former youth pastor, and a proud U.S. Marine Corps Infantry veteran. His deep passion for service, community, and canine partners led him to the Police K-9 Unit, where he eventually served as the department’s Canine Commander, overseeing training, operations, selection, and the development of K-9 teams.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence in training, deployment, and community outreach, Sergeant Tappan and his now-retired partner, K-9 Mattis, formed a legendary team. Mattis became the most highly decorated K-9 in department history and a beloved figure nationwide. Their bond and bravery have been featured on national television, including America’s Top Dog, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, Live PD, and in scripted series like HBO’s Watchmen and Disney+’s Just Beyond.
With a social media following of over 5 million, Sergeant Tappan uses his platform to entertain, educate, and inspire—raising over $600,000 for causes including childhood cancer research and K-9 charities. He is speaker and the bestselling author of three children’s books and a bestselling autobiography chronicling his journey with Mattis.
As he often says, “Mattis makes me look so much better than I am.”
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Derek Copeland
Board Secretary
Derek Copeland has 20 years of military experience in the military law enforcement realm and is recognized as a subject matter expert in working dog operations, management, and training.
Derek has extensive experience working with federal and state K9 agencies designing and executing tactical canine training paradigms. Derek has also led and trained K9 teams for high-stakes operations, including securing large-scale events such as military leadership conferences, NCAA Division 1 sporting events, and presidential security details.
Once retired from the military in 2022, he took his skills over to Auburn University Canine Performance Sciences where he served for almost two years as a Chief K9 Instructor where he led and conducted innovative research on working dog olfactory and behavior.
ways to contribute
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WRITE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
Lawmakers can't act on what they don't hear. By writing your state and congressional leaders, you help ensure the voices of working dogs and those who protect them are represented where it matters most: in policy. Need help writing a letter? Click HERE.
Contact us.
Whether you’re a handler, policymaker, advocate, or supporter, we want to hear from you. Reach out to learn more, get involved, or help strengthen protections for working dogs worldwide.