Leadership

Diane Webber
Diane has 38 years of experience as an advocate for animals. Prior to joining Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control, Diane worked for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) as a Regional Director and Director of Disaster Preparedness and Shelter Management. She also served as executive director of humane organizations in Colorado and Washington State. Diane also has extensive experience serving on national boards, including the National Animal Care and Control Association board of directors as Vice President and President, Shelter Animals Count – the National Database Project (SAC-NDP) board, the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition (NARSC) and the National Alliance of State Animal & Agricultural Emergency Programs (NASAAEP) Sheltering Committee.

Theresa Rowland
Theresa is a passionate animal advocate who enjoys hands-on volunteerism in caring for our cats at Petsmart, helping with dog adoption events as well as fundraising for animal needs in the community. Theresa and her husband have a rescue cat, Gracie Pounce Rowland, 16 years, and rescue dog, Winnie Pastel Rowland, 12 years. Theresa and her husband enjoy traveling and exploring new cities.

Aletta Chamberlin
Aletta was born and raised (by a cat) in Colorado. She has lived in Oklahoma, Tennessee, Illinois, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Florida, and now Iowa. She moved to Cedar Rapids in 2014 and is a loving catmom to Ozzy and Mysti who were both adopted from Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control. She has also raised, shown, and trained horses. Her lifelong love of animals drives her to volunteer, fundraise, and advocate for FHFF.

RACHEL HAPPEL
Rachel has loved animals her whole life and was rescuing and helping others to adopt before she discovered wonderful opportunities at Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control in 2013. As a retired nurse and computer 'nut', she really enjoys helping in any way she can, for the animals, whether it be web pages, or door-knocking for fund raisers, or the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into any major event. Rachel believes that improved animal advocacy is always a goal and that there's no better place to continue that work than with FHFF. She currently lives with (and is owned by) George Fred Happel and Bella Marie Happel, two very opinionated yet loving cats. Rachel enjoys trying different restaurants in the Cedar Rapids area and enjoying Iowa with her family and friends.

JILLIAN R. WEBBER
For much of her life, Ms. Webber has been a dedicated advocate for animals. From volunteering at local shelters within the U.S. to organizing the rescue of animals in foreign countries during her 20-year military career in the U.S. Army, Jillian was no stranger to animal welfare initiatives. She also brings to the table extensive experience in non-profit work through her work with other organizations such as the Special Olympics, Armed Forces Entertainment, and the United Service Organization (USO). Jillian is currently striving to affect change in her local community regarding the humane treatment of farm animals and her efforts to end the dumping of unwanted animals in rural areas.