Leadership

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 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.

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.

Formerly employed by the Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control, Kelly served initially in a Kennel Maintenance position prior to being promoted to an Animal Control Officer and eventually to the Program Specialist position. In 2021, Kelly was appointed Interim Manager and was selected for the Manager position in June 2022. Kelly is a certified National Animal Care and Control Officer and was certified to instruct the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in animal control procedures. Kelly completed several courses relating to animal welfare and investigations, including Illegal Animal Fighting; Prevention, Intervention, And Response to Hoarding; and Forensic Photography. Kelly is also a certified C3 De-Escalation instructor. During her time with the Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control, Kelly was able to secure valuable training for her staff members and provide extra life enrichment for the cats, dogs, and pocket pets in the shelter’s care.

Kelly recently made a career change from her position as Manager of the Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control to work for the Secondary Road Department of Linn County.

Amanda served in the United States Army supporting our nation, which is where she met other members of this board and became interested in working with the Cedar Rapids Friends Helping Friends Foundation.

Amanda was raised in a military family with core values to service and love of others. Over the years, she discovered that animals have these core values built into their nature. Animals care for humans, and humans care for them in return. It is a symbiotic relationship in her eyes. Amanda also views “services” as something that is not just local but has an impact on the greater population. She believes paying things forward has a ripple effect on society as a whole.