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.

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.

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.

Jodi lives in Cedar Rapids, IA with her husband and dog, Magic, a Great Dane.  She has been active in the Cedar Rapids community for many years, including thousands of volunteer hours with non-profits.  Jodi has always had some kind of animal and has a soft spot for an animal in need.  Throughout the years, she has had dogs, cats, rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters and many more.  She brings to the group her administrative skills and passion for helping animals.  Her passion drives her, and she's excited to lend her skills to Friends Helping Friends Foundation.  In her spare time she enjoys running, knitting items for her friends and family, and spending time with her husband and dog, Magic.