Joann Fuller
Joann Fuller attended Indian River Community College and The University of Phoenix where she earned her Bachelors in Business Management. That education lead her to a successful career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition where she’s been for 26 ½ years! While she’s held six different roles with Hill’s, she’s currently the Brand Engagement Manager, US Marketing. In that role, Joann leads Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, which supports over 800 animal shelters in the US on a full time basis, providing science-led nutrition to feed all the pets in their care and to go home with adopters. She also leads Hill’s Disaster Relief Network, a direct extension of the shelter program, which donates pet food to shelters, veterinary clinics, governmental organizations and other large non-profits caring for pets impacted by disaster.
Joann has always loved pets and animals of all kinds and as a child she had a goal of becoming a veterinarian. Although her career goals changed, she feels fortunate to work for a company that allows her to give back to pets and pet families that need it most. While she thinks it is one small way to support the bond between pets and people, Wayside thinks her devotion and passion are a HUGE support! She remembers the pets that have been part of her life and the amazing qualities they’ve contributed: they’ve been wonderful companions, providing a source of joy, laughter and unconditional love. She works with and supports Wayside because it is a premier local animal non-profit with a strategic mindset that not only provides support to pets and people in our local communities, but extends its reach to positively impact the lives of pets and pet families across the United States. She’s excited to Co-Chair this year’s Fur Ball with her partner, Forrest Cook, and she says her inspiration comes from the hundreds of animal welfare organizations she works with every day. She specifically is inspired by the dedicated staff and volunteers at those animal welfare organizations who give their hearts to support pets and people in need.
A Lewisburg, PA native, Joann has lived in Kansas City twice due to her career. First was between 2010 and 2012. She returned in 2014 to the present. She currently lives in Olathe, KS.
Forrest Cook
Forrest Cook earned his degrees from Baker University with a Major in Mass Communications and a Minor in Religion. He kept a close connection with his Alma Mater as Baker University Sigma Phi Epsilon Alumni Board President (he recently stepped down from this role). His career is in finance where he’s been dedicated to helping people plan a stable and secure future for themselves. He’s currently a Certified Financial Planner for Cook Financial Group. He’s been with them for 33 years!
Forrest was influenced by his grandmother who raised him. Her commitment to the community and charitable organizations made a great impression on him. She had a menagerie of pets: cats, dogs, gerbils, goldfish, goose, lamb and rooster! He fondly remembers Sally Ann, a German Shepard mix, as his bodyguard, confidante and best friend. He has been a long-time advocate of Wayside Waifs. His connection began over 30 years ago when he produced a video for the shelter. He also adopted Buster, a Jack Russell Terrier, from Wayside in 2010 and laid him to rest in Wayside’s cemetery in 2020 after a wonderful, long life. He’s humbled to be co-chair of Fur Ball: Paws Vegas and pledges to help further the cause for Wayside Waifs as they endeavor to improve the lives of animals and their future companions.
Forrest was born in Jacksonville, AL, and moved to Kansas City 35 years ago. He currently resides in Olathe, KS. He spends much of his time with his lifetime partner, Joann Fuller, who he adoringly refers to as “the love of my life.” He’s very proud of his son, Adam, who graduated from Baker University in 2022. Adam is an adoptions counselor at another animal shelter in Kansas City where he adopted Koda, an Australian Shepherd mix.
Nick Davis
Nick Davis earned his Organizational Communications degree at University of Oklahoma. He’s accomplished many things during his career including leading business units, both large and small. He’s had a long-standing career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition where he’s worked for 23 years and held several roles, currently he is the Head of Ecommerce.
Nick has a deep commitment to health and welfare to pets in our community – he’s seen the impact that these two things have. Additionally, he joined Wayside’s Board this year as a way to continue to learn about the animal welfare industry. He also plans to keep Wayside at the forefront of ethical, compassionate, and fact-based policies and decisions that enhance the bond between pets and people. This is all very important to him both professionally and personally.
Nick was born in KC, moved many places, and now has settled into life back in Kansas City, MO. He lives with his spouse, Margaret and sons, Matthew and Luke. They also share their home with their dog, Alfred, a Corgi. Nick’s hobbies are being a musician and, in general, music!
Margaret Davis
Margaret Davis attended the University of Oklahoma where she met her husband, and fellow Co-Chair, Nick Davis. Currently working with children at the Church of the Resurrection preschool program.
Thanks to her husband, who has shown her love and admiration for animals, she sees various ways individuals devote themselves to the betterment of animals. But she’s always had a love for animals, dogs specifically, who were a part of her household growing up.
Margaret was born in Dallas, TX, has moved all over the world – she lived in England and Canada!, and now has returned back to Kansas City, MO. She lives with her spouse, Nick and sons, Matthew and Luke. They also share their home with their dog, Alfred, a Corgi.
Preparing pets and people for the bond of their lives.
We accomplish our mission by...
Caring for the animals under
our watch;
Reaching out to the community
for love and support;
Teaching others about the
profound joy that pets
bring to our lives.
Wayside Waifs is committed to finding homes for all adoptable pets. Wayside is the largest pet adoption campus in Kansas City, placing nearly 6,000 animals each year in loving forever homes.
Wayside does not euthanize adoptable animals, and there are no time limits for animals in our care. Only animals suffering from significant medical issues or those that pose danger are humanely euthanized. Wayside Waifs is proud to be a part of Kansas City’s no kill community.
To learn more about Wayside Waifs and our services visit https://waysidewaifs.org
