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.
