About Us
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to promote quality of life for all animals and the humans who care about them by supporting a compassionate environment and humane treatment for the animals of Williamson County and to advocate for animals throughout our region. We are committed to maintaining a best-in-class Animal Center and a community where animals are valued and live in harmony with an enlightened and responsive government and citizenry.
Our mission focuses on three general areas:
Provide support to Williamson County Animal Center
Increase awareness and educate the community regarding animal welfare
Support policies that provide for compassionate treatment of animals and educate community leaders and state and local officials regarding animal welfare initiatives and best practices
Williamson County is recognized as a progressive community where animals are valued and live in harmony with humans. This is achieved through the enlightened support and responsiveness of both its citizens and its government. Our Animal Center program is the best-in-class and known throughout the state and the nation as a model for its high save rate, proactive programs, and exemplary staff and animal care.
Our Volunteer Board
Deanna Bell Johnson
PRESIDENT
Deanna serves as a Judge for Williamson County. She and her husband, Jack have three children, Mackenzie, Trevor, and Walker. They share their home/farm with horses Reagan, Emma, and Oreo; one dog, Bella; two cats, Lola and Wynne; and two grand-kitties, Goose and Luna. Her hobbies include horseback riding and bike riding.
Lisa Stuart
VICE PRESIDENT
Lisa serves as Director of Artist Relations for Levosia Entertainment and World Music United. She and her husband, Keith, share their Franklin home with dogs Wesley, Olivia, Theo and Audrey. Lisa is a volunteer at Williamson County Animal Center and fosters for Mid Atlantic IG Rescue and chairs their yearly fundraiser. She enjoys painting, arts and crafts and traveling.
Andy Menzyk
TREASURER
Andy is a former VP of Brand Management for Ford Credit and Primos President. He enjoys retirement alongside his wife, Karen. They live in Brentwood with their dog, Tyra. Andy is involved in the United Way, and Williamson County Long Term Recovery. His hobbies include exercising, reading, cooking, and gardening.
Ondrea Johnson
BOARD MEMBER
Ondrea is the Director for Williamson County Animal Center. She and husband, Glenn, share their Franklin home with dogs Stella, Waylon, Cooper, Patsy, Hazel, and Straight and cats Bruce and Becky. She is involved with Williamson County and the CASA advisory board. She enjoys travel, reading, and time with friends and family.
Ann Logan
BOARD MEMBER
Ann is a retired teacher. She, her husband, David, son, Christopher and pets Millie, Tommy, Lenny, and Jerry live in Franklin. In addition to serving on the Friends board, she is involved in People for Animals. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, visiting dog parks, and gardening.
Emily Magid
BOARD MEMBER
Emily is an avid Williamson County volunteer with the Heritage Foundation, Franklin Theater and Walden’s Puddle among others. She shares her Franklin home with two cats, Munchkin and Gemma. Hobbies include reading, knitting, walking, cooking, and traveling.
Judy Hayes
BOARD MEMBER
Judy, a former Williamson County commissioner and promotional and sales representative for a radio station, is also a retired schoolteacher. She is an avid Williamson County volunteer, involved in her community of Burwood, and several boards, including Convention & Visitors Bureau and Keep Williamson Beautiful among others. She enjoys social gatherings, traveling, local history, and land preservation.
Edie Lynn Hoback
BOARD MEMBER
Edie is an Emmy Award-winning television producer in the long form music events space, with a lifelong passion for animals. She, her husband, Jamie, and their four cats Myrtle, Geddy Lee, Taz, and Sister live in Brentwood. She enjoys hanging with family and friends, going to concerts, crafting, organizing, and petting cats.
Lisa Carson
BOARD MEMBER
Lisa is an attorney at Buerger, Moseley & Carson, PLC. She and husband, Byron, reside in Franklin with their dog, Bosley. She’s involved with Rotary, Boys and Girls Clubs of Middle TN, and the TN Conference of the UMC. She frequents dog parks, the beach, and lake with family, friends and Bosley.
Jo Ellen Drennon McDowell
BOARD MEMBER
Jo Ellen is a former VP of event management at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and most recently worked as director of events for the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. She, her husband, Chuck, their dogs, Bud and Ollie; and cat, Bises live in downtown Franklin. Jo Ellen serves on the board of Directors of Friends of Franklin Parks. Her hobbies include spending time with her dogs & friends, gardening, reading, needlepoint, hiking and traveling.
Alan Simms
BOARD MEMBER
Alan is a retired IT professional with more than 30 years of experience as a business analyst and project manager, most recently serving as an IT Project Manager for a Franklin-based software company. A downtown Franklin resident, Alan is active in the Downtown Franklin Rotary Club and the Franklin Civil War Historical Commission. He and his partner, Roger, share their home with two rescue dogs—Gertrude the silver lab and Mabel the golden retriever—who happily run the household.
