The Tennessee Animal Resource Center (The ARC) was established as a 501(c )3 nonprofit
organization in 2006 by a group of women dedicated to ending the pain and suffering caused by the pet
overpopulation problem. Coming from a variety of professional and personal backgrounds, this dedicated
board has developed a unique model designed to assist and train animal welfare agencies while promoting
and funding spay and neuter efforts across the State of Tennessee.
According to the Humane Association of United States between 4 million and 6 million cats and dogs are
being euthanized every year in America, that’s between 11,000 and 16,000 a day (1 animal is killed every
1.5 seconds). The problem is overwhelming and growing. The State of Tennessee has more than 250
nonprofits dedicated to animal welfare and that is just the beginning. In actuality there is an army of
dedicated individuals working tirelessly to find homes for the constant influx of cats and dogs pouring into
animal shelters daily…but there simply aren’t enough homes to go around. The nationally accepted
approach to solving this every increasing problem is to attack it the core through spay and neuter efforts.
Therefore, while The ARC is designed to provide a variety of support efforts for the Animal Welfare
community, at the forefront of all that we do is the Spay and Neuter message and funding support.
The Tennessee Animal Resource Center is committed to raising the bar on funding our animal welfare
agencies by providing administrative training, marketing and funding support for Tennessee’s animal
rescue and spay/neuter nonprofits as they tackle the pet overpopulation problem. Unlike our community
based colleagues, The ARC has the unique ability to send out a consistent message across the entire state
geared at raising both public awareness and funding support for spay/neuter and rescue programs.
The following women are the founding members of the Tennessee Animal Resource Center. They bring to
the table more than 25 years of working and volunteering in such areas as animal shelters, foster programs,
and animal rescue organizations. In addition, they have experience in corporate, nonprofit and foundation
administration, as well as fundraising and sales/marketing.
organization in 2006 by a group of women dedicated to ending the pain and suffering caused by the pet
overpopulation problem. Coming from a variety of professional and personal backgrounds, this dedicated
board has developed a unique model designed to assist and train animal welfare agencies while promoting
and funding spay and neuter efforts across the State of Tennessee.
According to the Humane Association of United States between 4 million and 6 million cats and dogs are
being euthanized every year in America, that’s between 11,000 and 16,000 a day (1 animal is killed every
1.5 seconds). The problem is overwhelming and growing. The State of Tennessee has more than 250
nonprofits dedicated to animal welfare and that is just the beginning. In actuality there is an army of
dedicated individuals working tirelessly to find homes for the constant influx of cats and dogs pouring into
animal shelters daily…but there simply aren’t enough homes to go around. The nationally accepted
approach to solving this every increasing problem is to attack it the core through spay and neuter efforts.
Therefore, while The ARC is designed to provide a variety of support efforts for the Animal Welfare
community, at the forefront of all that we do is the Spay and Neuter message and funding support.
The Tennessee Animal Resource Center is committed to raising the bar on funding our animal welfare
agencies by providing administrative training, marketing and funding support for Tennessee’s animal
rescue and spay/neuter nonprofits as they tackle the pet overpopulation problem. Unlike our community
based colleagues, The ARC has the unique ability to send out a consistent message across the entire state
geared at raising both public awareness and funding support for spay/neuter and rescue programs.
The following women are the founding members of the Tennessee Animal Resource Center. They bring to
the table more than 25 years of working and volunteering in such areas as animal shelters, foster programs,
and animal rescue organizations. In addition, they have experience in corporate, nonprofit and foundation
administration, as well as fundraising and sales/marketing.
About Us
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Executive Committee & Founding Board Members
Mary Ruth Rogers, President
Mary Ruth Rogers is a life long Columbia resident and dedicated animal lover. A real estate agent since
1985, Mary Ruth has built a successful career in commercial and residential real estate in the Maury County
community and became a real estate broker in 1990. She currently works with White Woodard Realty in
Columbia, TN. Mary Ruth is an active member of the Maury County community, holding positions as
President and then Director of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities and current
member of the James K. Polk Association.
Well known for her love of all animals, Mary Ruth has dedicated more than 10 years to operation of Off the
Track Thoroughbreds, where she continues tireless efforts to rescue retired race horses. Her dedication to
the companion animal welfare cause began as a committed Board Member of The Maury County Animal
Shelter Association. As Board President – Mary Ruth was instrumental in gaining both city/county
commitments to build a much needed $1.2 million dollar Animal Shelter for the Maury County Community.
While working to establish the new shelter, Mary Ruth also founded and continues to run Russell Rescue, a
rescue and foster program dedicated primarily to Jack Russell Terriers for the past 4 years.
More recently, Mary Ruth has committed herself helping stop the pet overpopulation problem that makes
organizations like Russell Rescue necessary. Spay and Neuter is the primary message and mission of The
Tennessee Animal Resource Center – a combined brain child of Mary Ruth and founding board member,
The ARC is dedicated to helping communities throughout Tennessee establish and strengthen Spay and
Neuter programs for companion animals.
Elizabeth Queener, Vice President
Elizabeth Queener is a staple in Middle Tennessee’s philanthropy and nonprofit circles. As the Director of
the Jack C. Massey Foundation for 15 + years where she acquired an abundance of the financial
management and administration expertise working for one of Nashville’s Major philanthropies, as well as a
thorough understanding of the needs and processes of the Middle Tennessee’s nonprofit community. In
1995, Ms. Queener, in collaboration with a group of dedication philanthropists, went on to become one of the
Founding Trustees of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (which currently holds assets of $300
million in charitable funds and distributes over $30 million a year to Middle Tennessee Non-profits). To add to
her list of credentials, she has held an officer position at the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation,
and has served on the Boards of some of Nashville’s most prestigious non-profits including the Nashville
Symphony, the Nature Conservancy of Tennessee among others.
Ms. Queener has dedicated herself to supporting both of her passions; the environment with the creation of
Maury Heritage Land Trust currently managed by the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation and her
love for animals is supported through the St. Francis Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle
Tennessee. An animal lover at heart she has opened up both her home in Nashville and her Family Farm in
Columbia as a sanctuary for rescued dogs, cats, horses as well as wild animals and fowl. Her experience
and dedication to the nonprofit community is an invaluable resource for The Tennessee Animal Resource
Center as we move forward to tackle some of Tennessee most pressing animal welfare issue.
Dorothy Swann, Secretary
Dorothy Swann began her interest in animal welfare as a teenager in Florida. As time went on, her devotion
grew and she fostered and gave home to literally hundreds of cats and dogs. In 1985, Dorothy and a small
group of dedicated volunteers founded the Maury County Animal Shelter in Columbia, Tennessee. As a
Shelter Association Board Member, Dorothy had a major impact on the fledgling Shelter through her
commitment and success as a volunteer fund raiser for the first several years of the Shelter’s development.
Following her time with the Maury County Animal Shelter, Dorothy moved to Virginia where she again played
an active role as a volunteer in a “Catch and Release” spay/neuter organization. The organization caught and
sterilized ferrell cats in rural areas and then placed them on various farms throughout the region in an effort
to control the overpopulation problem.
Since returning to Tennessee, Dorothy is a very busy Real Estate Professional in Columbia, Tennessee and
continues to persevere in her commitment to companion animals. She is an active Board Member and
volunteer for Russell Rescue, Inc. - a foster/adoption program for Jack Russell Terrier’s (among other
breeds) in need of rescue. We are fortunate that her most recent commitment is taking on the role as
Founder and Vice President of The Tennessee Animal Resource Center. Dorothy’s experience, knowledge
and dedication to tackling the companion animal overpopulation problem will serve The ARC well as we work
to support and expand the animal welfare community efforts in Tennessee.
Misty Sargent, Executive Director
Misty Fields is a long time animal lover, animal welfare proponent, and resident of Tennessee. An accountant for
10 years, Misty has a well-rounded background in various types of organizations, including but not limited to non-
profit and animal welfare. She has served in the retail, insurance, public accounting, corporate accounting, and
non-profit sectors in both accounting, tax, management, customer service, and human resources positions. Misty
has also served as a volunteer veterinary assistant, and she is very active with Russell Rescue, Inc., a national
Jack Russell Terrier rescue associated with the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America, where she has previously
served as Secretary on the Board of Directors, and is now serving as Treasurer. Since becoming involved with
Russell rescue, Inc., Misty has dedicated much of her time and efforts to educating the public and encouraging
spay/neuter in hopes of curbing the pet overpopulation problem. She has assisted in the fund raising efforts of
various animal welfare agencies as well as given pet parenting classes at local shelters by joining the ARC, Misty
hopes to continue her efforts to help reduce pet overpopulation and educate the public in hopes of getting one
step closer to her dream of having no more homeless pets. Misty resides in Smyrna, TN with her husband, Brian,
and their terriers.
Denice Heatherly, Director Of Conference Committees
is a Director and Board member of the SPCA of Tennessee. She has always loved animals and has been a pet
guardian for many years but became involved in animal welfare issues when she helped spearhead the
successful initiative for dog parks in Davidson County. Her work with the SPCA of Tennessee includes every
aspect of it's current operation and development including foster and adoption, cruelty and neglect as well as
special events. Seeing the desperate need for a change in the state of Tennessee concerning spay and neuter
laws and education and outreach she has volunteered to help facilitate the Spay it Forward Conference for The
Tennessee Animal Resource Center as the Director of Conference Committees.
Bonnie Garner is well recognized for her outstanding achievements in the realm of country music production.
Her resume reads like a who's who of the Country music world. Bonnie has accomplished more than most people
can in a lifetime. She was the company manager for such great artists as Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, The
O'Kanes, Kris Kristofferson, Roger Miller and Marty Stuart. She was appointed the first female vice-president of A
& R for CBS Records in 1984 and then received a GRAMMY in 2002 for co-producing Best Country Album.
Bonnie's generous heart has allowed her to have a vast and varied non-profit background which includes the
Advisory Board of the Elephant Sanctuary, Board of Animaland; Board of TARC, Founding Board of the Nashville
Music Association. Member of ACM, NARAS, CMA, NAPM. Committee involvement CITR; Country Music Hall of
Fame; Team leader, Red Cross Emergency Animal Shelter – 2005,Volunteer at Saddle Up, therapeutic riding
program 2007 - present, Organized and ran the first Celebrity Charity Archery Shoot Out at Fan Fair - 2002.
Bonnie's accolades go on with the opening of her own highly successful artist management company and with
television and live production expertise. Currently Bonnie resides in Williamson County where she fosters
companion animals of every sort from dog and cat to goat and donkey, Bonnie brings hope to all lost creatures.
As a hard working Board Member of the Tennessee Animal Resource Center she brings her valuable talents as a
coordinator and visionary.
Jill D. Moore, Consultant and Grant Writer
Jill D. Moore was the start-up consultant and former Executive Director for The Tennessee Animal
Resource Center, a resource organization dedicated to the empowering the Animal Welfare Community. Jill
began her career in non-profits at Vanderbilt University where she gained a solid foundation in fund raising
and alumni relations. She expanded her experience working with major philanthropies during her tenure at
the California Community Foundation in Los Angeles for several years. After returning to Tennessee, Jill
chose to provide her nonprofit experience and expertise to a variety of organizations as a consultant. For the
past 9 years, Jill has been providing Middle Tennessee’s nonprofit community with consulting services in the
areas of marketing, fund raising, 501 (c ) (3) incorporation, strategic planning and grant writing. With over 17
years of fund raising, marketing and management experience working with both non-profits and
philanthropies, Jill brings a wealth of experience to The ARC as the organization moves forward to provide
educational and consulting expertise for the Animal Welfare Community.
Mary Ruth Rogers, President
Mary Ruth Rogers is a life long Columbia resident and dedicated animal lover. A real estate agent since
1985, Mary Ruth has built a successful career in commercial and residential real estate in the Maury County
community and became a real estate broker in 1990. She currently works with White Woodard Realty in
Columbia, TN. Mary Ruth is an active member of the Maury County community, holding positions as
President and then Director of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities and current
member of the James K. Polk Association.
Well known for her love of all animals, Mary Ruth has dedicated more than 10 years to operation of Off the
Track Thoroughbreds, where she continues tireless efforts to rescue retired race horses. Her dedication to
the companion animal welfare cause began as a committed Board Member of The Maury County Animal
Shelter Association. As Board President – Mary Ruth was instrumental in gaining both city/county
commitments to build a much needed $1.2 million dollar Animal Shelter for the Maury County Community.
While working to establish the new shelter, Mary Ruth also founded and continues to run Russell Rescue, a
rescue and foster program dedicated primarily to Jack Russell Terriers for the past 4 years.
More recently, Mary Ruth has committed herself helping stop the pet overpopulation problem that makes
organizations like Russell Rescue necessary. Spay and Neuter is the primary message and mission of The
Tennessee Animal Resource Center – a combined brain child of Mary Ruth and founding board member,
The ARC is dedicated to helping communities throughout Tennessee establish and strengthen Spay and
Neuter programs for companion animals.
Elizabeth Queener, Vice President
Elizabeth Queener is a staple in Middle Tennessee’s philanthropy and nonprofit circles. As the Director of
the Jack C. Massey Foundation for 15 + years where she acquired an abundance of the financial
management and administration expertise working for one of Nashville’s Major philanthropies, as well as a
thorough understanding of the needs and processes of the Middle Tennessee’s nonprofit community. In
1995, Ms. Queener, in collaboration with a group of dedication philanthropists, went on to become one of the
Founding Trustees of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (which currently holds assets of $300
million in charitable funds and distributes over $30 million a year to Middle Tennessee Non-profits). To add to
her list of credentials, she has held an officer position at the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation,
and has served on the Boards of some of Nashville’s most prestigious non-profits including the Nashville
Symphony, the Nature Conservancy of Tennessee among others.
Ms. Queener has dedicated herself to supporting both of her passions; the environment with the creation of
Maury Heritage Land Trust currently managed by the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation and her
love for animals is supported through the St. Francis Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle
Tennessee. An animal lover at heart she has opened up both her home in Nashville and her Family Farm in
Columbia as a sanctuary for rescued dogs, cats, horses as well as wild animals and fowl. Her experience
and dedication to the nonprofit community is an invaluable resource for The Tennessee Animal Resource
Center as we move forward to tackle some of Tennessee most pressing animal welfare issue.
Dorothy Swann, Secretary
Dorothy Swann began her interest in animal welfare as a teenager in Florida. As time went on, her devotion
grew and she fostered and gave home to literally hundreds of cats and dogs. In 1985, Dorothy and a small
group of dedicated volunteers founded the Maury County Animal Shelter in Columbia, Tennessee. As a
Shelter Association Board Member, Dorothy had a major impact on the fledgling Shelter through her
commitment and success as a volunteer fund raiser for the first several years of the Shelter’s development.
Following her time with the Maury County Animal Shelter, Dorothy moved to Virginia where she again played
an active role as a volunteer in a “Catch and Release” spay/neuter organization. The organization caught and
sterilized ferrell cats in rural areas and then placed them on various farms throughout the region in an effort
to control the overpopulation problem.
Since returning to Tennessee, Dorothy is a very busy Real Estate Professional in Columbia, Tennessee and
continues to persevere in her commitment to companion animals. She is an active Board Member and
volunteer for Russell Rescue, Inc. - a foster/adoption program for Jack Russell Terrier’s (among other
breeds) in need of rescue. We are fortunate that her most recent commitment is taking on the role as
Founder and Vice President of The Tennessee Animal Resource Center. Dorothy’s experience, knowledge
and dedication to tackling the companion animal overpopulation problem will serve The ARC well as we work
to support and expand the animal welfare community efforts in Tennessee.
Misty Sargent, Executive Director
Misty Fields is a long time animal lover, animal welfare proponent, and resident of Tennessee. An accountant for
10 years, Misty has a well-rounded background in various types of organizations, including but not limited to non-
profit and animal welfare. She has served in the retail, insurance, public accounting, corporate accounting, and
non-profit sectors in both accounting, tax, management, customer service, and human resources positions. Misty
has also served as a volunteer veterinary assistant, and she is very active with Russell Rescue, Inc., a national
Jack Russell Terrier rescue associated with the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America, where she has previously
served as Secretary on the Board of Directors, and is now serving as Treasurer. Since becoming involved with
Russell rescue, Inc., Misty has dedicated much of her time and efforts to educating the public and encouraging
spay/neuter in hopes of curbing the pet overpopulation problem. She has assisted in the fund raising efforts of
various animal welfare agencies as well as given pet parenting classes at local shelters by joining the ARC, Misty
hopes to continue her efforts to help reduce pet overpopulation and educate the public in hopes of getting one
step closer to her dream of having no more homeless pets. Misty resides in Smyrna, TN with her husband, Brian,
and their terriers.
Denice Heatherly, Director Of Conference Committees
is a Director and Board member of the SPCA of Tennessee. She has always loved animals and has been a pet
guardian for many years but became involved in animal welfare issues when she helped spearhead the
successful initiative for dog parks in Davidson County. Her work with the SPCA of Tennessee includes every
aspect of it's current operation and development including foster and adoption, cruelty and neglect as well as
special events. Seeing the desperate need for a change in the state of Tennessee concerning spay and neuter
laws and education and outreach she has volunteered to help facilitate the Spay it Forward Conference for The
Tennessee Animal Resource Center as the Director of Conference Committees.
Bonnie Garner is well recognized for her outstanding achievements in the realm of country music production.
Her resume reads like a who's who of the Country music world. Bonnie has accomplished more than most people
can in a lifetime. She was the company manager for such great artists as Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, The
O'Kanes, Kris Kristofferson, Roger Miller and Marty Stuart. She was appointed the first female vice-president of A
& R for CBS Records in 1984 and then received a GRAMMY in 2002 for co-producing Best Country Album.
Bonnie's generous heart has allowed her to have a vast and varied non-profit background which includes the
Advisory Board of the Elephant Sanctuary, Board of Animaland; Board of TARC, Founding Board of the Nashville
Music Association. Member of ACM, NARAS, CMA, NAPM. Committee involvement CITR; Country Music Hall of
Fame; Team leader, Red Cross Emergency Animal Shelter – 2005,Volunteer at Saddle Up, therapeutic riding
program 2007 - present, Organized and ran the first Celebrity Charity Archery Shoot Out at Fan Fair - 2002.
Bonnie's accolades go on with the opening of her own highly successful artist management company and with
television and live production expertise. Currently Bonnie resides in Williamson County where she fosters
companion animals of every sort from dog and cat to goat and donkey, Bonnie brings hope to all lost creatures.
As a hard working Board Member of the Tennessee Animal Resource Center she brings her valuable talents as a
coordinator and visionary.
Jill D. Moore, Consultant and Grant Writer
Jill D. Moore was the start-up consultant and former Executive Director for The Tennessee Animal
Resource Center, a resource organization dedicated to the empowering the Animal Welfare Community. Jill
began her career in non-profits at Vanderbilt University where she gained a solid foundation in fund raising
and alumni relations. She expanded her experience working with major philanthropies during her tenure at
the California Community Foundation in Los Angeles for several years. After returning to Tennessee, Jill
chose to provide her nonprofit experience and expertise to a variety of organizations as a consultant. For the
past 9 years, Jill has been providing Middle Tennessee’s nonprofit community with consulting services in the
areas of marketing, fund raising, 501 (c ) (3) incorporation, strategic planning and grant writing. With over 17
years of fund raising, marketing and management experience working with both non-profits and
philanthropies, Jill brings a wealth of experience to The ARC as the organization moves forward to provide
educational and consulting expertise for the Animal Welfare Community.
P.O. Box 401 Smyrna, TN 37167, Phone 423-503-5296 |
P.O. Box 401 Smyrna, TN 37167, Phone 423-503-5296 |