a nonprofit initiative of Nashville Paw Magazine

Heather Dowdy
Founder, President & Treasurer
info@nashvillepawfoundation.org

Kim Sullivan
Fundraising Coordinator
kim@nashvillepawfoundation.org

Marge Wild
Secretary
marge@nashvillepawfoundation.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PROFILES

Heather Dowdy

Heather brings to the table a rooted presence in the community with the loyal readership of her publication, Nashville Paw magazine, which she launched in 2006 to support local animal welfare efforts. Her successful fundraising endeavors have already raised more than $35,000 for local animal welfare causes while she has donated more than $100,000 in free advertising to local nonprofit groups. Heather brings this same dedication, passion and ability to create and successfully grow a variety of community events to the Nashville Paw Foundation for our fundraising needs. Meanwhile, her proven leadership, responsibility and creativity have paved the way for her role as the president of this new organization.

Heather is the co-founder of our annual Art for Animals fundraiser which has raised more than $33,000 for spay and neuter programs since 2007. She also serves as a rescuer and emergency shelter manager on deployment with Animal Rescue Corps.

In addition to publishing Nashville Paw magazine, Heather has worked as a professional writer and editor for over twelve years. Her feature articles have appeared in national pet magazines such as Animal Fair and Fido Friendly, as well as local magazines Nashville Lifestyles and Her Nashville. Her work is also featured in the hardback coffee table book, "Little Dogs: A Love Story", published by Hodder in 2006. She was honored to receive the 2007 Community Media Award from the Nashville Humane Association as well as to be named a winner in the 2011 Women of Influence Awards in the Nashville Business Journal. She shares her life and love with her husband, Chris Dowdy, and their three rescued dogs, Shelby, Molly and Briley.

Kim Sullivan

Kim is a longtime animal advocate and the co-founder of our annual Art for Animals fundraiser, which has raised more than $33,000 for spay and neuter programs since 2007. She volunteered for the Humane Association of Wilson County / New Leash On Life for over six years and served on the board of New Leash On Life. We are fortunate to have Kim as a co-founder of the Nashville Paw Foundation and are grateful to have her experience and dedication working toward our mission! Kim serves a vital role in securing auction items, sponsors and donors as well as hands-on organization of our annual fundraisers. Aside from her animal welfare work, Kim is the Associate Vice President of Asset Administration for Healthcare Realty, managing all aspects of risk management and property taxes for $2 billion in real estate for NYSE publicly-traded healthcare real estate company, Healthcare Realty Trust. She shares her heart and home with husband Marc, cat Squeaky and dogs Millie and Jack.

Kim’s extensive real-world work skills and experience make her a highly professional and valuable asset to the NPF board. With a successful history of nonprofit fundraising and chairing community events, her skills and experience are put to use through creating and chairing community fundraisers, reaching out to potential sponsors and donors, and strengthening community outreach . 

Marge Wild
Secretary

Marge is the owner of Home Run Pet Care and has proven herself as an incredibly reliable, resourceful and dedicated Nashville Paw volunteer for nearly two years. She was key in the success of our 2010 flood relief efforts and has given her time to a number of causes within in our community. Marge is responsible for keeping all of our records and files organized, assisting with board meetings and also helping with event planning, fundraising and other efforts.

In addition to her pet sitting and Nashville Paw work, Marge is a volunteer with Animal Rescue Corps as well as a foster for Agape Animal Rescue. She and her partner Karry Casey share their hearts with three adorable pooch pals, Kodi, Destiny and Bette. 

Marge accomplishes anything she sets her mind to, and it is this can-do philosophy that makes her a powerful asset to our board. As a successful entrepreneur and active community volunteer, Marge possesses a strong ability for community networking and outreach, as well as for marketing and events. Her dedication, passion and reliability make her a great asset to our team, while specifically her organizational skills make her a perfect fit for our role of secretary.

FOUNDING FRIENDS

A very special thanks to the following Founding Friends for their generous support in making the start-up of this organization possible.

Betsy Beazley
Rebecca Burcham
Todd Kane
Robyn Laurent
Kat Martin
Shotgun Scooter
Marge Wild
Andrew Worsey & Jill Hanson, in memory of Smokey

FRIENDS OF THE FOUNDATION

Become a Friend of the Foundation today through your recurring monthly gift of $25 or more. You'll be listed here and will receive a certificate and free foundation tee. Learn more on our donation page.