Board of Directors

The Heroes For Dogs Charity Board of Directors is a passionate team of dog lovers, rescue advocates, and industry experts dedicated to saving lives and making a lasting impact. With diverse backgrounds in animal welfare, nonprofit leadership, and community outreach, our board guides the mission and vision of Heroes For Dogs—ensuring that every program, partnership, and initiative helps more dogs find safety, care, and love. Together, we’re changing the world, one rescue at a time.

Title

Terry Williamson - President

Terry is the Executive Director of the Heroes for Dogs Charity and responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization. Terry has been an avid dog rescue advocate and multiple rescue dog owner for 30+ years.

 

Terry has helped build and coordinate a growing rescue network of charity partners, shelters, fosters, and volunteers working together to save dogs at scale. 

He regularly works hands-on in the field alongside rescue teams, supports life-saving transports, and helps guide programs like Heroes Village and Freedom Ride—efforts that have helped thousands of dogs move from crisis to care, and ultimately into loving homes.

Cara Kinzell - Vice President

Cara is the founder of The Underdog Railroad, a registered 501c3 charity located in Lodi, CA. Since 2017 Cara has been pulling at risk dogs from kill shelters in Northern California and transporting them north as far as the Canadian border to new foster homes, no kill shelters, and fur-ever homes. 
 

Through 2025 Cara has been credited with saving over 4,000 dogs from being euthanized. She now works hand-in-hand with the Heroes For Dogs Charity leading Freedom Rides once or twice a month in a customized dog transport van capable holding as many as 24 dogs at a time.

Wendy Anderson - Treasurer

Wendy is the Executive Director of the Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter, registered 501c3 charity, located in Eureka, Montana. She got her start in dog rescue as an animal control officer over 20 years ago.

 

After seeing first-hand the overwhelming need, she led a capital campaign to build her city’s first Animal Shelter. In 2024 her charity saved over 400 at-risk dogs in Montana, Texas, and California.

Tati Polo - Secretary

Tati Polo serves as the Secretary of the Heroes for Dogs Charity Board of Directors, where she helps ensure clear communication and accurate documentation of board activities.

 

She is also the founder and Executive Director of Dulce Vida Rescue in Tijuana, Mexico—home to the Heroes Village. A passionate advocate for all dogs, Tati organizes life-saving spay/neuter clinics and adoption events, believing every dog deserves a chance at a better life.