About our Board of Directors
Chase Jackson, Executive Director
Chase Jackson, Executive Director
Chase Jackson, Executive Director
Chase Jackson has been a member of HSO’s Board of Directors since 2015 and also serves on the Board of Directors for Arkansas Weimaraner Rescue. Chase shares a home with three beloved rescue dogs and finds great joy and fulfillment in being part of an organization that gives so generously to the pet community in Northwest Arkansas.
Jennifer Cole, Vice-President
Chase Jackson, Executive Director
Chase Jackson, Executive Director
Jennifer Cole and her husband have enjoyed living in Fayetteville for over 11 years. She had the distinct honor of joining the HSO board of directors in 2018. In addition to working as a pharmacist at the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks, she supports several local non-profit organizations while enjoying the vibrant community. When she's not raising funds for animals in need, her rescued dogs keep her busy.
Desi Keel, Treasurer
Alison Kimbrough, President
Alison Kimbrough, President
Desi Keel and her husband, Peyton, have two dogs. After working for a major corporation for 40 years, Desi retired in 2013. She is involved with the Komen Foundation and has a lifelong passion for making the world a better place for animals. Desi is honored to be part of HSO, believes deeply in its mission, and is dedicated to helping animals in need.
Alison Kimbrough, President
Alison Kimbrough, President
Alison Kimbrough, President
Alison Kimbrough is passionate about helping and serving the pets in her community. Over the years, she and her husband have welcomed many dogs and cats into their lives, allowing them to rescue her.
Amber Johnson
Shannon McMasters
Shannon McMasters
In addition to being an HSO board member and avid dog lover Amber and her husband Jack are very active in the AKC and HRC hunt test arena. Amber is also the current treasurer for Ozark Hunting Retriever Association.
Shannon McMasters
Shannon McMasters
Shannon McMasters
Shannon McMasters is a longtime Fayetteville resident who has volunteered with HSO for more than nine years. She became the volunteer coordinator in 2011 and joined the Board of Directors in 2015. Shannon’s pup, Einstein—affectionately known as “Hiney”—is a 13-year-old Cavalier Spaniel and Pekingese mix whom she rescued in 2005. She loves being part of an organization so passionate and dedicated to animals across Northwest Arkansas. Advocating for animals who don’t have a voice is truly her passion.
Dalicia Emerson, Secretary
Dalicia Emerson, Secretary
Dalicia Emerson, Secretary
Dalicia Emerson and her family have lived in Fayetteville for the past 18 years. She is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette and has three grown children, four very loved dogs and two cats. She loves supporting the Humane Society of the Ozarks and considers it a blessing and honor to have the opportunity to serve animals in need and the local community.
Kara Nickell, Secretary
Dalicia Emerson, Secretary
Dalicia Emerson, Secretary
Kara Nickell is a Fayetteville native and a 2015 graduate of the University of Arkansas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science. She’s a proud dog mom of four and human mom of two. Kara is the clinic manager at Stanton Animal Hospital in Fayetteville and is excited to bring more than 15 years of expertise to HSO, helping homeless animals find homes through training and community outreach.
Meet Our Team
Kassidy
Kassidy
Kassidy
Kassidy is a Northwest Arkansas native, and animals have always been a big part of her life. After spending some time in Colorado, she returned home and joined HSO in July 2025. Being able to help animals in so many different ways while supporting the people who love them makes this work especially meaningful to her. HSO also brought Quinn into her life—a kitten she fell in love with and adopted. Outside of work, Kassidy enjoys cozy nights at home with her boyfriend and Quinn.
Jeanne
Kassidy
Kassidy
Jeanne is a Northwest Arkansas native who has been helping HSO foster cats for more than 10 years. As HSO’s cat foster coordinator, she helps connect cats in need with the caring foster homes they deserve.
Medicall Team
Laura Hokett, DVM
Dr. Laura Hokett serves as our charity veterinarian performing many services to our rescued animals at no charge. She also heads up our Street Vet for the Unhoused Community, monthly.
Best Friends Animal Hospital
HSO's primary care hospital is Best Friends Animal Hospital & Pet Hotel. Donations on our account at Best Friends Animal Hospital may be made at anytime by calling their front desk: 479-251-8387