Executive Director
Jimmy Burgess
Email: director@heartlandk9s.org
Jimmy joined the HK9 Team in November of 2022. A disabled Veteran, he shares a passion for the HK9 mission. Jimmy is married and has two boys, Ethan, 22, who lives in the Joplin area and Ryne, 20, who is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps. His military service included three tours to Iraq with the 160TH Special Operations Aviation Regiment as well as many TDY missions to South America. Jimmy has a service dog and her name is Riley
Board President
Chris Flemming
Chris Fleming served as an air traffic controller in the United States Marine Corps. During that service, he learned the leadership skills and “never give up” attitude to become a successful entrepreneur and multi-business owner within the pet care community. His wife, Misty, is also his business partner and his greatest accomplishment is raising two young men who are starting their own small business: the oldest, Nathaniel, is a kennel owner, the youngest, Anthony, a certified dog trainer.
Board Vice President
Robert Wood
Board Member
Larry Warren
Board Member
James Childers
James Childers is a Navy veteran who spent the majority of his military time attached to the 11th Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron. James utilized his college fund to pursue a career in mental health and has been a professional counselor for over 16 years, with an emphasis in post traumatic stress disorder.
Board Member
Jennifer Johnson
Jennifer and her husband Michael have been married for 26 years. They are the owners of Union Station Deli & Event Center. Previously, they were the owners of Simple Simons Pizza in Joplin for 10 years. Mike is a retired Combat Veteran of 26 years, leaving Jennifer to “hold down the fort” during deployments. Both extremely patriotic, they have made a point of hiring Veterans and those in need or a “hand-up”.
Jennifer is extremely active in the community and Veteran issues and is passionate about HK9 and helping as many Veterans as possible.
Board Member
Cody Simmons
A Graduate of Carl Junction High School, Cody enlisted in the Army and served in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006 to 2010, serving
in multiple positions in an infantry squad.
Following the military he used his GI Bill to fund his technology certifications, and now
work in the tech industry, at a local managed service provider.
He has a passion for assisting other veterans, and bringing awareness to the mental
health crisis that is affecting our veterans.
Cody is also in training with his service dog Willow.
Board Member
Madison Stratton
Madison Stratton served as a Radio Operator and Regimental Legal Chief in the Marine Corps. Battling PTSD, she started her journey of recovery through various programs and eventually found Heartland in 2023. Because of her efforts, she is now in college pursuing a Bachelors in Graphic Design and on the road to graduate school. Due to her struggles, she is fiercely devoted to the community and the health and welfare of veterans around the country.
Madison was paired with Gunther, a standard poodle, and has shown immense improvement in her mental health. “Its truly night and day compared to where I was to where I am now. I can’t thank my friends, family, and the community enough for helping me through everything.” Gunther and Madison have now become inseparable.
Board Member
Naomi Baker
Naomi Baker is a Southwest MO area field representative for Missouri’s 7th District Congressman Eric Burlinson, but also well known to be an advocate and volunteer for just causes. She has been a volunteer peer counselor at CareNet Pregnancy Resource center, a field director for Susan B. Anthony Lists, and as a political campaign coordinator for several notable political candidates. Naomi is also a current board member of the True Charity Intitiative, which assists nonprofits in finding real solutions for ending homelessness and poverty. Naomi’s grandfather, Staff Sgt Earl Leon Thomas, was a medic during the Korean conflict and was the primary inspiration for her to become a passionate advocate for veterans causes.
Naomi resides in Neosho, MO primarily as a career “stay at home mom” with her three daughters and husband Ben Baker, who is a current State Representative for the 160th District in Newton Co. Naomi’s eldest daughter Natalie and son-in-law Davy, are full time missionaries to Haiti. Naomi enjoys leisure time reading and baking, as well as unique travel and dining experiences with her husband Ben.
Development Director
Ted Donaldson
Email: development@heartlandk9s.org
Volunteer Coordinator
Jim Burgess
Email: jim2burgess@hotmail.com