Board of Directors
Garrett Davis
Garrett Davis was raised in Memphis, TN since 1980. From a young age, he had dreams of becoming a veterinarian. His veterinary path started in 1990, in the 6th grade at ECS, with a school paper titled “What I Want to be When I Grow Up”. With his parents’ encouragement, this school project led to his first volunteer position at a local veterinary clinic in Memphis. From this point, determination and open doors led him to Auburn University for undergraduate studies and then veterinary school, graduating with his DVM degree in 2003. After graduation, Garrett and his wife, Courtney, returned to the Memphis area where he went on to start and manage 3 veterinary clinics between 2007-2022. As of December 2022, Garrett is now a managing partner in a company known as SynergyVet that owns and operates veterinary clinics across the Southeast. SynergyVet seeks to provide ownership opportunities and true career paths for their employees while promoting and supporting top quality community based veterinary clinics in these cities. Garrett’s hobbies include chasing their three kids around from event to event, hunting ducks, skiing, and coaching their youngest son's baseball team. Garrett's wife, Courtney, was also raised in Memphis; together, Garrett and Courtney and their 3 children Sam, Coco and Rett still call Memphis home. The Davis family are active members of Second Presbyterian Church, and Garrett currently sits on the Shine Ministry Board. Their oldest son, Sam, is affected by autism. Garrett and his family are passionately dedicated to this journey and this beautiful foundation honoring John Winn Davis, their beloved nephew and cousin.
Buddy McDaniel
Buddy McDaniel and his family have lived in Memphis for most of their lives. Buddy received his undergraduate degree from Rhodes College and a JD from Vanderbilt University Law School. He has been practicing law in Memphis since 2006 and has board service and non-profit experience in a number of capacities. Buddy and his family are members of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Buddy and his wife Katie have two daughters, Emma Kate and Caroline. He likes dogs and birds.
Gayle Higley
Gayle Higley is a life-long Memphian. Gayle received her undergraduate degree for the University of Tennessee and her Masters in Accounting from the University of Memphis. She has worked in public accounting for over 20 years, with extensive experience in the non-profit industry. She has done both audit and tax work throughout her career. After taking a few years away from public accounting to focus on family, Gayle returned to public accounting to work at Watkins Uiberall in the Business Services department, assisting client within various industries. Gayle is an active member of her church and recently served on the Vestry, serving as Senior Warden in 2021. Gayle and Tom Higley have been married for 27 years and have four children: Grace, Caroline, Spencer and Parker. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking and spending time at the lake with family and friends.