Animal Rescue Corps' Tim Woodward named a CNN Hero

The national nonprofit's executive director is recognized for his leadership and dedication to protecting the lives of animals across the country

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a leading national animal protection nonprofit, announced today that its executive director, Tim Woodward, has been named a CNN Hero in recognition of his leadership and commitment to protecting animals. His story is currently featured on the news outlet's website.

"While I am deeply honored to be nominated, this recognition belongs to the incredible donors, volunteers and partners who make ARC's success possible," Woodward said. "Every day, they pour their hearts, time and energy into saving lives and giving animals the second chance they deserve. My hope is that this nomination helps raise awareness of the urgent need for rescue resources across the country and inspires people to join us in creating a more compassionate world."

Headquartered in Washington, D.C. with a flagship rescue center near Nashville, Tennessee, ARC works nationally to end animal suffering through direct rescue, emergency relief, cruelty intervention and community education. It provides critical resources in large-scale cases of abuse, neglect, hoarding and natural disasters while partnering closely with law enforcement and local shelters to remove animals from crisis situations and place them on the path to recovery and adoption.

Woodward helped found ARC in 2010 after learning how few resources existed to solve instances of large-scale animal suffering. After serving as the animal protection group's chief operations officer for nearly eight years, Woodward was named as its executive director in October 2018. He was recognized by the Animal Legal Defense Fund as one of America's Top Ten Animal Defenders in 2020.

Now in its 19th year, CNN Heroes celebrates everyday people making the world a better place. Later this year, viewers will have the chance to vote online for the 2025 CNN Hero of the Year, which will be chosen from this year's finalists, including Woodward. The winner will be announced in December during the "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" broadcast and awarded a total of $110,000.

To learn more about ARC's mission or to make a donation, visit https://animalrescuecorps.org/.

About Animal Rescue Corps

Since 2010, Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a national animal protection nonprofit organization, has provided large-scale animal rescue for communities that lack resources to address abuse. In addition to emergency rescue, ARC offers education and shelter relief. ARC's mission is to end animal suffering through direct and compassionate action and to inspire the highest ethical standards of humanity towards animals. To learn more about Animal Rescue Corps, visit https://animalrescuecorps.org/.

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SOURCE Animal Rescue Corps