02 Jan 2026 Five-Oh-Ones to Watch 2026: Chris Davis
By KD Reep
Chris Davis’ calling has him up before sunrise and extends well beyond the walls of Maumelle Animal Services. For him, public service isn’t just a job. As director of Maumelle Animal Services, Davis has reshaped what animal control looks like in Central Arkansas, proving that compassion, consistency and community engagement can change lives, both human and animal.
His days often begin at 4:30 a.m. By 6 a.m., he’s already assisting with cat care, then heading to the shelter by 7 a.m. to work alongside his staff cleaning kennels, responding to calls, completing administrative work and stepping in wherever help is needed. His commitment doesn’t end there. Depending on the season, he may spend evenings working for the Arkansas Travelers baseball team, arriving home close to 10 p.m. It’s a demanding routine, but one he embraces wholeheartedly.
“I love the outcome of seeing animals find new homes,” Davis said. “And I’m proud of the staff I work with. They support my decisions to expand from just being a shelter to becoming a community outreach shelter.”
That expansion has made a measurable difference. Under Davis’ leadership, Maumelle Animal Services has maintained a no-kill status for seven consecutive years, a milestone he considers his proudest professional accomplishment. Even more meaningful to him is the involvement of his family — Adrianna, Dru, Lucas and Nova — who regularly help at the shelter and adoption events. Community engagement is at the heart of Davis’ approach. In the past year alone, he and his staff spent weekends at community events, helping animals find homes and educating the public. For him, animal services is about trust and visibility while meeting people where they are and showing that care doesn’t stop at the end of the workday.
“Chris Davis exemplifies what it means to serve with heart,” said Caleb Norris, mayor of Maumelle. “His commitment to both the people and animals of Maumelle is unmatched, and his leadership makes our city better every single day.
“This year alone, Chris and his staff spent 42 Saturdays at community events helping animals find homes, which is a powerful reflection of his belief that public service doesn’t stop at 5 p.m. Chris understands animal services is about more than animals; it’s about compassion, community trust and showing up consistently. He is exactly the kind of leader worth watching.”
Davis’ passion for animal welfare began years ago through volunteering after work, particularly in wildlife removal. That hands-on experience shaped his understanding of animal control as an essential component of public safety, a perspective he continues to advocate for today. He currently serves as president of the Arkansas State Animal Control Association (ASACA) and volunteers with Feline Urban Rescue and Rehome (FURR), assisting with sedation for large-scale spay and neuter clinics.
What Davis loves most, he said, is the 501 region’s diversity of needs, resources and love for animals. Looking ahead to 2026, he hopes to expand shelter outreach to senior nursing and rehabilitation facilities while continuing to raise awareness that animal services play a vital role in community safety Davis encourages others to stand out by staying true to their mission. “Stop by Maumelle Animal Services at 425 Cogdell Drive, meet the staff and see firsthand what compassion in action looks like.”
