Behind every breakthrough, every funded study, and every life changed for cats in need, there are individuals whose dedication helped make it all possible. At EveryCat Health Foundation, we are proud to recognize our Emeriti Board Members as the distinguished leaders whose service, vision, and unwavering commitment have shaped who we are today.
Emeriti status is more than a title. It recognizes extraordinary contributions from outstanding Board members over time. These individuals have generously shared their expertise, passion, and leadership to advance our mission to improve feline health and wellness. Through their guidance, we have expanded our reach, strengthened our programs, and accelerated the pace of critical research that gives cats everywhere a better chance to live longer, healthier lives. While their roles have evolved, their impact remains deeply woven into the fabric of our organization. Many of our Emeriti members were instrumental during pivotal moments—helping to grow our funding initiatives, championing awareness for feline health issues, and building the strong foundation upon which we continue to stand as we approach our 60th anniversary in 2028.
Robert Winn (Posthumous)
In 1968, during a Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) board meeting, Robert Winn acted on his conviction that cats deserved a dedicated foundation to support feline health research. From this vision, the Winn Feline Foundation was born, seeded by a $125 donation from the CFA. As a CFA attorney for over 30 years and a founding CFA board member, Mr. Winn’s commitment to cats extended well beyond his professional role. After his untimely passing in 1971, the Foundation was renamed in his honor. His foresight laid the groundwork for what is now EveryCat Health Foundation.
Joan Miller (Posthumous)
Joan Miller served as President of the Winn Feline Foundation for 16 years and sat on the Board of Directors for two decades. Her visionary leadership catalyzed transformative changes in feline medicine. Joan championed funding for a groundbreaking study by Dr. Paul Pion that identified taurine deficiency in cat food as the cause of dilated cardiomyopathy — ultimately changing the formulation of cat food worldwide. She was also an unwavering advocate for funding research into feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), supporting Dr. Niels Pedersen and others around the world at a time when many considered FIP untreatable. Joan pioneered the concept of sponsored symposia, initiated public outreach campaigns (including a national Kal Kan “Cover Girl Cats” fundraiser), and insisted on education as a central tenet of the Foundation’s mission. An all-breed cat judge and a major force within CFA, Joan’s contributions have left an indelible mark on feline welfare. In 2017, she received the AVMA Humane Award in recognition of her impact.
Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP (Feline Practice)
Dr. Vicki Thayer held numerous leadership roles at EveryCat Health Foundation, including Board President, Executive Director, and member of both the Board of Directors and Scientific Review Committee. From 2014 to 2018, she helped guide the Foundation into a new era of visibility and innovation. Dr. Thayer founded the Cures4Cats campaign in 2017, launched student scholarships, and established the New Investigator Award to support emerging feline researchers. Her strategic vision advanced the Foundation’s technology platforms and communication efforts. She is also a co-author of the 2022 AAFP/EveryCat FIP Diagnosis Guidelines and is a past President of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. President.
George Eigenhauser, Esq.
George Eigenhauser, Esq., has been a driving force behind improved feline health for over four decades. As Maine Coon breeder and a valued member of the EveryCat Health Foundation Board of Directors, his sharp legal expertise and governance have strengthened the organization’s mission to advance feline medicine through research and education. Serving as the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) Liaison, George has played a crucial role in connecting feline health research with the broader cat enthusiast community. His strategic vision has ensured meaningful collaboration between EveryCat and CFA, aligning their efforts to promote the well-being of all cats. George’s unwavering commitment to animal welfare, legal acumen, and insightful leadership continue to leave an indelible mark on feline health, shaping a brighter future for cats everywhere.
Today, we continue to benefit from wisdom and advocacy of these individuals. Their legacy inspires our current leadership and energizes our path forward, reminding us that meaningful progress is always built on the shoulders of those who came before. We extend our deepest gratitude to our Emeriti Board Members for their enduring dedication and lasting impact. Their commitment not only honors the cats we serve today—but also helps ensure a healthier future for feline generations to come and those who love them.
