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CANDIDATES' RESUMES FOR GRCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2007
CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT
Dianne Barnes
P.O. Box 932
Bonner, MT 59823
(406) 244-5445
windsong@blackfoot.net
In 1977 I purchased my first Golden Retriever. As is the case with so many newcomers to our breed, I had no knowledge of genetic problems, what to look for in a puppy, or what to expect from a breeder. Unfortunately, my first Golden developed many health problems, but she had a wonderful temperament that cemented my involvement with the breed. That same year I joined the Golden Retriever Club of San Diego County, the Golden Retriever Club of America and the San Diego Obedience Club. As a result of my initial experience, I became actively involved in the effort to educate people newly interested in our breed. I served the GRCSDC as Secretary, Board member, and actively participated in fund raisers and other club events.
In 1983 I moved to the Missoula, Montana area where I joined the Five Valley Kennel Club and the Western Montana Retriever Club. For the past 22 years I have organized annual eye, heart and microchip clinics, served as co- chairman for the AKC all breed show and chaired the fun matches. In 2006 I was Show Chairman for our three day circuit, which had entries of over 2100 dogs each day. I am also a member (albeit long distance) of the Inland Empire Golden Retriever Club.
Through the years I have titled my dogs with CHs, CDs, CDXs, RNs, WCs and a JH. I have been active in therapy work, and have had two dogs certified as Pet Partners with the Delta Society. My hopes for the future include a UD and a try at tracking. I believe very strongly in maintaining the soundness and temperament in our breed. The increasing population of the Golden Retriever is a problem every breeder should seriously address in his or her heart, and an issue in which I think public education will serve well. In addition I strongly uphold and practice the Code of Ethics as published by the Golden Retriever Club of America.
I attended the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a major in Child Psychology. I later transferred to San Diego State University, changing my major to zoology. The travel industry captured my heart, and that is where I have spent my professional life.
On January 01, 2002 I retired from Delta Air Lines after being with the company for 29 years; thirty-five years in the industry. I live on 33 acres in the mountains outside of Missoula, an area I consider paradise...at least for 9 months of the year!
GRCA Experience:
1987-1993 - New Member Chairman
1993-1995 - Western Regional Puppy Referral Representative
1996-1998 - Public Education Committee Chairman
1998-2003 - GRCA Secretary
2003-2004 - GRCA President
It is my belief that GRCA sets the standard for all breed clubs in this country. Our dedication to education for the public, breeders and judges, as well as our support of veterinary research makes us the premiere breed Club in the nation. The work done by GRCA, our volunteers, member clubs and individuals in Golden Retriever rescue is the reason I am proud to be a member of this organization. It would be a pleasure to provide my talent, experience and organizational ability by again serving as GRCA President.
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CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF TREASURER
Claire Caro
P.O. Box 309
Elizabeth, Co. 80107
wellshire@aol.com
It has been both an honor and a challenge to serve as GRCA's Treasurer since 2003. I welcome the opportunity to continue in this position. During my years in this position, the Board of Directors has addressed several issues that demanded attention as GRCA has grown over the years.
- The GRNews has had to be subsidized from our general fund for years, sometimes as much as $34,000. Advertising had fallen off more than $20,000. During the past two years, we have hired an advertising sales rep, lowered the rates for advertising, initiated 'theme' issues, worked at bringing the number of pages down without compromising quality, and reluctantly raised the subscription rate for the first time in over a decade. The results are that the magazine has more advertising, publishing costs are lower (in spite of postal hikes), and FY '06 showed a net income of $41,000. And it is out on time!
- Previously, we had no accounting for individual payments and types of ads in the GRNews. We now have a spreadsheet which indicates how many of each ad we have in each issue. This gives great guidance to the Board when discussing 'themes' for upcoming issues and concrete figures when discussing whether to add another type ad (ex: 1/4 page) or to drop some ad types.
- Sales of merchandise had grown to the point that our crew of volunteers could no longer handle them efficiently. At the recommendation of our sales manager, we entered into a contract with a fulfillment house in the hopes that sales would increase to the amount that profits could pay for the service. Unfortunately that has not been the case. We are now in the process of totally reviewing our sales department.
- A corporate credit card is now used for club activities. This consolidates and expedites the bookkeeping of GRCA business (AKC filing for specialties, Public Education advertising, travel and other invoices). In addition, this card accumulates miles that can be redeemed on any airline (for club related travel including that of speakers).
There are still some projects that I would like to finish before my term on the Board is completed. These include:
- A standardized spreadsheet for reporting the National and Regional Specialties' financial summaries.
- Financial advisement to the hosts of GRCA's Specialties (requiring that the treasurer be bonded; periodic review of the financial statements prior to the Specialty, IRS issues).
My Personal Background:
When I graduated from college my main goal in life was to earn enough money to buy a house with a backyard large enough for a Golden Retriever and a garden. I'm pleased to say that I accomplished that then lofty goal in 1974. My first Golden, The Shine, completed her CD with a Dog World Award and competed at the Gaines competition several times on her way to a UD. In the following decades, the sport of purebred dogs became my passion. My Goldens have allowed two Irish Setters and a Whippet to share our bed. In 1984 my husband and I purchased a new home with an unfinished basement. Perfect, I thought, for grooming and training. Perfect, then GRCA President Anne Shannon thought, to hold the back issues of the GR News. Those issues and I were together for 20 years.
In addition to being wonderful house pets, my dogs have been able to join me in my working career as well. After several years in clinical research, I began a teaching career, remaining at the same high school in suburban Denver from 1977 until I retired in 2004. My Delta Pet Partners therapy dogs accompanied me to school nearly every day and provided a hands-on tool in my biology labs. A generous GRF education grant provided me with the opportunity to write a resource notebook to assist other teachers who would also like to bring their dogs into the classroom. One of my dogs assisted with a presentation of this project at the National Science Teachers Association's annual convention. After retiring, in addition to working for GRCA, I have been working part-time for my horse's vet and getting to travel to more dog shows and visit and meet members of GRCA. As I feel I cannot have any more dogs than I can run with at one time (yes, I do jog with 4 dogs, on lead, all together) I am fortunate to have friends that entrust me with their dogs to train and exhibit-and for them I am truly grateful.
Local Club Experience—Mile-Hi GRC
Member since 1978
Served as Treasurer, Trophy Curator, and Puppy Referral Chair
Chaired two independent specialties
Wrote Mile Hi's column for the GR News
GRCA Experience
Treasurer, 2003-
Back Issues Agent, 1984-2005
Editorial Review Board, GR News
Treasurer, 1989 GRCA Nat'l Spec. (designed the comprehensive RSVP page)
Participated in several Judges' Education Programs
Goldens in My Life
Rocky Mountain Sunshine, UD (Gaines competitor)
Ch. Gilnockie Early Morn Pogonip, CD, WC (Gaines competitor)
Ch. Asterling's Trust Buster, CD (Gaines competitor)
Ch. Aspengold Baile del Corazon
Ch. Nautilus Animation by Disney CD, Delta Pet Partner
Ch. Wingwater Crème Brulee, WC
Wingwatcher Front Runner CD, WC, Delta Pet Partner (ptd)
Education
B.S. Microbiology, Colorado State University
Honorary diploma, University of Vienna, Austria
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CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF CENTRAL VICE-PRESIDENT
Brian D. Rex
10375 Roachton Rd.
Perrysburg, OH 43551
(419) 872-6387
Brianrex66@mac.com
My interest in the Golden Retriever began in the obedience ring but soon grew into an interest in conformation. As I have spent time over the years meeting individuals whose interests lie primarily in agility and field work I have come to realize just how important and inter-related all the disciplines are to a healthy and successful breed. The light bulb moment on this issue happened for me when I put in a pond on my acreage 10 years ago. A friend who bred multi-purpose dogs brought her boy over to swim with one of my dogs that lacked conformational correctness. The difference in efficiency and movement of these two dogs in the water was amazing. At that point I realized that even though I did not participate in field work I still needed to breed my dogs with the capability and correctness required of the field. To this end, I feel it is important for the Board of the GRCA to ask opinions of, and listen to, all members of the GRCA no matter their experience and preferences.
GOLDEN RETRIEVER EXPERIENCE
Member GRCA 1994--present
Review GRCA National Treasurer's monthly financial records 2003-- present
Assisted in the development of the advertising spreadsheet for the GRNews
Working with the GRCA Treasurer in developing a template for financial reporting of the National and Regional Specialty Reports
Past President Golden Retriever Club of Toledo
Sweepstakes Judge
Cincinnati Golden Retriever Club
International Kennel Club – Northern Illinois GRC
Handler for my golden retriever friends
GOLDENS THAT HAVE ENHANCED MY LIFE
Dogwood Milehi Bronco CD
Ch. Tiptop's Taylormade Driver CD
Ch. Tiptops I Play to Win (top 20)
Ch. Malagold's Headwinds
EXPERIENCE
Buckeye TeleSystem, Inc. (Division of Block Communications, Inc.
CFO/Treasurer, 1996 to Present - Manage and direct the business strategy, operational organization, financial budgeting and financial reporting for a facility based Competitive Local Exchange Carrier serving the Northwest Ohio commercial and residential telephone and data markets.
Corporate Protection Services, Inc. (Division of Block Communications, Inc.
Acting General Manager, 2006 to Present – Manage day to day activities of a residential security installation and monitoring business
Buckeye CableSystem, Inc. (Division of Block Communications, Inc.
Treasurer, 1996 to 2002 - Manage and direct the financial strategy, budgeting and reporting of a 160,000 subscriber cable system. During this period Buckeye CableSystems' profit and net earning grew 400%
Block Communications, Inc.
Internal Auditor, 1994-1996
Royal Tool, Inc.
Controller, 1992-1994
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Senior Auditor, 1989-1992
EDUCATION
University of Toledo, Toledo Ohio
Bachelors of Business Administration
PROFESSIONAL
Certified Public Accountant (inactive)
Member American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Member Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants
Boys and Girls Club of Toledo, Board Member
MISSION STATEMENT
I believe that it is crucial that all individuals in the GRCA keep the overall best interest of our breed at the heart and center of all their actions. This is especially true of the members of the Board of Directors of the GRCA. As a member of the Board of Directors of the GRCA I will make the commitment to put aside any personal issues and agendas and work toward what is in the best interest of the golden retriever. I also believe strongly that anything that is worth doing is worth giving a 100% effort. As a member of the Board of Directors of the GRCA I will commit my time and resources with the dedication that is required to perform this job to the high standard that is required. My wife, Anne, and I have had long discussions regarding the time commitment of the Board of Directors of the GRCA and we both are ready and willing to make the sacrifices necessary in order to give back to the breed and club that has provided us with so much over the years. We have both been able to balance our love of our professional careers with our love of horses (we own my wife's horse and my 6 year old daughter and I lease horses in order for the family to take dressage and jumping lessons together). It is also personally rewarding for me to have put forth the time, effort and dedication necessary to have recently completed a sub 3:50 marathon. As a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Toledo I believe strongly in the mentoring and support of our youth. I would like to see a greater focus on developing youth programs within the GRCA. That would not only include the development of programs for our Junior Handlers but also programs to expose our children and young adults to obedience, agility and fieldwork. Rising to the position of Senior Management and Officer of a 300 employee company with sales well over $100,000,000 has taught me many lessons that I believe will help make me a successful member of the Board of Directors of the GRCA. First, I would like to bring a business persons perspective to the discussions on the Board. Moving outside of the pure finance area in my work life has also taught me to balance the operational needs of the company with the financial stability and growth required of a successful business. As I have matured, I have also learned to listen to the advice and perspectives of individuals at all levels and in all departments of the company prior to making decisions.
In closing, I would welcome the opportunity to donate my experience and to contribute to the membership of GRCA.
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CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF EASTERN DIRECTOR
John Cotter
24 Gates Circle
Hockessin , DE 19707
(302) 239-0920
Ashlandgr@aol.com
A few years ago, while doing some introspection, I concluded that one of my passions is Golden Retriever dogs – living with them, training together as a team, being received by them, etc. – you know what I mean. Although my wife and I always lived with dogs, we didn't get our first Golden, Annie, until rather late. Annie truly made an impact on us, our friends and many of the handicapped patients my wife treated. Her only title was “Honey Bunny” but she changed our lives. Through the years, we have shared our lives with nine wonderful Goldens, all different but all wonderful.
About twenty years ago, we joined the GRCA and a few years later I was asked to help obtain items for a silent art auction to help rescue Goldens. I did help and that led to serving the GRCA is several different assignments as noted below:
President and Director, Golden Retriever Foundation1997 - 2005
Along with fellow directors Steve Bolton, Judy Rasmuson and later Barbara Zelechoski and Mike Lappin and Director of Development Joy Viola, created the GRF from concept to a major sponsor of veterinary health studies, supporter of Golden Retriever rescue organizations and educator of responsible dog ownership.
Member, Rescue Study Task Force 1999
Served on five member task force to review and improve golden retriever rescue organizations interactions and efficiencies. A key recommendation led to the establishment of the current National Rescue Committee.
Assistant Chairman, GRCA National Specialty, Lums Pond, DE1996
Served with Melissa Goodman, Chairman, to organize and conduct a successful National Specialty. This event hosted the first agility trial and rescue parade at a National trial and held all field events within a few miles of the show site.
Chairman, Silent Art Auction for Rescue1994 - 1995
Solicited art work for auction at two National Specialties (OK and CA) to raise funds for the Committee to Assist Rescue, the precursor to the GRF.
During these assignments I had the opportunity to work with many talented and dedicated people on several diverse tasks. I believe these assignments were successfully completed and made the Golden Retriever world better. As a result, I gained a great deal of job satisfaction and would be willing to serve the GRCA as an Eastern Region Director.
I am committed to maintaining and/or improving characteristics of the Golden Retriever, namely beauty and structure; performance, drive and stamina; temperament and solving health issues. A dream of mine is to eliminate puppy mills.
I enjoy and successfully compete in performance activities – obedience, agility and field and have titled dogs in each of these areas. I am currently working with a 4 year old with agility, hunt and WC titles, to enter our first utility trial in the near future. Our eleven year old rescued golden is enjoying the good life now and my wife is training a Norwich terrier in obedience.
I am currently a member of Potomac Valley GRC, Chesapeake GRC, Tail Blazers Agility Club and Del Bay Retriever Club.
I am a Midwesterner by birth ( Chicago) and education (U of Iowa, mechanical engineering) but have lived most of my adult live in Delaware except for a four year period in West Virginia.
I took early retirement from E.I. DuPont after a 35 year career. The first third of my career was in engineering and technical assignments while the last two thirds were spent in Human Resources consulting and management assignments. For the last 18 months I have been providing safety management consulting with a nationwide tree cutting company.
I would consider it an honor and privilege to again serve the Golden Retriever Club of America.
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CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF CENTRAL DIRECTOR
Sandra L. Haessler
N115 W19979 Woodland Dr.
Germantown , WI 53022
262-251-0861
sandcastlek9@sbcglobal.net
I have shared my life with Golden Retrievers for 25 years and been involved in the sport of Purebred dogs for 19 years.
My first Golden Retriever was a foundling brought to the emergency veterinary facility after being hit by a car, where I was a practicing veterinary technician. I'd already been saving my money for a Golden Retriever and those funds went instead to treat him for his injuries. For the first three months that Gilbert was with us, we continued to search for his owners to no avail. He shared life with our family for eight more years before his death.
In 1988 I joined the K-9 Obedience Training Club of Menomonee Falls. I was training my Irish Wolfhound at that time who later earned a CD. In 1989 I obtained my first registered purebred Golden Retriever. Meg (U-CDX Sages Saffron Nutmeg Delight, UD) was primarily from hunting lines and earned a Utility Dog title. Meg was never bred due to hip laxity.
From 1989 to 1991 I served on the board of K-9 O.T.C., one of those as President. I served on multiple committees and managed events for many years, including the institution of puppy classes in 1991. I remain a lifetime member of K-9.
In 1990 I obtained Dixie (U-CDX Keepers Dixie Daydream, Am/Can CDX) from Jean Taylor of Keeper Golden Retrievers. Dixie was an amazing dog to train and work with. She earned multiple Dog World Awards and made training and showing in obedience very rewarding. Dixie was struck down from Granulomatous Meningial Encephalitis (GME) before she could earn her UD, though she survived an unheard of three and one half years beyond her diagnosis. Dixie was not in standard, topping out at 43 pounds and I made the decision not to breed her.
In 1990 I also joined the Badger Golden Retriever Club. I've served on many committees, worked many hours on projects and special events and have spent more years than not on the Board of Directors, including 3 years as President, many as Vice-President and will resume the Presidency in 2007. I've also served as our club's Show Chair and Show Secretary at various times over the years.
In 1993 I obtained Pony (Image's Run For the Roses, CDX, JH, WC). Pony detested the show ring, so we concentrated on obedience and field work. She is currently the matriarch here at Sandcastle and excels at warming the couch. She produced one litter before she was spayed.
In 1994, Grace (Am/Can Ch. Keepers Grace Under Fire) came to our home. Grace earned her AKC and CKC championships completely owner handled. All of my current dogs are her descendents.
Grace gave me Frankie (Ch. Sandcastle's My Way) who also finished her championship owner handled. Frankie's kids are currently being shown.
I have stewarded, judged matches, taught obedience classes and many other activities that have become the background common to all of us involved in the fancy.
In my professional life I was a licensed veterinary technician for 23 years. In 1986 I developed the first canine and feline Blood Donor Program in Wisconsin and it's still running strong to this day. I've presented many programs to various organizations and clubs on such topics as Emergency First Aid, Nutrition and Grooming the Golden Retriever.
When the physical rigors of veterinary technology became overwhelming, I turned my hand to professional dog grooming. I currently own my own grooming business.
In January of 2006, I and other breeders, exhibitors and rescuers formed the Alliance of Purebred Dog Fanciers, a local organization dedicated to countering the popularity of “Designer Dogs”. I currently serve as the Vice President.
I have been a member of the GRCA since 1990 and thank you for considering me for a position as Central Regional Director. Be assured that should I be elected to this position that I will do my utmost to fulfill the job requirements.
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CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF WESTERN DIRECTOR
DEBBIE BERRY
P.O. Box 108
Dexter , Oregon 97431
(541)746-1687
SunshineK9@aol.com
My life's passion has been with the Golden Retriever Breed. I began early at the age of nine with 4-H dog obedience; I graduated to purchasing my first purebred dog at the age of fourteen and started a lifelong love affair with this endearing breed.
Initially I was a junior member of the NorCal Golden Retriever Club and went on to twenty three years of membership there before moving to Oregon and committing myself completely to the Pacific Rim Golden Retriever Club of Oregon. I have now been a member of PRGRCO for 15 years.
While a member of NorCal GRC I served on the Board of Directors as Breed VP, I also served in the capacity of Newsletter Editor, Specialty Chair (multiple times), Match Chair and Trophy Chair.
During the past 15 years with PRGRCO I have served on the Board of Directors as President, Vice President, Secretary and as a general board member. I am proud to have chaired the 1995 Western Regional Specialty hosted by our club in 1995. I have also chaired two PRGRCO Independent Specialties. I have served as the Sweepstakes Chair, Raffle Chair and Trophy Chair for others of our Specialties. I've spent two years serving as the Newsletter Editor, four years as the web site liaison for Breeder Referral, have worked on public education via booths at the Portland Sportsman's Show and our local Woofstock (outreach to the public).
Both my husband and I are members of the Eugene Kennel Club. In the past four years of our membership (All Breed Club) I have served for 2 years as the Newsletter Editor, been a member of the Board of Directors, served as the '05 All Breed Show Chair (2 days of shows) and worked as a team member to combat anti-dog legislation here in Lane County.
On a National level I was a member of the 2000 Candidates Forum Committee that was chaired by Margaret Stowe. In 2004 I was the Chair of the Candidate's Forum Committee. I am particularly proud of serving for many months on the Educational Programs Task Force.
Separate from the Club-I have assisted Golden Bond rescue efforts by transporting dogs from shelters to their foster homes, made donations of cash and dog food, and in 2000, I organized and held a silent auction, Fool's Gold 2000, with all proceeds benefiting Golden Bond (total profit was $7,000.00). I have also made item donations to the NorCal Rescue auction as well as sold tickets for their car raffle.
In the past I have been honored to be asked to judge the Sweepstakes classes at the 2000 GRCA National Specialty, Rio Grande Valley GRC, NorCal GRC, Mid Florida GRC and the San Diego GRC.
From 1994 to 2002, my husband Jim, and I, developed and presented a program on dog care and responsible ownership that was tailored to young children. We gave this short program to many of the kindergarten through sixth grade classes in the Lane County school district. Currently we are not active in this endeavor.
My Education is in Animal Science (Farm Management). While attending Chico State University I was on the Livestock Exhibition Team. I have to admit that I wasn't anywhere near as successful in this endeavor as I am with the exhibition of our dogs, yet it was still a great learning experience.
My work experience has been in Business Management. In the past I've held successful management positions with corporations such as Otis Spunkmeyer Cookies and Petco. Up until 2 years ago my husband and I owned our own small telecommunications business, however Jim has retired and so I'm out of a job, LOL!
I feel confident that my background qualifies me to be a productive and positive addition to the GRCA Board. My strength lies in an ability to understand many perspectives, to bring focus to a team and to stay on task.
I am proud to have bred, owned or co-owned over sixty conformation champions, 17 multi-titled dogs (8 with UD's), 7 Outstanding Sires and 9 Outstanding Dams. I believe that our accomplishments are apparent, both as breeders and as exhibitors, and certainly put us in a group that has proven their dedication to the betterment of this breed.
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