USCA Officers
President - One position
Jim Alloway
Lyle Roetemeyer
Vice President - One position
Tim Burke
Frank Phillips
Secretary - One position
Marsha Ashbury
Michele Scarberry
Treasurer - One position
Sean O’Kane
Director of Judges - One position
Nathaniel Roque
National Breed Warden - One position
Mary Dygert
Johannes Grewe
Directors at Large - Four positions
Mike Diehl
Al Govednik
Claudia Romard
Dennis Vander Linde
Auditing Committee - Three positions
Lisa Clark
Brenda Farmer
Karen Garber
Board of Inquiry - ten positions
These candidates have been ranked according to a scoring system developed by the Nominating Committee.
Regular Members - Five
1 Sara Wallick
2 Nia Cottrell
3 Bill Bimrose
3 Mike Gardner
5 Trish Sansbury
Alternate Members - Five
6 Laurie Coppola
7 Tim Karchnak
8 John Horan
9 Sean Murphy
10 Diane Madigan
Judges Committee – One Position
Carla Griffith
World Championship Committee - Four positions
Carolyn Daniel
Mike Diehl
Rob Dunn
Tommy Gillies
The Nominating Committee is excluding the aspirant whose name is given below and who had indicated an interest in serving in the WCC.
She has been unwilling or unable to comply with the committees due diligence requirements. Given this the committee was of the unanimous opinion that she should not be considered for any position as circumventing the process would be otherwise unfair to all other candidates who were so compliant and to the protocols adopted by the committee in making their selections.
Lisa Jacquin
End
We give below names of members who have expressed interest in the positions becoming available this year.
The Nominating Committee is currently following the protocol and procedures which has been successfully adopted over the last several years to conduct their due diligence to ensure that these candidates have the credentials, capacity and competence to serve. The final slate of candidates will thereafter be chosen for consideration by the membership which makes the ultimate decision. The Nominating Committee may also solicit additional candidates from the membership pool to include in the final slate. USCA process also allows candidates to be nominated from the floor.
Resumes received from the candidates are given in the link below such that the membership is also aware of their respective backgrounds.
We thank all aspirants and laud them for their willingness to serve the organization.
Rifky Mackeen
Chair - Nominating Committee
Click here for the Candidate Resumes (26 pages)
..................................................................................................................
USCA Officers
President - One position
Jim Alloway
Lyle Roetemeyer
Vice President - One position
Tim Burke
Frank Phillips
Secretary – One position
Marsha Ashbury
Michele Scarberry
Treasurer- One position
Sean O’Kane
Director of Judges - One position
Nathaniel Roque
National Breed Warden - 1 position
Mary Dygert
Johannes Grewe
Directors at Large - Four positions
Mike Diehl
Al Govednik
Claudia Romard
Dennis Vander Linde
Committees
Auditing Committee - 3 positions
Lisa Clark
Brenda Farmer
Karen Garber
Board of Inquiry - ten positions
(These candidates like others are currently shown in alpha order. However they will be ranked by the Nominating Committee after they complete the due diligence process)
Bill Bimrose
Laurie Coppola
Nia Cottrell
Mike Gardner
John Horan
Tim Karchnak
Diane Madigan
Sean Murphy
Trish Sansbury
Sara Wallick
Judges Committee - One position
Carla Griffith
World Championship Committee - Four positions
Carolyn Daniel
Mike Diehl
Rob Dunn
Tommy Gillies
Lisa Jacquin
End
The Nominating Committee has decided on the following candidates for the vacancies arising this year.
Judges Committee – 2 positions
Mike Gardner
Debbie Zappia
National Events Committee – 4 positions
Susan Dooling
Hal Lymus
Willie Pope
Claudia Romard
Nominating Committee – 5 positions
Ravi Iyer
Rifky Mackeen
Kevin L. Nance
Michele Scarberry
Betty Thomas
Signed
Rifky Mackeen
Chair - Nominating Committee
November 1, 2010
The General Education Committee will like to announce the 2010 winners of the Regional Directors and Presidents Awards.
Regional Winners
1. NEW ENGLAND REGION
Quinebaug SchH Club
2. PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
Hundesport Alaska Inc
3. MID-CENTRAL REGION
Joint Winners
Machtig Strom
Cedar Valley Working Dogs
4. MID-EASTERN REGION
OG West Penn SchH Club
5. NORTH CENTRAL REGION
O G Bierstadt
6. NORTHEASTERN REGION
East Coast SchH Club
Presidents Award
The winner is - OG West Penn SchH Club
This year we are also awarding a prize for runner up which was awarded to - Quinebaug SchH Club
Prizes
Each of the Regional winners will receive a check for $250 along with a Plaque and Pins for the members. The joint winners will receive a cash prize of $150 each. The prizes will be sent directly to the club contact listed in the Nomination sheet
The President’s award winner will receive an additional cash prize of $350(making an aggregate cash prize of $600). The runner up will receive an additional cash prize of $100 (making an aggregate cash prize of $350).
These prizes are intended for the clubs to use as they consider fit and to assist their goals of promoting Schutzhund. Well done indeed.
We would also like to thank all of the Regional Directors who assisted us in identifying the winners and who encouraged their clubs to participate. We are hopeful that more clubs will participate in the future.
This was another GEC team effort lead by Marsha Asbury as the Project leader.
Regards
Rifky Mackeen
Chair - GEC
To - Sara Wallick - Honorary Secretary
From – Rifky Mackeen – Chair – Nominating Committee
Subject – Slate of Candidates – 2010
Date – August 18, 2010
I am enclosing the final slate of candidates which are being recommended by the Nominating Committee for consideration this even year. Resumes as submitted by the aspirants are available in all three of the USA communication channels – Blog, Website and Magazine (upcoming -September/October issue).
As the footnote indicates – “Although our due diligence included review of the resumes, telephone “interviews” when warranted and our knowledge of the candidate’s competency and credentials; we have assumed that they are all members in good standing. We have not verified if they have any disqualifications which will make them ineligible to serve.”
We have been totally objective in our decision process and to the best of our ability, have attempted to ensure that the listed candidates meet with the requirements of the specific posts for which they have indicated an interest.
We have not ranked the aspirants for the position of Directors at Large and have submitted all eight names, in alpha order. This we considered to be appropriate as two members of the Nominating Committee are also vying for the four available positions and we wished to preclude even the perception of conflict.
In the case of the Board of Inquiry, we have, this year, ranked the aspirants as five will actually serve and the other five will be alternates.
Notwithstanding our intent and our effort, we remain cognizant that our Slate of Candidates is only a recommendation for consideration by the membership. Additional names can and will be submitted from the floor.
Such that the USA can make progress in these challenging times, we hope that the best candidate(s) get elected for the various position(s) even if they decided to circumvent the Nominating Committee channel and go directly to the membership for consideration.
...........................
Even Year (2010) Nominations - proposed by the Nominating Committee ____________________________________________________________
President (One position)
Based on our due diligence which also included an “interview” with the two candidates; we were of the opinion that both candidates are viable and should be considered by the membership.
Levin, Mathew
Roetemeyer, Lyle
Vice-President (One position)
Groh, Craig
Secretary (One position)
Brigham, Nancy
Treasurer (One position)
O'Kane, Sean
Director of Judges (One position)
Roque, Nathaniel
National Breed Warden (One position)
Burke, Tim
Director at Large (Four positions)
Such as to avoid even a perception of conflict given that two members of the Nominating Committee are also vying for the available positions we show all aspirants in alpha order.
Alloway, Jim
Govednik, Al
Grewe, Johannes
Iyer, Ravi
Moacanin, Kathy
Ptaszek, Mark
Weller, Marie
Williams, Mike
Auditing (Three positions)
Ackerman, Raye Lynn
Shea, Beth
Taves, Kris
World Championship Committee (Four positions)
Franz, Dale
Hanrahan, Gary
Jaquin, Lisa
Volrath, Thomas
Judges Committee (One position)
Griffith, Carla
Board of Inquiry (Ten positions - Ten candidates)
Based on our due diligence including an “interview” with all ten aspirants, we have ranked them in order of our preference for the consideration of the membership.
Members
1 Wallick, Sara
2 Gardner, Mike
3 Bochenek, John
4 Sansbury, Trish
5 Murphy, Sean
Alternates
6 Roberts, Steve
7 Windus, Cathi
8 Coppola, Laurie
9 Matarrese, Lisa
10 Graf, Molly
Note – Although our due diligence included review of the resumes, telephone “interviews” when warranted and our knowledge of the candidate’s competency and credentials; we have assumed that they are all members in good standing. We have not verified if they have any disqualifications which will make them ineligible to serve.
end
Please ignore the "Read More"
Sponsored by the General Education Committee (GEC)
The GEC of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USA) is pleased to announce the third annual Regional Directors and Presidents awards.
These awards were created to showcase and reward USA member clubs which show exemplary conduct with respect to its membership, the sport of Schutzhund and their canines. In addition these awards are designed to encourage every club to strive for a higher standard of excellence especially in addressing concerns of the general public. Clubs should always work towards providing greater clarity about Schutzhund and dispelling any anti-dog sentiment or breed specific resentment.
To simplify the process a worksheet replaces the previous list of questions. The point schedule has also been re-designed for a more accurate reflection of the merits of each question. The point values are not shown on the nomination worksheet.
Clubs may nominate themselves for the awards or may nominate another club in their Region. Alternatively they can be nominated by another club or by any officer from their respective region (Regional Director, Assistant Regional Director, Breed Warden, Regional Training Director, etc.).
Any interpretation of the rules and criteria will be made by the GEC. In keeping with the spirit of these awards; the decision of the GEC is final and they do not expect nor will they entertain any appeals from Clubs which consider that they have not been fairly judged.
Regional Directors Award
There will be one Regional winner from each of the ten regions. One of these winning clubs will also be awarded the President’s award signifying their number one role in the USA club hierarchy. In order to be included in the 2010 awards, all nominations in the form of completed worksheets must be received by me no later than September 15, 2010. Nominations will be acknowledged upon receipt and also forwarded to the respective Regional Directors. Winning clubs will be determined by October 15, 2010 with the goal that awards might be announced in November 2010 at the USA General Board Meeting.
Recipients will receive the following:
· Plaque/trophy for club house.
· Pins for each member.
· Cash award to be used as the club sees fit (2009 award was $250).
President’s Award
A selections committee consisting of the USA President, Vice President, Secretary and two active members of the GEC will choose, by simple majority approval, one of the regional clubs as the winner of the President’s Award. This nomination will also need simple majority approval of all members of the GEC. The Club so selected may be the one having the highest score but given the regional bias or weighting; the GEC will take other aspects into consideration.
Recipients of the President’s award shall receive the following:
· Plaque/Trophy for Club House.
· Cash award to be used as the club sees fit (2009 award was $350 in addition to the Regional Award of $250 aggregating $600).
Winning clubs may publish their award in any media meant to promote the interests of the club, USA and the GEC awards program. Likewise, the GEC will publish such details in the USA Schutzhund Magazine, on the USA website and on the Blog and in any other media they see fit in order to showcase the clubs and their activity.
We are hopeful this year that every club in each Region will participate. We ask that you share the details of how to win these awards with all the clubs in your locale. We look forward to receiving your nominations & filled out applications plus any comments about the awards program.
If you need to fax the completed worksheet you may do so but before 8 am or after 5 pm PST. We will be using GEC member Terry Fisk’s fax number (760-868-3388). You can also mail the worksheet to me at the address below. Please send me an email letting me know that you have faxed or mailed your entry.
Ideally, we will like to receive an email attachment of the worksheet but appreciate that this may not feasible for all. For a copy of the worksheet – please click here.
Sincerely,
Marsha Asbury2010 Project Leader
Address:
27846 Buena Vista Dr Rock Falls, IL 61071
815 625-6598 Phoneasburymd@yahoo.com
We have posted below resumes received from candidates who have indicated their interest in being considered by the Nominating Committee and subsequently by the general membership for the several vacancies arising this even year.
Few candidates submitted resumes which were beyond the 500 word limit. We have, as previously indicated, posted an abridged version. We have also linked their original submission to the posting in case anyone needs to review the full version.
The abridged versions will also be published in the Magazine and will appear in the September/October issue. They also appear in the web site.
May the best candidate win for the sake of the USA, its membership and of course its canines.
Regards
Rifky Mackeen
Chair – Nominating Committee
PS- Please ignore the words "Read More" at the end of each posting. My blogging skills are limited and am unable to remove this.
President
Matt Levin
Doing what’s right . . .
Matt Levin for USA President
Involved in Schutzhund since 1991.
Titled numerous dogs from nothing to SchH3, with one of them SchH3, FH.
SchH is a family sport as his wife Karolyn is a SchH3 Club member and his 14 year old daughter, Jessica is about to put her first SchH title on her dog.
Has shown in all USA national events, including the HOT Tournament and one time at the Canadian Nationals.
Handled all of his dogs for their conformation ratings and Breed Surveys.
Classified as National Level Helper twice and has been chosen to perform the helper work at several Regional Championships as well as front half at the UDC Nationals.
Tracklayer for several National Championships. Layed tracks and performed helper work at several Regional Championships.
Member of Hauptstadt SchH Verein for more than 15 years and many of those years as Training Director.
His club welcomes any dog that is capable of the work.
Been involved in BSL since 1990.
ASE certified Master Mechanic for 15 years. Service Manager of two Car Dealership Service Departments. Focus is always on customer service.
Platform
#1 Bring the organization back to the members.
That means the organization works for them, not the other way around.
#2 Make USA more accessible for the clubs and members. Leadership must be accountable and accessible.
#3 Build Membership
Recruit new members and bring back those who have left USA.
Improve services to retain current membership.
Detailed Plans have been developed in these areas:
Repeal the new amendment prohibiting our members from belonging to a “competing GSD organization”.
Implement electronic voting at the annual General Board Meeting
Phase in One Member/One Vote if the membership chooses it
Help for new members
Training the training helpers at the club level
As I look closer into the details of USA I am finding other areas that will need attention. As always, I will address the problems openly and develop a means for the membership to be able to have their voice heard more often than once a year at a General Board Meeting.
Just like the majority of our members in USA, I am not a world team member, I’m not a judge and I’ve held no other office in USA. I’m a member who has seen the path USA is taking and I’ve decided that it’s time to change the direction. It’s time for the grassroots members to take a stand and take their organization back. I’m open and available to the membership. I will listen to the members’ concerns and respond to them. It’s about time that we do what is right for the USA members.
Lyle Roetemeyer
Position: Re-election President, USA
Employment:
Various tier management experiences since with Kroger Stores since 1984.
Currently manage a very profitable department
Have completed many business, marketing and leadership courses related to business.
USA Membership/Accomplishments
Charter member River City SchH Club since 1984. Co-training director/helper.
Member, Western Ky. SchH Club. Training Director/Trial Helper.
Started Cumberland Valley SchH & Police Club.
Regional Director Mid-Eastern Region- 1999, 2001; assistant regional director prior to that.
Member, Nominating Committee, five terms (two terms as chairman)
Judges committee as member @ large 1 term
Vice-president USA, two terms (Filled vacancy of President after Jim Elder’s resignation)
President USA 2006-current.
Current member of USA Helper Committee.
Teaching Helper since 2004 (beginning of program), has trained >100 helpers since the inception of the program
National/Regional Event Organizing Accomplishments
Regional Championship 1996, 2005
USA World Qualifier 1999
Regional Breed Show 2002
AWDF Championship 2005
USA HOT/Youth OB Championship 2006
USA Sieger Show 2004 & USA National Championship on weekends back to back (first time every accomplished by one club)
USA National Championship 2002
USA Working Dog Championship 2009
Summary: 6 national events and 3 regional events serving as trial chairman (Lots of work)
Handler Accomplishments
Trained and titled seven GSDs
USA Leadership Accomplishments
Secured sponsorship of Royal Canin for the 2004 Seiger Show and then as USA primary sponsor.
Secured extension of the sponsorship of Tri-tronics
Rebuild bridges with the AWDF, currently serving as Vice President.
Helped with the development of the Youth Scholarship program by establishing a 501c3 tax status
Personal/ non USA related accomplishments
Married for 36 years
2 daughters and 3 grandsons (also involved with raising and training their own dogs).
Active in local community with little league and community education seminars for local school children and the local Explorer Club.
If elected, my focus for the next term will continue to be multi faceted with a focus on providing continued and new opportunities for our loyal members.
1) Corporate Sponsorships continued and new
2) Educational programs for youth members, adult members and especially training directors
3) Continuing strong support of the AWDF
4) Continuing the building of positive relationships within the WUSV, the FCI and the IRO
5) Continuing to build upon the success of our elected and appointed committees
7) Continuing to market USA with our advertising in national publications
8) Looking to other marketing resources through the development of a new website with technological capabilities to serve our members for many years to come.
9) Continuing to place a strong emphasis on promoting our working events, shows and breed surveys events as a tool for understanding proper breeding practices and promotion of the German shepherd dog
I appreciate the Nominating Committee’s efforts for USA and I am appreciative of your consideration of my declaration for the office of President.
(This candidate has submitted a longer resume. Please click here for the full submission. A shorter version has been posted).
Vice President
Craig Groh
You will find me; on the training field, the trial field, the conformation ring, in the whelping box, and in the meeting room. I have always been involved with all aspects of the sport, the organization and the breed.
I became a member of USA when I was a relatively young pup (1988).
It was the same back in the day just as it is today. If you look strong, fast and foolish enough they put helper pants on you, and then got out the Rottweiler. I’ve been doing helper work ever since. I’ve performed helper work at Regional and National events. I’m currently a classified Teaching Helper trying to pass it on.
I enjoy working with people providing support and education in all areas of the sport. Training new handlers and helpers and promoting a positive image of the sport to members and the general public. I have been fortunate enough to learn for some of the top trainers and breeders in this country and around the world. I am the Training director at my local club.
I also help encourage youth handlers to participate in and learn from the sport, as these young handlers and helpers are the future of the sport. Working with and promoting our youth members is my greatest passion in the sport today. I am a board member of the Schutzhund USA Youth Scholarship Fund.
I’ve titled 9 dogs in my tenure so far, all from scratch (HOT). I hope to return to National level competition soon.
My registered kennel name is von Grohaus. I have been able to produce second generation breed dogs that have achieved SchH III, KKL I, V ratings.
I completed my Performance Judging Apprenticeship in September 2005. I was able to apprentice under some of the most respected judges in the world. I received my United Schutzhund Clubs of America Performance Judging license in November 2005 and my SV license in July. 2009.
Some say I’m a glutton for punishment as I have been involved in all levels of this organizations bureaucracy over the years. I currently hold the office of Vice President. I also serve as one of USA’s delegates on the AWDF board.
It has been a pleasure to serve as Vice President for the past two years. During this time I have kept in close communication with our President and stayed abreast of all USCA business and issues so that I would be prepared to assume the office if necessary. I have also performed various duties as assigned by the President, served on various committees, and represented the organization when the President was unable.
During the past year and a half I have worked closely with the office staff, the executive board and the entire organization not to just bring about change, but to help move this organization forward on various fronts. We have streamlined operations throughout the organization and at the office through the use of technology and process improvements.
If elected again I will continue working for all of the members within the organization to exceed the goals that we have set. I try every day to give back to the organization, the sport, and the breed that his given me so much.
Thank you for your support.
Secretary
Nancy Brigham
Please consider this letter as my declaration for the position of Secretary for the United Schutzhund Clubs of America. I believe I am qualified for this position with over 20 years of Customer Service experience working with the public. My strongest assets are excellent communication skills, working with people and a hard worker.
My name is Nancy Brigham. I grew up in a suburb of Saginaw, MI, where I graduated from Arthur Hill High School and attended American Institute of Banking in Denver Co. I live in Saginaw, MI. I have been a member of USA since 1996 and titled my first dog in 2002.
I have been employed by Robert F. Sonntag D.D.S. For 4 yrs.. My current position is Dental Receptionist. I am responsible for providing quality, friendly service to patients/clients, greeting patients, scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, gathering and recording dental, medical and insurance information in patients electronic records using Kodak Practice Works Software, collect payments at time of treatment, assist in treatment rooms as necessary, responsible for all office correspondence using ms word and backup support for computer issues .
Here is a listing of volunteer positions that I have held through the years:
2009 USA Nationals Davenport, IA – Club Delegate
2009 USA Nationals Davenport, IA – Tracking Spotter
2008 WUSV Cincinnati,OH – Trial Secretary
2003 – 2004 USA Rocky Mountain Great Plains Regional Secretary
2002 – 2006 High Plains Schutzhund Club Treasurer
2000 – 2006 Trial committee chair for HPSC club trials
2000 - 2005 USA Club Trial Secretary
1999 – 2002 High Plains Schutzhund Club Secretary
1999 USA Nationals Reno, NV – Checked Tracking Lines
1998 USA Nationals Denver, CO was a member of the group for
Obedience
2001 UDC - Southwest Regional Show Chair
2000-2001 UDC - Membership Secretary
2000 UDC - National Show Chair
1999 UDC - National Show committee
1999–2001 UDC Delegate - AWDF
1999-2000 UDC - Recording Secretary
1999-2001 AWDF Merchandise Chair
1998 AWDF Championship Denver, CO– Hospitality committee
1998 WUSV Boston, MA – Answered questions and handed out information about Schutzhund at the AWDF Booth
Employment History
Robert F. Sonntag D.D.S. From 6/06 to present as a Dental Receptionist
Martin and Harman Family Dentistry from 5/03 to 3/06 as a Dental Receptionist
StorageTek from 3/01 to 9/01 as a Business Operations Specialist
Responsible for trouble shooting all International, Field and Headquarter calls. Assisted 2nd and 3rd level support with problem resolution.
Banc One service Corporation from 7/85 to 5/93 as a Client Services Representative
Served as primary point of contact and escalation point for all internal inquiries and problems on the network and banking applications.
Great Lakes Federal S&L from 3/77 to 2/85 as a Customer Service Representative
My intent as secretary is to honor the mission of USA, through the preservation of the German Shepherd Dog in accordance with the breed standard as a working dog, to support humane training and responsible dog ownership.
Treasurer
Sean O' Kane
I am currently a Career Union Firefighter and Arson Investigator with the Danville Fire Department in Danville, Illinois. (IAFF Local 429) I have been a firefighter there since 1999. Within the City of Danville I sat on a Revenue Subcommittee that dealt with a fire department budget of over 5 million dollars a year. I am the President of my union where I negotiate contracts and handle the day to day union operations for us. I created our unions first ever cash flow budget to deal with our $150,000.00 a year income / expenses. I computerized the AWDF’s budget process to allow easier access to income vs. expenses among our executive board. While our budget in the AWDF is much smaller we have to make every dollar count. This also applies to USA. Every dollar we spend is accounted for and justified for the betterment of the breed.
In 2000 I also became a police officer working in Oakwood and Westville, Illinois. I have always been interested in being a K-9 handler for a police department so I purchased my first German Shepherd, Apollo, from a police friend of mine. There I got my start. Along with police dog training with their training group, he put me in touch with Illinois Schutzhund and Police Club. I was hooked!!!
Some of our club members took me in (Cele Danner / Jim Sears) and taught me what they knew about the sport and training dogs. They also trained with Gene England in Kentucky once a month so I started going with them to training. My interest in the German Shepherd Dog continued to grow.
From there I could not continue the expense of traveling so far to train in Kentucky. I found a police officer in Indianapolis, Indiana named Mike Diehl. I began training with him and got a new dog named Bautz v.d. Brocherhohe. He was a SchH 3 dog that I certified in patrol / narcotics with NAPWDA. (North American Police Work Dog Assn.) Mike Diehl was the perfect fit for me with his police K-9 and Schutzhund experience. I have since been able to call him a good friend and traveled over the past few years to see him become a force to be reckoned with in Schutzhund. With what I have learned from my mentors I have been lucky enough to have certified 5 police service dogs and 1 arson detector dog through NAPWDA.
My very good friend Cele Danner was the Treasurer for the AWDF and from there I met Al Govednik, President of the AWDF. I wanted to get more involved and asked him what I could do to help. In 2007 I was asked to step in as Secretary for AWDF. I accepted this position, later deciding to run for AWDF Treasurer after Cele Danner stepped down. I was elected in 2008 to the Treasurer’s spot with the AWDF. From there I got more involved with the political side of our dog sport we all so love. I want to make a difference and be able to help preserve the German Shepherd Dog for generations to come. I have no hidden agendas. I just want to make a difference. I am excited to have been elected as USA Treasurer and appreciate all the support I have been shown since being elected. I ask for your vote in November. If you have any questions please feel free to call or email me anytime.
Director of Judges
Nathaniel Roque
USA Judge #30
USA / SV Trial Judge
During my 14 years of involvement in Schutzhund I have titled eight (8) dogs at all levels of the sport including Handler Owner Trained from Bh to SchH 3 , FH and FH 2, entering and competing in more than eighty (85) trials with various dogs at the Club, Regional and National Championships, earning more than forty (40) Schutzhund III Titles as well as numerous SchH 1 – 2, IPO 1-3, FH and FH2 titles including:
2002 & 2007 Southwest Regional Champion
2002 USA Universal Sieger
Member of the USA SchH III Club
USA Bronze Sports Medal
USA Silver Sports Medal
USA Gold Sports Medal
USA Master Sports Medal
In addition I have been active at both the local and national level for the United Schutzhund Clubs of America, the following positions, Director of Judges, Vice President, Regional Director, Assistant to the DOJ, Training Director for the Southwest Working Dog Association, Officer in three additional Southwest Region Clubs, United Schutzhund Clubs of America, SV Trial Judge and a American Working Malinois Performance Judge, Director of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America Helper Program and Teaching Helper.
Since obtaining my judges license in 2002 I have judged more than 80 Trials and Championships including the:
2004 South East Regional Championship
2005 Rocky Mountain Regional Championship
2005 AWMA National Championship
2006 USA North American Championship
2006 USA Handler Owner Trained Championship (HOT)
2007 American Working Dog Federation National Championship
2008 USA Handler Owner Trained Championship (HOT)
2009 Mid East Regional Championship
2009 New England regional Championship
2009 USA National Championship
I am passionate about the preservation of the working heritage of our dogs and believe that it is the responsibility of all of us as breeders, owners, trainers and especially judges to maintain these traits in our chosen breed of dogs. I am grateful and honored to be invited and allowed to evaluate working dogs in competition. I promise to do the best that I can, consistent, fair and correct judging within the current rules for all dogs and handlers that I evaluate.
661.269.2539. workingdogs@att.net
National Breed Warden
Tim Burke
Hello,I would like to thank the membership for the opportunity to serve them and the organization for the last four years. A lot has been accomplished and I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the membership improving our breed and our organization with your help.
As your National Breed Warden I have:
1) Added microchips as acceptable identification for shows
2) Approved artificial insemination
3) Moved the stalled breed registry documents out of the office and into our members hands
4) Restructured the Sieger show to make it more efficient and profitable
5) Removed the registration requirements for local shows to attract more entries
6) Met with the SV and strengthened our relationship
7) Attended the WUSV meetings
8) Attended the FCI World Championships
I am the Director of Fastrax Corporation which has locations in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada. The primary purpose of Fastrax is to retrain injured and unemployed workers to return them to the workforce. My wife Dawn and I started the business over six years ago and it has grown into one of the largest and best adult education companies in Nevada. The schools are fully accredited and offer short term training programs in Computers, Web Design, Accounting, Construction Administration, Medical Billing and Coding, and Green Technologies. As an employer, I understand the value of good employees and how important each person is in achieving the company’s objectives. As a business owner and entrepreneur, I understand how important it is to continuously improve and promote your product.
As we move forward we need to concentrate on getting more useful information into our members’ hands so that their breed programs can be improved.
Specifically:
1) Move the database to a web based system where our members can access specific information, especially for dogs bred, trialed, and shown in the USA.
2) Add online catalog creation capabilities
3) Add the ability for members to update their dogs information
4) Add a breeders area for advertising and announcements
In addition, we need to require that our breeders conform to our”Code of Ethics”. Our members are under attack from groups who want to regulate and/or eliminate hobbyist breeders. We need to hold our breeders to a high standard and bring those breeders together to fight against needless regulations.
I appreciate if you would again give me your support at the GBM this year for National Breed Warden.
Ronald G. Harris
I would like to submit my name for nomination as National Breed Warden of USA.
I have been a member of USA since 1990. I have competed at all levels in both Conformation and Schutzhund. I am a three time member of the SchH III Club. I believe that my experience in both aspects of our sport makes me uniquely qualified.
My experience includes:
• I competed in 8 USA Sieger Shows with dogs that I raised, trained, and titled to SchH III. My dog, VA Lars v Wilhendorf, SchH III FH KKl 1, was the 1st dog bred, raised, and trained here in the US to be awarded a VA rating and the 1st to be ranked in the top (spitzen) group at the Bundessiegerzuchtschau.
He achieved this rating as Junghund in 1995 and as Gebrauchshund in 1997 and 1998.
• I bred, raised, and trained Lars’ grandson, V Arnot vom Tiefen Teich SchH III FH 1, KKl 1. Arnot retired 9x SchH III, having trialed at all levels including the HOT Championship, AWDF Championship, and Northeast Regional Championship. He also received a “V” rating at the USA Sieger Show in CT. I also raised, trained, titled, and showed V1 Keely von Wilhendorf SchH 1 KKl 1, Arnot’s mother.
• I am now competing with Guyot von Bachhaus SchH III, who I raised from a puppy. Guyot is now 12x SchH III and has earned respectable scores at 2 Regional Championships, including a podium placement in 2008, 2 National Championships, and the 2009 AWDF Championship.
• I am a founder and the president of Rivanna SchH and Police Club. Since we started in 2003 our club has held 13 trials, several helper seminars, and the Regional Helper Seminar. Members of our club, most of them “newbies,” have earned more than 60 schutzhund and advanced tracking titles. This number does not include the several dozen BHs.
• In “real life” I have an AB in mathematics, an MS in computer science, and was one of the founders and senior executives of a successful financial information company. When I retired in 1999 we had grown from 5 to 5000 employees, operating in virtually every country in the world where securities are traded.
I believe that we can have an open, transparent discussion among the EB and with membership about problems, solutions, and programs. I believe that in 20 years I have demonstrated a commitment to the German Shepherd dog in all its aspects. I have bred, trained, and handled in trials and shows at the club, regional, national, and international level.
Director at Large
Auditing Committee.
Raye Lynn Ackerman
I would like to submit my resume for the Auditing Committee of United Schutzhund Clubs of America.
My name is Raye Lynn Ackerman. I grew up in Martins Ferry Ohio, where I graduated from Martins Ferry High School. I attended Ohio University, Wheeling Community College, and Belmont Technical College. I have attended and received certificates from ABA classes and West Virginia Bankers Association Classes, throughout the years.
A little bit about my personal life. I live in Bellaire Ohio with my husband Jim Ackerman. We have been married for 29 years. We both graduated from Martins Ferry High School, class of 1973.
I have been employed by The Citizens Savings Bank for 32 years. My current position is Vice President, Loan Administration and Servicing. Citizens Bank is a division of The Citizens Savings Bank, Martins Ferry Ohio. I am responsible for the loans being processed and serviced.
I have 7 employees who report directly to me. I am responsible for the balancing of the entire Loan portfolio, which includes Commercial, Consumer Real Estate, Consumer, and Floor Plan loans. My department is responsible for processing and servicing ALL new and existing loans. In addition to balancing internal checking accounts, general ledger accounts, insurance accounts, escrow accounts, and the daily processing of new and existing loans. I must submit monthly a reconciliation report each month of these accounts. I process and remit on a monthly basis the Secondary Market Portfolio for Freddie Mac.
Citizens Bank is active in many government lending programs, such as SBA, Ohio Capital Access Program (OCAP) and Grow Now. I am responsible for reporting and remitting, setting up these accounts.
I also serve on many committees such as compliance, training. We have many internal and external audit exams which I am heavily involved each time. This also includes exams from the FDIC, and the State of Ohio.
I was treasurer of a local non profit club for 18 years. I was responsible for collecting all monies for dues, accounts payable and receivables, sending invoices each month to members. Being accountable for monies taken in during functions was a must. I reported on a monthly basis to the executive board and then again to the general membership of about 35 members.
My involvement and membership in USA started in 1992 with my husband Jim. We are members of O.G. Buckeye Schutzhund Club. Jim is Treasurer. I have been by his side training throughout his successful career. I am currently training a female from our breeding, Carley von Eiche Berg, (Pinkey).
Jim and I were very active in both World Championships in Boston and Cincinnati. We have successfully participated in many of our club’s National Sieger Show, Regional Championship and H.O.T. Championship, to name just a few. Each and every trial O.G. Buckeye hosts, we are there helping out in some way.
I believe with my experience I will be a benefit to the auditing committee of USA.
Beth Shea
My first German Shepherd came to me as a late Christmas gift in 1962 when I was thirteen. Since that time German Shepherds and the GSD world has been the one constant in my life. My involvement with German Shepherds has brought me gifts of great dogs and wonderful friendships.
I have trained and trialed my dogs in herding, obedience and schutzhund. I have also trained and handled my dogs in the conformation ring. I currently share my home with three dogs - Nemo , 11.5 years old, a son of Lasso Nuenberg; Remy, 7 years, a Dutch import from KNVP lines and her daughter Seffe. Remy and I just finished our Sch3 H.O.T qualifying me for the Sch3 club. She is also my working service dog as I have a mobility disorder. I am training Seffe as a successor service dog and while she has also shown a lot of talent for herding that training is on hold until I find a new job.
Over the years I have been a member of many local German Shepherd and Schutzhund clubs and have served in most positions at one time or another - secretary, vice-president, treasurer, seminar and meeting coordinator and trial secretary. I also served for five years on the National Herding committee of the GSDCA as part of the group that was instrumental in bringing herding competitions back to AKC breeds. While I am no longer a member of GSDCA, my thirty years of membership in that organization allows me a unique view of the history and politics and relationships of the various German Shepherd organizations in the United States.
I will bring a varied background to any position I am nominated for. By training I am a lawyer but have not practiced for quite some time, instead pursing careers in government, education and the private sector. My most recent experience lies in working as a law library director for private law firms. This is a job much akin to running a small business in that it demands skills in fiscal , personnel and material management. In addition to providing all library services, some of the additional areas I was responsible for included contract negotiation for electronic resources; budget development. tracking and reporting; accounts payable and training of staff and new associates in the use of computer resources. It is a job that requires a high degree of skill with computers and I have served on several informational technology committees. I have donated my time and expertise to professional and community organizations as well. I currently serve on the advisory board of the International Association of Assistant Dog Partners and have served for the past four years on the grant committee of my local credit union. While I believe my expertise and skills could be best used on the Audit Committee , I would be willing to consider another position.
Kris Taves
I have been involved in USA for 20 years at the national, regional and local level. I am a member of the Schutzhund 3 Club. Twice I have been selected as back-half SchH 3 helper at the North Central Regional Championship (96,99). I served as president of the Minnesota Valley Schutzhund Verein for two consecutive terms (96,97). I was elected to the USA Board of Inquiry in 1999 and 2000. I left the chairmanship of the BOI having been elected to serve as North Central Region Director in 2001. I have served numerous terms on the USA Auditing Committee.
I am honored to be considered again for service to the United Schutzhund Clubs of America.
Board of Inquiry
(Two blocks of posting due to Blogging constraints)
John Bochenek
(Incumbent) - 2010 elections
Region/Club(s): Mideastern Region / Metro-Detroit SchH Club and Der Michigan SchH Verein
Biography:
My name is John Bochenek and I currently serve as a Board of Inquiry Committee Member and wish to return to the position for another term. I live in Milan, Michigan and have been married to my wife Angelic for the past 8yrs. Together we have a 2yr old son named Deacon James. I have been employed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Detroit for the past 6 years as a Regulatory Biologist / Project Manager overseeing construction projects which impact upon Waters of the United States. During the course of my job, I routinely interpret and enforce laws regarding the protection of wetlands and other natural resources within in the Corps of Engineers jurisdiction. I feel this experience has helped during my past term on the Board of Inquiry and will continue to ensure that only fair and unbiased decisions will be delivered from the 2010-2011 Board of Inquiry Committee.
Relevant Experience / Associations:
USA Board of Inquiry Committee Member – 2008-present
Metro Detroit Schutzhund Club (USA Club) – Training Director - 2008-present
Der Michigan Schutzhund Verein (USA Club) – Vice President - 2005-present
Federation American Bulldog (FedAB) - AWDF Breed Club – Treasurer - 2007-2010
FedAB – AWDF Delegate – 2008-2010
FedAB – Judge/Helper Committee Chair - 2007-2010
American Working Malinois Association (AWMA) – member - 2007-present
Trial Helper Experience: (7) National Championships, (3) USA Mideast Regional Championships, and (9) USA Club trials
Email: johnbochenek@hotmail.com Phone: 248-860-5340
Laurie Coppola
My name is Laurie Coppola. I currently serve USA on the Board of Inquiry and would like to run for that same position again. I believe that we are an organization that should be run by it's membership and as such the onus is on the average member to step up and offer their service to the organization where they can. While serving this current term on the BOI, I strive to serve with fairness, integrity and accountability at each step of the process. In the sport I have trained and titled HOT dog(s) from the BH level to the Sch3, IPO3, FH level. I have competed multiple times at the national level with multiple dogs. In "real life" I am a registered nurse in a very busy Pediatric Intensive Care Unit that serves 3 states and 25 counties. We are a teaching hospital and part of my duties as a charge/transport/cardiac nurse is the development and education of new resident physicians, as well as a transport RN that goes into outlying hospitals and transports back critically ill children via ambulance or helicopter. I am honored to have served USA this past term and I look forward to serving again in the future.
Michael Gardner
Removed at Mikes request - August 12, 2011
Molly Graf
Margaret Graf "Molly" - 41 years old, single, homeowner, business owner, Schutzhund sport enthusiast. - USA member since 1992. - Trained/titled 5 dogs from 0 to Schh3,FH, and breed survey, conformation ratings. - 3 of these dogs were bred by myself. - One dog from my breeding has his HGH title, and is working toward his Schh titles. - Breeding under the kennel name vom Eichenluft since 1995. ALL of the dogs in my breeding program are Schh titled, hip rated, conformation rated and most of them breed surveyed. - Schutzhund sport competitor at club, Regional and National level. Also a competing member of the 2004 FCI World Team with a dog of my own breeding/training/titles. - Bronze, Silver, Gold and Masters' Gold Sports Medal Recipient. - USA Tattooer and Breed Warden for many years - Northeast Regional Breed Warden and BAC member for the past 9 years. - USA Seiger Show competitor, and supporter/competitor for Universal Seiger. - I am honest to a fault. Hard-working, making a living working hard and earning my income. I have never cheated or lied to gain any accolades, titles or scores. I train my dogs with motivational methods. I help with my region as much as I can. I have a reputation for standing my ground and helping those who need help. I do not tolerate people who abuse their animals, cheat or lie to gain points or accolades. When I state my opinion it is only when I am confident my opinion is correct and from first-hand experience. I enjoy helping people and freely give information based on my own experiences and knowledge. I am very interested in a position on the BOI.
Lisa Matarrese
Hello my name is Lisa Matarrese and I would like to be considered for the Board of Inquiry position with United Schutzhund Clubs. I live in Diamond, Ohio with my husband of 20 years, Pat, and our two children, Jessica, 18 and Cheney 17. I have been employed by H&R Block for 10 years where I am a Senior Tax Advisor. Prior to that I was employed by the State of Ohio at the Bureau of Workers Compensation, as a Claims Representative. When my children were younger I served at the Secretary for my sons Youth Wrestling Program for 5 years. I was the Treasurer of their Hotstove Baseball/Softball program for almost 6 years. It is my nature to help. I helped my husband start our Schutzhund club, Northeast Ohio Working Dog Association in 1999. We started with the two of us and two others, and I'm proud to say we now have over 20 club members. I organize at least two Schutzhund trials per year, including a regional event, and helper seminars. Pat is the training director of our club, so between working all of the club dogs and training his personal dogs, that leaves me to be responsible for all other aspects of our club. I make it my top priority to know the rules and keep current with changes. I have been the trial secretary for over 25 trials, including several regional events. I am not afraid to ask for help, or double check to make sure things are being done correctly. I am also a USA Tattooer for several years now. I feel like USA is on a good path with their breed registry. My husband and myself register all of our dogs and our litters with USA/SV, all dogs are A-stamped. Our dogs are always shown at USA conformation shows. We utilize everything that USA has to offer. Following the rules to keep the standards high with USA and the German Shepherd breed is very important to me. Having a USA club and being a member of USA for a big part of my life means I am responsible for educating others. It is important that I answer every phone call and email, I understand that I might be able to open one more persons life to schutzhund with a few simple answers to their question. It was a privilege to help at the WUSV in Cincinnati, what a superb event! Our youth program is such an important means of growth, the youth are our future.One suggestion I have that I believe would create greater USA membership is to offer seniors a discounted membership. I have spoken with several seniors that no longer physically participate in the sport, but would love to get a USA magazine every other month! Many seniors of course have limited budgets. I believe that it is impossible to grow without opening our minds to new ideas and accepting change. Change is the one constant thing! Good communication is a must. I feel that I have a lot to offer, it would be an honor for me to be able to contribute more of myself to being an officer of USA. The German Shepherd dog is my life, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I have been a loyal member of USA for nearly 15 years, I have no other club affiliations, I have no criminal history, no felonies, maybe a speeding ticket , but that would be it! I have an open mind and I am eager to help.
Board of Inquiry
(Two blocks of posting due to Blogging constraints)
Sean Murphy
Please consider this letter as my declaration for the position of BOI for the United Schutzhund Clubs of America. I believe I am qualified for this position with over 15 years of experience working as a manager/team lead, and have had to deal with conflict resolution. I am also the treasurer for South Michigan Schutzhund and Police Club.
My name is Sean Murphy. I grew up inTecumseh, Michigan, where I graduated from Tecumseh High School and attended Washtenaw Community College.
I currently live in Clinton, Michigan, and I have been a member of USA since 2004 and titled my first dog in 2007 to a BH. Unfortunately, this dog wasn’t able to be titled, however I am currently working a young working line shepherd with a lot of promise! I am a 0 time member of the SchH3 club, and have served on no committees in USA prior to this. I am a National level helper and have been chosen to try-out for 3 National level trials. I have been picked to work the front half in two of those trials. I have also been the front half helper for the Mid East Regional Championship for the last two years, and have worked numerous club trials.
I have been employed by the University of Michigan as a Senior Network Planning Analyst. I have been employed by the University since 1999. Prior to that I was a Field Support Engineer for a start-up internet company.
I hope you will consider me for this position of BOI. I feel it is necessary that any conflicts which come before this board should be carefully investigated and any necessary punishment should be just.
smurph@umich.edu
Steve Roberts
Removed at the request of Mr Roberts - April 25, 2011
Trish Sansbury
I would like to submit my resume for the Board of Inquiry of United Schutzhund Clubs of America.
My name is Trish Sansbury. I live in Ohio and I am currently the President of OG Buckeye Schutzhund Club and the Secretary of the Mid East Region. I have been a member of United Schutzhund Clubs of America since 1986. I have trained 3 dogs to a Sch3, 2 dogs to a Sch2, 1 dog to a Sch1, 1 dog to an FH, and 1 dog to an FH2. Every dog I have titled is HOT. I am currently training Devony, my Sch1 female, for her Sch2 and I am getting her father, Jax v Lindesfarne Sch3 FH2, ready to compete in the FH Championship. I have been breeding under the USA registered kennel “de Locherie” since 2004 and Devony is from my own breeding. I just recently submitted paperwork for my Gold Sports Medal, although I earned the points for it in 2003.
I have been a Professional Dog Groomer for 30 years and I have owned Dog Daze Grooming Salon in Cleveland, Ohio for 10 years. My business is a sole proprietorship and I am responsible for every aspect of its operation. I do all my ordering of merchandise and supplies, bookkeeping, and scheduling, along with grooming the dogs.
I am very active with OG Buckeye Schutzhund Club and volunteer for every trial, seminar, and activity we hold. I also have volunteered at Regional and National Championships as well as the 2009 World Championship in Kentucky.
I am submitting my bid for the Board of Inquiry because of a strong desire to support USA and I believe with my experience I will be a benefit to it.
Please accept my nomination for the Board of Inquiry.
Sara Wallick
After spending the last five and a half years as USA Secretary and working with the members of the Board of Inquiry, I have a deep appreciation for how important this committee is to our organization. USA needs members on the BOI who have analytical minds and have the ability to evaluate facts—and who are totally impartial. I feel I posses those qualities, and would appreciate having an opportunity to serve USA as a member of the Board of Inquiry.
Cathi Windus
(Member of the Noble Canine Schutzhund Club in the Mid Central Region)
I would like to volunteer for one of the open positions for Schutzhund USA.
I have been a member of 3 different clubs. Central Iowa Schutzhund Club, Iowa Hundesport Club and Noble Canine Schutzhund Club.
I have hosted varies Schutzhund training days for the Mid Central Region. I have been trial secretary, Club President, Club Vice President and Club Secretary.
I have planned, attended and participated in Helper Certification training. I have planned and hosted various training seminars in the region.
I have assisted in forming 2 clubs in our region.
I am involved in mentoring 3 youth members in our current club.
I want to increase the knowledge of the sport of Schutzhund in the United States and increase the number of youth members.
I am willing to be involved in the execution of future projects and education programs. I am willing to serve on any committee where I can assist the organization.
Judges Committee
Carla J Griffith USA # 26 SV Judge
I would like to stay on this committee because I was on this committee with Mark and I feel that I will be able to help the new director of judges. As the only Judge on this committee I have been very active . I have had my Judging license for 12 years and I'm also a teaching Judge, with this experience I feel that I can help with any problems or suggest better ways to do things. Thank you for your consideration.
World Championship Committee
Dale Franz
Summary: Dedicated dog owner with 20 years of pet / rescue / foster / service and most recently working dog training. A relatively new member to Hundesport, owner of a European working line GSD, with a strong appreciation of Schutzhund USA’s contribution toward the German Shepherd Dog’s purpose (as defined by Max von Stephanitz).
Experience: Breeds owned / fostered include Jack Russell Terrier, Border Collie, Australian
Shepherd, Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd dog.
Method: Positive operant conditioning - complemented by established leadership structures in an active family oriented environment.
Goal: Represent United Schutzhund Clubs of America as required.
I have had the unique opportunity to observe the 2009 National Trial and interact with senior leaders in your the organization, and as a new member was struck by the amount of criticism and complaints surrounding the venue and event. As a volunteer of Schutzhund USA my primary message will be to enhance the positive messages surrounding our sport, and ensure that leaders and participants understand the powerful perceptions that are established in new and future members by the “politics” and negative comments. In addition, I believe that the “infighting” amongst various working dog associations negatively impacts membership and participation for all organizations.
I believe USCA should establish a mission / vision statement which rises above the current fray and clearly states the goal of focusing on enabling environments and legislation toward: "Schäferhund ist und muß Gebrauchshundezucht bleiben!" -Max Von Stephanitz (roughly translated - The German Shepherd is and should always be a working dog).
