The American Kennel Club® has announced the appointment of Margaret H. Poindexter to General Counsel. She is replacing Michael F. Swick who is retiring after seven years with the AKC®.
The General Counsel and the legal staff are called upon by the AKC Board and staff to review, draft, and negotiate contracts, manage all litigation, protect AKC’s intellectual property, provide legal counsel and corporate advice, monitor compliance issues, and prosecute charges filed under the AKC disciplinary system.
Poindexter will continue her duties overseeing the Compliance Division, which consists of Inspections and Investigations, Case Management, DNA Operations, and Compliance Support departments. AKC’s Compliance Division is charged with ensuring the accuracy of the registry and upholding standards of care and conditions for AKC registered dogs. The AKC is the only registry in the U.S. with an ongoing kennel inspection program. In 2007, AKC field inspectors conducted more than 5,600 inspections nationwide.
Poindexter joined the AKC from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Atlanta, GA where she was responsible for providing legal counsel on a range of issues relating to single family programs, including enforcement and compliance. Prior work experience includes 10 years at the U.S. Department of the Interior as trial counsel and agency advisor, three years in construction management and four years as a member of a law firm engaged in general civil practice. She holds a law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law, and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
An avid animal lover, Poindexter is involved with both dogs and horses. As a teenager she showed Saddlebred horses which evolved into an interest in Pembroke Welsh Corgis. For nearly 20 years Poindexter has competed as an owner-handler in Conformation, placing titles onboth Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis. She has also showed Australian Shepherds, PBGV's and a Labrador Retriever and participated in Obedience, Agility and Herding. Currently she is focusing on Obedience with her Labrador Retriever “Sydney,” with the goal of doing therapy work with her.
Poindexter is a member of the Southeast Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club, the Greater Atlanta Labrador RetrieverClub, and the PBGV Club of America. She also has two horses, and has been extensively involved in equine rescue work, serving as president and chairman of the Foundation for Shackleford Horses, Inc., and an officer of the Georgia Equine Rescue League, Ltd.
“We are extremely pleased to have Margaret assume the role of General Counsel,” said AKC President and CEO Dennis B. Sprung. “In addition to her long-time experience in AKC events and with the fancy, we have great faith in her professional abilities and knowledge of animal welfare. With her background including both legal and business experience, she is ideally suited to oversee the dual responsibilities of our Legal and Compliance departments.”