The American Kennel Club® is pleased to announce that effective January 14, 2008, Ms. Lee Whittier of Woodstock, Vt. will join the AKC® Executive Field Staff covering shows in the Northwest area of the United States.

Whittier grew up in a family involved with Collies, Golden Retrievers and horses, riding competitively for a number of years. She has been an active participant in the sport of purebred dogs her entire adult life, training and handling her own dogs in conformation and obedience. She has bred top-ten, top-producing, Best In Show and multiple specialty winning Rottweilers during the 80’s and 90’s under the Legend prefix.

Whittier is a member and a past show chairperson of The Woodstock Dog Club, Inc., Medallion Rottweiler Club, and the American Rottweiler Club. First approved in 2000 to judge Rottweilers, Lee is now a judge of 16 Working breeds, Bouvier des Flandres and Junior Showmanship. During the last 20 years, she has run a successful business as a mediator supporting clients within a small Vermont community.

“Her tenure in the sport, 13 years experience as show chair, seven years of judging and professional skills in mediation will combine to give Lee unique insight in her new position of AKC Executive Field Representative,” said Darrell Hayes, Vice President, Dog Show Judges of the American Kennel Club. “Her experience in conflict resolution and working with clubs will be an asset to the department and of great benefit to the sport. We are thrilled to have Lee Whittier as the newest member of a talented and dedicated AKC Executive Field Staff.”