New York, NY – The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that Linda Hurlebaus has been hired as an Executive Field Representative. Linda will join the staff on June 4, 2007 and will be assigned the Southeast region.

“Linda brings a broad, hands-on experience with many breeds, valuable judging experience and extensive experience in AKC event planning to this position,” said Darrell Hayes, Vice President of Dog Shows. “The American Kennel Club is proud to welcome her to the staff.”

Linda began her dog career in 1970 and has owned or bred Old English Sheepdogs, German Shorthaired Pointers, Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Lhasa Apsos.

After a 22-year professional handling career, which included handling many top winning dogs in the Sporting, Hound, Working, Non-Sporting, and Herding groups, Linda joined AKC in the Event Plans Department. She later became Supervisor of Event Plans overseeing event approvals, Special Attraction requests, member club compliance, superintendent licensing, and customer service.

When she left the AKC in 1999, Linda began her judging career and is currently licensed to judge 45 breeds and the Sporting Group. She is a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America and the Atlanta Kennel Club.