American Kennel Club Chief Operating Officer, John Lyons, today announced the retirement of two longtime Executive Field Representatives, Kay Radcliffe and Harriette Borsuch.

Radcliffe was employed as an Executive Field Representative since March, 1983 and brought to her position years of experience as a Yorkshire Terrier breeder, and AKC Licensed Judge.

Borsuch, a former judge and long time exhibitor of Lhasa Apsos and Chow Chows, retires after 12 years of service to AKC as an Executive Field Representative.

“I thank Kay and Harriette for their many years of service and I look forward to their continuation in the sport as Judges,” said Lyons.

Last week, Darrell Hayes, Assistant Vice-President Judging Operations announced the appointment of two longtime fanciers to the Executive Field Staff. Lee Herr and Michael Canalizo, who together bring more than 70 years experience to the AKC, will be joining the AKC field staff in November, 2005.

Lee Herr of Wampum, Penn. brings more than 30 years of experience as a dog show judge and administrator to his new position. He has been an approved conformation judge for 10 years and judges the Terrier Group and most of the Herding Group. Herr has been active in the New Castle Kennel Club for more than 20 years. He has served as Show Chairman continuously since 1985 and has been President for 17 years. He has also served as Cluster Coordinator for their Memorial Weekend Classics. Herr will be relocating to Phoenix, Arizona for his new position.

Michael Canalizo has been active in the sport of purebred dogs since 1961. He is approved to judge the Hound Group, Best in Show and several breeds in the Sporting, Working, Toy and Non-Sporting groups. Canalizo is a member of the Afghan Hound Club of America, Westbury Kennel Association, Morris and Essex Kennel Club, the Garden State Specialty Association and American Dog Show Judges. He was Show Chairman for the Garden Specialty Association for two years and has held office in that organization for 13 years. Canalizo’s credentials include developing and presenting dog-related educational seminars worldwide, feature writing, and working as a contributing editor for numerous national and international publications. Canalizo will be relocating to Oregon.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Lee and Michael to the AKC. Both men have extensive knowledge of and genuine dedication to the sport of purebred dogs,” said Hayes. “I am confident that the Judging Operations department will benefit from the addition of these two exceptional fanciers.”