The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) announces the appointment of Lisa Gonzalez to the newly-created position of Vice President of Marketing and Communications effective Oct. 27, 2010. In this role, Gonzalez will provide marketing leadership for the AKC to ensure the long term sustainability of the AKC brand tradition as well as its future relevance. Her main focus will be growing AKC Registrations and Canine Partners enrollments, in line with AKC’s mission of promoting responsible dog ownership.

Gonzalez comes to the AKC with more than 20 years experience in brand marketing and sales in the healthcare industry. She most recently worked for GlaxoSmithKline, Inc. in Research Triangle Park, NC holding executive positions including Vice President of Respiratory Marketing, Vice President of Central Nervous System Marketing, and as a Vice President of Sales. She started her career in Brand Management in the Health and Personal Care Division of The Procter & Gamble Company. Gonzalez holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and a BS in Marketing from the University of New Orleans.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two Coton de Tulear, Cady and Nola, at her home in Chapel Hill, NC. When not playing with Cady and Nola, she enjoys cooking for friends, decorating, and reading mystery novels.

“We are pleased to welcome Lisa to the American Kennel Club in this new position,” said AKC Chief Operating Officer John Lyons. “Her extensive background in marketing and promoting existing brands will benefit the AKC and our overall business goals geared towards all dog lovers.”