The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce that Timothy Thomas has been hired as an Executive Field Representative. Thomas will join the staff on January 4, 2010 and will cover shows in the Florida and southeastern portion of the United States.

“Tim’s broad background in and passion for the sport along with his working experience with all-breed and specialty clubs will be a valuable asset to the department,” said Darrell Hayes, Vice President of Dog Show Judges. “He brings a wealth of experience to the Field Representative position and we are pleased to welcome him to our team.”

Thomas’ dedication to the sport began 28 years ago when he began exhibiting his family's Akitas and Norwegian Elkhounds in AKC Conformation and Junior Showmanship. For the past 19 years he has worked as an all-breed professional handler and bred Clumber Spaniels with his wife, Lisa. In addition, Thomas has been a Show Chairman and Cluster Chairman for the Steel Valley Cluster which features four days of dog shows, multiple Specialty events and one of the largest entries each year for an outdoor conformation event.

Thomas is a member of the Beaver County Kennel Club, Laurel Highlands Kennel Association and a current member of the AKC Registered Handlers Program (RHP) and the Professional Handler Association. Thomas’ participation in the AKC-RHP Junior Showmanship clinics has contributed to the success of the program and provided encouragement to junior handlers looking to continue their participation in the sport.

Thomas attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he earned a BS in Mathematics Education. Thomas currently resides with his wife and their two Jack Russell Terriers, “Kramer” and “Olive”, and their Clumber Spaniel “Giggles”.