We are pleased to announce that Michelle Persian has been named Director of Agility for the American Kennel Club.

Michelle brings extensive experience in AKC Agility to this role. Most recently, she served as an AKC Agility Field Representative, where she worked closely with clubs to support successful event execution, mentored judges, reviewed course designs, contributed to judge education, and helped plan and manage the AKC’s premier national agility events. Prior to joining the AKC, Michelle was an accomplished AKC agility judge.

Michelle began her competitive agility journey in 2002 with her English Springer Spaniel, Noodle. Together, they achieved the prestigious Master Agility Champion (MACH) title. She later found national success with her Border Collie, Bria, winning the 12-inch Preferred Challengers Round at the 2018 AKC National Agility Championship.

Before joining the AKC, Michelle founded and served as Executive Director of a nonprofit youth orchestra organization, where she oversaw operations, budgeting, staffing, and both domestic and international performance tours. She also brings more than 35 years of experience as a music educator, conductor, and instructor. Many of you may also recognize Michelle from her inspiring performances of the National Anthem on violin before the opening of AKC National Agility events.

As Director, Michelle will lead the largest agility program in the world. She is passionate about working collaboratively with exhibitors, clubs, judges, trial secretaries, volunteers, and AKC staff to build upon the program’s strong foundation, foster continued growth, and ensure that AKC Agility remains a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Please join us in congratulating Michelle on her new role and welcoming her to the leadership of this outstanding sport. I know she will continue to serve the agility community with the same dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm that have defined her career.  

8/11/2026 – Welcome Nick Sparks, new AKC Agility Field Representative

Nick began his judging career in 2010, with assignments spanning from Nashville to Alaska and Hawaii. Idaho remains the only state he has yet to visit. Each judging opportunity has broadened his understanding of agility, its clubs, its diverse locations, and the people who sustain the sport. His work with the American Kennel Club has been especially meaningful; the welcoming nature of both competitors and their dogs has made every weekend feel as memorable as the first. His final assignment as an AKC judge will be equally distinctive, shared with teams he has observed, evaluated, and competed alongside for many years.

The dog pictured with Nick is Fiona—the sheltie who began the Sparks family’s longstanding involvement in the sport. Rescued as a puppy in 2006 by Nick’s wife of 27 years, Phyllis, Fiona quickly became a defining presence in their home. Nick still hears good‑natured reminders about “taking her dog.” Fiona was the first in what would become a succession of accomplished shelties, each earning multiple titles across multiple venues. She achieved MACH 4, co‑hosted The Agility Show with Nick, and inspired a fundraising initiative for Purdue University’s Veterinary School following her diagnosis of bladder cancer.

Breanna is Nick’s current champion and continues the tradition of excellence. She has earned multiple national titles, including AGCH, and has represented the sport at Westminster on three occasions—each time earning a double Q and placing within the top ten in the 12‑inch division. Since Nick’s first run in December 2007, his commitment to agility has remained unwavering.

Nick has resided in Nashville for more than three decades, having relocated there after graduating from Baylor University’s business school. He later earned a second degree in Music Business from Belmont University. His professional career in music production encompasses engineering, studio management, and the creation of specialized projects ranging from full‑length albums—including recordings for his wife, a professional harpist—to theme park and cruise ship productions, as well as film scores. His work has been recognized with numerous honors, including two Grammy Awards, Producer of the Year from Airplay International, and a production credit on a film awarded Best Picture at the Orlando Film Festival. His career has taken him across the United States and internationally to mainland China.

As Nick enters the next chapter of his involvement in agility, he does so with deep appreciation for those who have supported, encouraged, and stood beside him. His aim moving forward is to apply the lessons learned, continue expanding his knowledge, and contribute to making the sport even more enjoyable for all who participate.

Nick’s first day will be Monday, August 17, 2026

 

8/3/2026 – Welcome Daniel Wolfson, new AKC Agility Field Representative

From his earliest memories, dogs have always been part of Dan’s life. From a Great Dane named Liz to his current canine companions, there have been very few times when there wasn’t at least one dog underfoot trying to trip him.

Dan has been actively involved in AKC Agility since 2004, when he began competing with his first of several Shetland Sheepdogs. He became an AKC Agility Judge in 2016 and has had the privilege of judging many of the sport’s premier events, including Westminster, the AKC Premier Cup, the AKC Agility Invitational, and multiple AKC National Agility Championships, including serving as the Finals judge. One of the aspects he enjoys most about judging is designing courses and then having a front-row seat to watch handlers and their dogs work together to solve the challenges he has created.

Dan and his wife of 41 years, Linda, live in Palmetto, Florida, with their three dogs: Piraat, a Border Collie; Kona, a Border Collie; and Bourbon, a Shetland Sheepdog. They are also proud parents of two adult daughters, Racheal and Leah, and grandparents to two of the most adorable grandchildren on the planet—though Dan admits he may be just a little biased.

Before discovering the sport of dog agility, Dan and Linda competed nationally in both roller speed skating and bicycle racing. More recently, they have enjoyed traveling the country in their Airstream, Stella—named after their first Border Collie—to visit friends and family while judging and competing at agility trials along the way.

When he’s home in Florida, Dan enjoys reading, cycling, training his dogs, tackling projects around the house, and, as any Floridian knows, cleaning up after the occasional hurricane.

Dan is excited to begin his new role as an AKC Agility Field Representative and looks forward to supporting judges, clubs, exhibitors, and the continued growth and success of the AKC Agility program.

Dan’s first day will be Monday, August 3, 2026

 

7/22/2025 – Manage Class Function This is to announce an enhancement to Agility online plans that makes it easier for clubs to manage their events. The new Manage Classes function found on the Online Event Management page can be found on the home page (https://www.apps.akc.org/apps/eventplans/index.cfmas) as seen below:

The new function will allow clubs to add and remove classes such as Time2Beat, FAST, Premier, etc. to previously corresponding events instead of having to email/contact the Agility department. Instructions on how this function works can be found where it says ‘View Help Guide’ once you click on the Manage Classes page: If you are having any problems please email at AgilityOnlineApp@akc.org.

May 23, 2025 – The following revisions in our program are designed to help meet the growing need for judges. This proposal will allow provisional judges more latitude in accepting judging assignments.  All assignments are subject to scheduling for Field Rep supervision/attendance. Please be reminded that schedules are established well in advance, void of holidays, and those adjacent to/during AKC events. AKC Provisional Agility Judge Progression                                              LEVEL 1 – FIRST TWO (2) ASSIGNMENTS

• May accept Novice/Open, FAST and T2B as a sole judge
• Eligible to judge ALL levels through Ex/M & Premier (exception ISC) when splitting an assignment with another fully approved judge (if all levels are included).
• 350 run max per day total between two judges, if one ring
• TWO-day maximum assignment
• One judging assignment in a 30-day period

LEVEL 2 – OTHER ASSIGNMENTS

• May accept all levels – individual or joint (no ISC until full status)
• Eligible for 3-day assignment (could be solo or multiple judges)
• One assignment in a 30-day period for each