About Me

Former Persian and Himalayan Breeder-first started showing/breeding in 1987

TICA Member since March 2005

Southwest Member of the Year/South Central Member of the Year and Sportsman of the Year

Licensed TICA Judge since August 2021, 

    My history provides essential skills and experience in dealing directly with people/businesses, sometimes under unpleasant and stressful conditions, with courtesy and integrity.  Spent several decades in positions that encompass following/enforcing laws/rules/regulations/policies. My law enforcement and business tax collection experience (among other positions) required the ability to observe and read situations clearly, maintain confidentiality, evaluate without personal bias or motivation and always with respect.  My family, friends and co-workers can attest to a solid individual who thinks outside the box, highly ethical and with a strength of character.  

As you look into my pages,  you will see that employment has not prevented me from leading a full TICA life-my energy, loyalty and commitment to TICA remains high and has been consistently for many many years--this is not new.     Besides the fact, retirement is on the horizon (yay!)   Certainly, a Regional Director is busy and interactive--please know that I have the coordination, time and certainly the energy to engage with my fellow Board Members, my region and TICA worldwide.   

My start in TICA was with the Denver club High on Cats where I became a member and worked with cat show production.  I branched off some years later and have chartered three new clubs, became Board member on five other clubs spanning several different US states/regions.  I have done tasks ranging from stewarding to show manager; at times entry clerk/show manager/master clerk AND cooked for judges and exhibitors for the same show.  Worked with other clubs to perform duties as an entry, master or ring clerk.  Show manager/entry clerk for the Yellow Rose Cat Club in which I am President; am open to entry, master or ring clerking elsewhere if requested and available.  Assist with show sponsorship paperwork and TOES set up for other clubs/shows.

Exhibitor of many different breeds-ranging from Persians to Sphynx, Havanas to Siamese, British Longhairs to Household Pets.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

In the fall of 2009, I was elected as the TICA Southwest Regional Director.   During the January 2012 Winter Meeting, Colorado was returned to South Central and thus ended my time as an RD.  Yes, I have represented my Region at the time as a Regional Director and thus have some experience on the Board of Directors.
 

DEPUTY REGIONAL DIRECTOR

 Vicki Jo Harrison, as South Central Regional Director, appointed me as Deputy Director for Colorado (and for a bit New Mexico when still in South Central region).  As requested, I would work with her on communication for Colorado members, exhibitors & clubs.  

I produced and sent/posted the South Central Region e-newsletter to assist in keeping our members up to date on TICA & South Central matters (upcoming events and shows, elections, Board Meetings and the like).

Consistently assisted in setting up the Regional awards; coordinated the Denver South Central Regional Banquet in 2018.  

Yes, I have represented my designated area of the Region as a Deputy Regional Director and thus have experience in the various communications and other aspects to our Region.  


JUDGING COMMITTEE

The TICA Judging Committee was formed a few years ago and I am the first Trainee approved by the Committee to enter the Judging program.  I have followed and continue to be interested in the changes that they have implemented, the ideas produced and have been tasked with.   Due to this interest in the Judging Committee and their functions, and having just completed the training program, I feel I have a decent perspective as to how the JC affects our Trainees, members that are considering the Judging Program and the panel as a whole.   This view from a newly advanced Trainee to Probationary Specialty judge in August 2021 gives me a fresh perspective which will be an advantage when considering interactions between the Judging Committee and the Board.   I also read the JC Agendas/minutes, listen to the meetings and enjoy the e-newsletter produced.  

 

MARKETING

I have a good working relationship with our Marketing Director and Committee.   I was/am always thrilled to co-host the TICA booth at several veterinary conferences in conjunction with AAFP, AVMA and WVT alongside "Bee" my Bengal (sometimes with Willy the Siamese and recently with Boots the HHP).  These conferences promote a terrific partnership between TICA and our Veterinary/Vet Tech communities.   With hundreds of professionals on site, we aim to provide feline interaction in person, and talk about TICA and our wonderful breeds.  I have coordinated cats for the Cat Handling Seminar held by Dr. Rodan and participated in several others.

Participated in numerous Meet the Breeds events in New York City.   You could find me setting up the main TICA booth, manning space (whether the main, a breed or Dr. Elsey's booth) and assisting Cheryl Hogan, the Event Manager, with filling breed booths and coordinating setup for attendees.

Also have worked with TICA Marketing and with our TICA Partners several times as Event/Show Manager of the Denver County Fair Kitten Pavilion at the National Western Event Complex.   The Kitten Pavilion was a popular area for thousands of visitors.  We were able to enjoy Lil Bub and Venus the Two-Faced Cat along with multiple vendors and Colorado rescues.   Cat Agility was on hand and utilized as a fundraising tool for our rescue groups.  Cat In The Hat even showed up!

I was the point of contact and one of two TICA representatives at Caturday events with Royce-Hurst Humane on Colorado's Western Slope.   We hand out TICA Spectator Guides, Coloring Books, Partner pamphlets/coupons/giveaways and held Sleepypod Giveaways.  "Judged" the shelter cats and presented prizes from TICA and our Partners.

During the onset of Covid in 2020, the Virtual Show project came to fruition after a late-night conversation with a fellow South Central Region member.   The idea and concept spread to other regions around TICA, spawning other organizations and groups to duplicate with success.   Other than entry clerk, working with sponsors and even some Virtual judging, I maintained contact with Roeann and the Virtual Show team to coordinate prize distribution in conjunction with the Regional/Finale.  This includes sending goodie boxes to all the Finale Juniors with prizes from TICA and sponsors.

Yes, representing TICA outside of the Show Hall is important.   Your elected official should be involved not just in the Board Room but in outside activities.

MISCELLANEOUS

Last couple of summers, judged in-person 4H Cat Show and provided TICA "swag" for all the participants. Presented a What Color Is Your Cat class/conversation in which we discussed colors and tabby patterns.

Listened to and completed multiple exams with online CEU breed/judging/genetic seminars.  Attended the first in-person CEU Fiesta Memorial Day weekend 2022.   Also, as required, completed the yearly Judges Refresher Exam. 

The Denver clubs hosted the Regional Awards Show And Banquet while I was the Southwest Regional Director.   Assisted Econo Cat Club by coordinating the South Central Regional Banquet in 2018.  Assisted with the January 2022 Annual Banquet Coordination.

Co-entry clerk shows with new clerks to assist them in learning how to Entry Clerk.

Co-Chairing the TICA Junior Exhibitor Program, presented an update to the program at the TICA Annual 2022, sending boxes of "Welcome" around the world to encourage our Juniors enroll and feel welcome.   

 

 

 

Cuddlebug Persians and Pals

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