I've been around rabbits my entire life as my family raised them before I was born. However, my personal involvement began in 1975 as a 4-H project. I was a member of the same club for 11 years and held all elected offices along with serving on the junior leaders and junior fair board. I participated in many safety speaking and demonstration contests. I later volunteered as an adult advisor for 12 years and was a rabbit barn superintendent at our county fair. At one point I was also a member of our county's senior fair board. And yes, I am a former FFA member, too!

As 4-H advisors, my family and I stressed showmanship to our members. Not every member could afford to buy a grand champion quality animal or have the space to raise enough litters to find that animal. Even if they could, that animal might decide to molt at fair time. But with showmanship, that ability can't be bought, and it won't go into a molt. I think some of my proudest moments as an advisor were spent watching my kids grow as people and the teamwork they displayed.

Over the years there have been many breeds come and go through my barns. However, I've raised Californians consistently since 1975, Silver Martens since 1976 and added Havanas in 2000. I like the experience of raising both 4 class and 6 class size breeds. Depending on the time of year, my rabbitry normally consists of 250 to 300 head.

In 1986 I obtained my registrar's license and worked at many shows to gain experience handling a large number of breeds. In 1990 I became a licensed rabbit judge and I truly believe this is one of the best moves I've ever made. Becoming a judge has given me many opportunities to experience things I wouldn't have otherwise. I normally attend around 70 shows per year as a judge, exhibitor, or both. I still have that desire to show and feel I should put competitive animals on the table since I am commenting on other exhibitor’s animals while judging. Remaining an exhibitor myself helps me remember what the exhibitors are experiencing when they show under me.

Over the years I have served in many elected and appointed positions.

• National Silver Marten Rabbit Club
  • Director [At least 10 years]
  • Vice President
  • Served on many club committees as either a member or chairperson
• Ohio Silver Marten Rabbit Club
  • Secretary/Treasurer [13 years]
  • President
  • Vice-President
  • Director
• Ohio Californian Rabbit Specialty Club
  • Vice-President
  • Director
• National Havana RBA
  • Served as a member and/or chair of multiple committees
• American Rabbit Breeders Association
  • Current ARBA District 8 Director
  • Former chairperson & member of Judges Continuing Education Committee
  • Former member of Constitution Committee 

 I am currently serving my fifth term as Southwest Director in the Ohio State RBA. Along with my director duties, I'm also involved with the annual mini-convention and have learned so much about what goes on behind the scenes of a show this size. For three years I chaired the annual judge’s conference.  I also serve as the Youth Advisor; working with the Youth Director, I assist with the various educational sessions used to prepare our members for competition.