The President’s Award

Bio to come

Susan Hamil serves on the Board of Directors for the AKC Canine Health Foundation.
Ms. Hamil graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and California State University Fullerton with a Masters degree in Library Science. She is a licensed veterinary technician in the state of California and managed Canyon Animal Hospital in Laguna Beach.

Susan serves on the Board of Directors for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. She is an Honorary member  of the American Bloodhound Club and served on their Board of Directors as President and AKC Delegate. Susan currently serves as AKC Delegate for Shoreline Dog Fanciers of Orange County, California. Ms. Hamil has twice been selected as AKC Hound Group Breeder of the Year and has been awarded the AKC CHF’s President’s Award. 

Susan was a founding member of her local breed club's shelter rescue program. Susan and her husband, John, a retired veterinarian,  have three grown sons. They live in Laguna Beach, California.

Mari-Beth O'Neill has dedicated much of her life to dogs as Vice President of Sport Services for the American Kennel Club, a breeder of top-producing dogs of several breeds, and dedicated supporter of CHF. She pioneered several collaborations between AKC-affiliated organizations, including outreach to veterinary students and the AKC/AKC CHF/TF Small Animal Theriogenology Residency Program to invest in canine reproductive specialists that support the health of current and future generations of dogs.

Duane and Connie Butherus have devoted more than 50 years to dogs. From showing prize-winning Afghan Hounds to serving as officers for many clubs, they are dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of dogs. Duane is currently on CHF’s Board of Directors and served as Chairman of the Board from 2013 to 2015. He is also currently a member of CHF’s Scientific Review Committee. Connie is the past president of the Afghan Hound Club of America, Afghan Hound Club of Northern New Jersey, and Central New Jersey Hound Association. In addition, she is a current member of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, Morris & Essex Kennel Club, Tuxedo Park Kennel Club, and Delaware Gap Kennel Club.

Cindy Vogels served as Chair of the AKC Canine Health Foundation Board of Directors from 2007 to 2010. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in advancing the Foundation’s mission to fund canine health research. A native of Rockville Centre, New York, Cindy's passion for dogs began in high school. She and her mother bred over 100 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier champions and have owned top winners in several breeds, including Kerry Blue, Norfolk, and Welsh Terriers, Brittanys, and Greyhounds. Cindy is an AKC-approved judge for Sporting, Hound, Terrier, and Toy breeds, and has adjudicated at prestigious shows worldwide, including Best in Show at Westminster KC and Montgomery County KC.

In addition to her dedicated leadership at CHF, Cindy is a former President and AKC Delegate for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America and serves on the Board of Trustees for Take The Lead.

Elanco Animal Health has generously supported CHF research and programs on canine health topics including dermatology and allergic disease, immunology and infectious disease, oncology, and tick-borne diseases. As a leading organization from the animal health/veterinary pharmaceutical space, they demonstrate a longterm committment to the health of animals. Elanco was also a sponsor of the Infectious Disease and Canine Cancer session at the 2019 AKC Canine Health Foundation National Parent Club Canine Health Conference. Kristin Bloink, DVM, MPH, PA-C, DACVPM, Senior Director of Global Research and External Innovation, accepted the award.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has generously supported CHF research on numerous canine health topics including musculoskeletal disease, thyroid disease, genetics, oncology, neurology, and the education of Clinician-Scientists in canine health research. CHF and OFA co-sponsored creation of the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), which includes a database used to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds and a DNA repository to facilitate research aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited disease in dogs. Since 2009, OFA has co-sponsored the Veterinary Student Scholarship Program, which provides funds for students from US schools of veterinary medicine to attend CHF’s biennial National Parent Club Canine Health Conference. In 2018, they generously supported CHF’s Clinician-Scientist Fellowship Program,  surpassing a milestone of cumulative giving of over $500,000.

Ann Viklund, Director of Conformation for the Professional Engagement Team at Nestle Purina PetCare Company, is a member of the CHF Board of Directors, currently serving as Secretary and as a member of the Board’s Executive Committee. According to Dr. J. Charles Garvin, Chairman of the CHF Board of Directors, “Ann’s dedication, intelligence, experience and enthusiasm make the CHF Board of Directors and the Foundation much stronger. On her own and as a representative for Nestle Purina PetCare, she always goes above and beyond for CHF. We are privileged to have her on our Board and she is richly deserving of this honor.”

In 1995, the American Kennel Club (AKC) founded CHF to advance canine health research. The AKC’s cumulative investment of nearly $24 million in financial support to further the mission of CHF includes office space and other in-kind services to keep operating expenses low, and helps maximize the dollars CHF puts toward research. In 2016, the AKC made a commitment to CHF’s Tick-Borne Disease Initiative, matching contributions to $250,000 to help further research in this important area. Additionally, they continued the Donor Match Challenge Program, matching $500,000 of contributions from new and lapsed donors

Since 1997, The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. has contributed more than $331,000 to support canine health research. The 55 grants supported by the club have helped make significant strides in the care and treatment of health concerns that not only impact Labrador Retrievers, but all dogs. According to Dr. Diane Brown, CHF chief scientific officer, “The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. truly exemplifies the spirit of giving for the benefit of canine health. Their generosity and dedicated efforts to advance quality health research in partnership with CHF is making a difference for the world’s beloved Labrador Retrievers and all dogs.”

Mr. Thomas A. Grabe, publisher of The Canine Chronicle, has underwritten the printing and distribution costs of CHF's annual calendar, Champions for Canine Health since 2007. Mr. Grabe and The Canine Chronicle have also been lead sponsors of CHF's Canines & Cocktails event in Orlando, FL and have publicized this and other Foundation events. According to CHF Chairman, Dr. A. Duane Butherus, "Tom and The Canine Chronicle, have been long-time supporters of the Foundation. Their monetary and in-kind donations, as well as their ability to publicize CHF's work, are exceptional." All told, through the support of Mr. Grabe and The Canine Chronicle, more than $1 million has been raised to support canine health research.

Bobby Christiansen, president of MB-F, a leading business in producing and managing dog shows. Star Dogs, begun in 2000, allows people entering dog shows to add a $1.00 donation to their entry fee to benefit the AKC Canine Health Foundation. According to CHF Chairman Dr. A. Duane Butherus, "The longstanding support from Bobby and MB-F has helped CHF spread its mission to help all dogs live longer, healthier lives. Not only does the Star Dogs program introduce people new to dog shows to the great work CHF is doing, but it also serves as a corporate model to others, emphasizing the importance of giving back." In addition to the Star Dogs program, MB-F supports the Foundation events through their popular infodog.com website and provides other marketing resources as in-kind donations.

Mr. James T. Stevens is the recipient of the 2012 AKC Canine Health Foundation President’s Award. Lee Arnold, chairman of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, made the announcement at the December 2012 board meeting, stating, “Jim has been an ardent supporter of CHF, and his tenure on the board has benefited the Foundation by implementing sound fiscal policies so that we can continue to advance our mission to help dogs live longer, healthier lives.” Stevens was the Chief Financial Officer at the American Kennel Club for 10 years before retiring in the fall of 2012. From 2002 to 2007 Stevens served CHF as a financial advisor in an informal capacity, before being elected to the CHF board in 2007 and serving five years.

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company’s North American Pet Foods president, Terence Block, was presented with the 2011 AKC Canine Health Foundation President's Award. Lee Arnold, the Foundation’s chairman of the board, presented Block the recognition during the 2011 National Parent Club Canine Health Conference dinner at the Purina Event Center in Gray Summit, Mo.

“It is an honor to present Terence Block with this prestigious award,” Arnold says. “Throughout his career, Mr. Block has continued to demonstrate his commitment to canine health research and the companion animal industry. We pause to recognize his efforts and celebrate his contributions.” Block, who joined Nestlé Purina PetCare Company (formerly Ralston Purina Company) in 1977, retired in 2011.

Presented at the "Gala by the Bay" in Long Beach California, Chairman, Cindy Vogels said, “Each year it is the privilege of the Chairman to select the recipient of the President’s Award. This year I am delighted to honor two individuals who have given generously and selflessly for years.”  She continued, “They have contributed, not only monetarily – often anonymously – but have also devoted their energies, intelligence and spirit – helping engage others in our quest. From the bottom of my heart, my thanks to Bill and Tina Truesdale.”

The Award was presented at the “Gala by the Bay” in Long Beach, California.  Upon presentation at the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, Chairman Cindy Vogels noted, “In their quiet, unassuming way, JoAnn and Roy have made enormous contributions to CHF.”  She continued, “In addition to extraordinary financial bequests, they also lent their tremendous business expertise to the Foundation.”

The Award was presented at the “Gala by the Bay” in Long Beach, California by Chairman Cindy Vogels.  The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America has been a model in demonstrating a commitment to conquering the diseases which threaten our dogs.  Always generous contributors, the Berner community made an enormous effort in 2008, raising nearly $80,000 for Bernese Mountain Dog health.

The Award was presented at the “Gala by the Bay” in Long Beach, CA.  Acting President of CHF Cindy Vogels noted, “For many years, the Golden Retriever Club of America and the Golden Retriever Foundation have been enthusiastic and generous supporters of the AKC Canine Health Foundation.  Members of the club have supported over 40 research grants in topics including diabetes, hemophilia, hemangiosarcoma, canine brain tumors, and osteosarcoma among many others.”  Vogels continued, “Golden Retriever owners continually spread the news and story of CHF.  They work tirelessly to raise awareness and the funds necessary to support the research leading to the breakthroughs and discoveries that amaze us each and every day.”  

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has generously supported CHF research on numerous canine health topics including musculoskeletal disease, thyroid disease, genetics, oncology, neurology, and the education of Clinician-Scientists in canine health research. CHF and OFA co-sponsored creation of the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), which includes a database used to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds and a DNA repository to facilitate research aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited disease in dogs. Since 2009, OFA has co-sponsored the Veterinary Student Scholarship Program, which provides funds for students from US schools of veterinary medicine to attend CHF’s biennial National Parent Club Canine Health Conference. In 2018, they generously supported CHF’s Clinician-Scientist Fellowship Program,  surpassing a milestone of cumulative giving of over $500,000.

Dennis Sprung, President and CEO of the AKC accepted the award on the first evening of the 2005 National Parent Club Canine Health Conference in St. Louis, sponsored jointly by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company and the American Kennel Club. 

CHF President Wayne Ferguson noted, “The AKC launched the Foundation in 1995 with a $1.6 million donation.”  He continued, “The 2004-2005 Endowment Challenge proves the AKC wishes to continue this robust alliance.  When we raise the remaining $25,000 toward the challenge, our endowment will have increased $1.5 million in funds that will support the Foundation in perpetuity – giving us the underpinning we need to direct more of what we raise to canine health research.” 

Tina Truesdale accepted the award on behalf of her husband, ABCF President Dr. William Truesdale, at the Charity Ball, sponsored by Nestlé Purina and held in conjunction with the International Kennel Club Cluster of Dog Shows in Chicago.

 “This Foundation has funded a remarkable 17 grants aimed at finding answers to many of the diseases that strike Boxers and so many other breeds; diseases like cancer, cardiac disease and thyroid disease”, John Studebaker, then-President of CHF noted. “Over the past nine years this group of devoted dog fanciers has contributed over $317,000 to canine health research. This sets a sterling example to breed clubs across the country.”

Because club members contributed so much to this achievement, Studebaker said, a second President’s Award presentation was made at the American Boxer Club National Dog Show in May of 2003.

Nestlé Purina PetCare has helped fund a host of important initiatives of the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. In 2002 alone, Purina generously supported the Canine Cancer Initiative, the Canine Cancer Conference, Canine Health Online, the International Kennel Club of Chicago Nestlé Purina Charity Ball and many other projects.

We extend our deep appreciation to a company that has proven its dedication to canine health, both by supporting projects of the Foundation and by developing new programs such as the Parent Club Partnership Program, to further the Foundation’s mission.

Tom Crowe, Founder of MB-F, Inc., was honored in a surprise presentation at "A Night To Remember," a gala fundraiser held on the eve of the AKC/Eukanuba American Dog Classic in Orlando. Mr. Crowe was honored for his dedication to the sport of dogs and the future of canine health. He has been a dog show superintendent for more than 40 years and active in the dog fancy for more than 50 years. He holds a Doctorate in Medicine, but dogs and shows have kept him far too busy and have yet to let him stray from the calling of the dog world. He has been a professional handler, and he held a pilot's license from 1938 until just recently. He continually keeps himself and his business up-to-date with the latest computer technology, and he resides in Melbourne, Florida, with his wife Lois and their Toy Poodle, T.J. Fuzzie.

Lou Auslander, President of the International Kennel Club, was honored at the Ralston Purina Charity Ball the evening of February 24 during the IKC weekend of dog shows in Chicago. His many years of work with dogs and dog clubs has always included the utmost concern for canine health, and, as Charity Ball Co-Chair Lee Arnold explained, "There is no one more respected, no one more admired, and no one more committed to receive this very prestigious award. This was a unique honor bestowed upon a man who is more than well-deserving of it."

Dr. Ostrander is Chief of the Cancer Genetics Branch at the National Human Genome Research Institute of NIH where she also heads the Section of Comparative Genetics.  She received her PhD from the Oregon Health Sciences University, and did her postdoc training at Harvard.  Ostrander then went to Berkeley, where she began her work in sequencing the canine genome, and worked also at the Lawrence Berkeley National Labs on the Human Genome Project.  She then conducted studies at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and University of Washington for 12 years, rising to the rank of Member in the Human Biology and Clinical Research Divisions, and Head of the Genetics Program. 

Her current research interests are in the area of genetic mapping and genomics.  Her lab works in both human and canine genetics and focuses on diseases associated with complex underlying genetics such as cancer and hip dysplasia.

"Elaine is a true pioneer in the discovery and mapping of the canine genome – an invaluable tool in the fight against disease,” noted Wayne Ferguson, then-president of the CHF.  “The Directors of the Foundation realized early on the potential of the genome sequence and made this a top funding priority.  Discoveries by funded investigators led to a landmark $50 million study of the canine genome by the National Institutes of Health – and, without it, I believe we would not have seen nearly as much progress in this short amount of time.”

Upon accepting the award, Dr. Ostrander noted, “This is truly one of the most prestigious honors I've received.  Asa Mays was an amazing man who left this world far too soon.  He was dedicated to canine health in so many ways; a visionary and a leader.”  Dr. Ostrander continued, “I am so proud to be the first recipient of this award.  On behalf of my many collaborators as well as all of the breed clubs that have generously shared their dogs DNA and their personal stories with me over the years, I say thank you.  My challenge now is to live up to your expectations.  I will continue to do my best."

Bruce Korson received the President's Award at the Ralston Purina Charity Ball the evening of February 26 during the International Kennel Club weekend of dog shows in Chicago. Korson was recognized for his work in developing several influential projects as a Director of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, including the making of the first video and the establishment of the President's Council which has grown to over 140 members in 35 states.