Steve Fielder accepts position with AKC

In order to minimize any potential hardship on Steve I have elected to not make any announcement until tod ay. Having said that, it is not without regret that I must inform the coonhound world that Steve Fielder has decided to accept a position with the American Kennel Club. The AKC has, for some time now, had a desire to target the coonhound world and Steve will now serve as their Director of Coonhound Operations. I feel certain that Steve will demonstrate the same level of expertise and professionalism with their company that he brought to PKC.

I have enjoyed the pleasure of working with Steve for the past seven years or so. During that time Rita and I have had the additional joy of getting to know, and work with, Steve’s wife Carol. They have became not only dear friends of ours but also a part of our family. We will miss the opportunity of working at our events with them but they will remain a part of our family.

Steve has, over the past several weeks, discussed the stress that this decision has caused him. I am sure that anyone who has been in the same position can relate to just exactly what he is going through. I feel confident, however, that once he begins performing the new duties he will be assigned he will become more at ease.

As most people are aware, prior to joining the staff of PKC, Steve was employed by United Kennel Club. The many years of service he gave that organization and the loyalty and dedication he demonstrated, while there, were my precisely the motivation behind my attempts to have him come on board with us. I have never had any regrets in that decision and I am quite sure that AKC will over time feel the same.

I am happy for Steve and I wish him the best of luck in his new endeavors. I know all of you will join me in wishing the very best of success to Steve and his lovely wife Carol.