Richard Vitolo, Chairman
Term: 2019-2021
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Richard was first introduced to Boykins by a friend who bred them in 1986 and has been a LBD owner and fan of the breed ever since. With his first two Boykins he trained and participated in local field trails, as well as, in the BSS national trails. Always, he says, the dogs exceeded his rookie training skills! His current Boykins, Dixie and Maggie, (#s 6 & 7) are both BSR alums. Since 2004, Richard has served BSR™ as a foster/transporter and most recently a member of the Finance Committee.
After a career in commercial real estate lending and finance, Richard and his wife and retired to the Foothills of NC where he volunteers in several capacities for their neighborhood POA. In addition, he volunteers with a group that maintains a section of the The Mountain to Sea Trail in NC, is a member of the local Master Gardner organization and serves on the advisory board of the local YMCA. |
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Jill Freeman, President
Term: 2018-2023
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Jill joined BSR™ as a volunteer in February, 2010. She became a foster of a pregnant dog less than two weeks after becoming a volunteer-that experience was "baptism by fire" and she learned a lot about the administrative end (medical expenses, processes, how transport trains were put together etc) at warp speed. She then took on the Regional Coordinator role in North Carolina in May of 2010. Later that year, Jill took on still more responsibility by adding Transportation Coordinator and Communications coordinator roles.
Jill became Executive Director in 2015, and held that position through February 2017. In March 2017, the Board unanimously voted that she take on the role of President of the Board. In addition to her wide ranging role within BSR™, Jill has worked as an English teacher, Project Manager, Volunteer Coordinator for MASC and Baker. |
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Lynn Jacobs, Treasurer
Term: 2017-2023
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Lynn's introduction to Boykin Spaniels was 25-30 years ago via her parents and one of their friends. She and her Mother became involved in BSR™ in 2005, and she currently serves as a foster and transport volunteer for BSR as well as Treasurer.
Lynn also volunteers as treasurer for her local bicycle club and serve on the BOD of Louisiana Society of Enrolled Agents, having also served on committees for the National Association of Enrolled Agents. Other interests include bicycling, reading, walking and running with the dogs and working out at the gym. Her household currently includes a Boykin Spaniel, Button (12, inherited from my late mother), as well as a Sussex Spaniel, Pete (10). Lynn has a vibrant career as an Enrolled Agent (federally authorized tax professional) as well as a Louisiana civil law notary and a U S Tax Court Practitioner. |
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Susan Kahler, Secretary
Term: 2021-2023
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Susan got her first Boykin Spaniel Reesie from BSR in 2002. After extensive training, Reesie received his therapy dog certification. He loved his patients and they loved twirling his top knot. Reesie received The President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Obama. Reesie crossed the bridge in 2014, having dedicated many years of service to humankind.
BSR Alum Sophie joined the Kahler household in 2010. She was called out as a fine example of the South Carolina state dog during a carriage ride around Charleston and children lined up to pet her after the ride. She met Reesie at the bridge in 2019 after having brought much love and joy to her family. The current resident (and spoiled rotten beyond redemption) Boykin is BSR Alum Dobby. Happy go lucky Dobby joined the pack in 2015 and has been devoted to his family ever since, although Susan is really his favorite family member. Dobby likes to shred rope toys but thankfully not pillows, nap on the sofa instead of his dog bed, and eat ham, the good kind with brown sugar. His most favorite thing of all though is giving doggie kisses as nothing says I Love You like a good slurp on the face. Susan claims that help keeps the wrinkles away and wishes she could bottle it. Thanks to Reesie, Susan joined BSR as a volunteer in 2003, then moved into the NC regional coordinator role not long after. Susan also served as the Executive Director for BSR from 2004-2007. It was through BSR that Susan met her close friend Julia Horner (now Angel) and they would make a day of transporting dogs all over NC and SC. Over the years, Susan has remained close to BSR and most recently served on the Succession Planning Committee. Professionally, Susan has been in the software technology area for over 30 years and is now focused on leading a team of product marketing professionals at SAS. Susan is also an adjunct professor at Capella University in the data analytics program. Susan is delighted to join the Boykin Spaniel Rescue team and through her involvement will honor Reesie, Sophie, Julia and the many LBD’s that crossed her path in rescue and entered her heart. |
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Julie Cox-SeidelTerm: 2020-2023Julie became enamoured with the Boykin Spaniel breed in 1985 while working for the SC House of Representatives during the legislative debate to name them as the official state dog. Many owners brought their Boykins to committee meetings during testimony. She totally fell in love with the breed and has had Boykins since. Julie and her husband decided to always have two Boykins, and were approved by Boykin Spaniel Rescue™ to adopt our first rescue about 15 years ago. It was at that time we realized how many Boykins actually needed to be rescued or adopted - especially older dogs. Maggie (Abbi) came from Missouri, J.J. (Molly) from Georgia, and Victor and Remy from NC.
Julie has lived in Columbia since she attended college at USC where she earned two bachelors degrees and did graduate studies in economics. Thesis: Health Care Cost Containment. Julie has worked for the House Ways and Means Committee before starting her own business. She is the founding partner of Capitol Information Affiliates LLC (CIA) in Columbia SC. CIA provides legislative lobbying, monitoring, non-profit association change/compliance, strategic planning, and executive management. Julie is excited to be a part of the Boykin Spaniel Rescue™ team and pledges to do her best to further the mission of the organization. |
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David D'Agresta
Term: 2019-2021
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Having a love affair with hunting dogs most of his adult life, David got his first Boykin in 2003. Having had five over the following years, he and wife Robyn currently have three, Abby, Gia, and Oats. Being active in the Southern Boykin Spaniel club, competing in local roustabouts and dock diving, dove hunts, and working pheasant tower shoots as pick up teams, they enjoyed the versatility of the breed.
Adopting came first, and BSR™#869 Chipper, left an indelible mark. Experiencing the impact Chipper made as an ambassador for BSR™ within his community, David wanted to do more, and volunteered as a transporter. Oats, BSR #1111, came after Chipper passed, and is carrying on that legacy in true Boykin fashion. Having retired from a 28 year career in law enforcement, David wanted to give back more to help the breed, and hopes to do so as a Board of Directors member with BSR™. |
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Catherine Danforth
Term: 2021-2023
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Catherine first experienced life with Boykin Spaniels when her parents brought one home when she left for college. Charleston was the best Boykin, but was lost at the young age of four to lymphoma. Her family was hooked though and three more Boykins have joined the family.
Catherine’s first experience volunteering for BSR was assisting in the transport of a dog 600 miles from Georgia to Virginia. Since, she and her mother have participated on numerous transports and other projects for BSR. Her family has fostered a number of dogs, including ones recovering from difficult surgeries. Her other activities include volunteering with the Atlanta Sports Council, Atlanta Track Club, Georgia Aquarium, and the High Museum of Art. Catherine has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services with a concentration in Non-Profit Administration. She is employed as a paralegal and primarily works in risk management and defense of civil cases. |
Bob Riggs, Succession Planning Chair
Term: 2019-2021
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Bob has had various dogs as companions and family pets throughout his life. In 2013, after the loss of a 16-year-old rescue, he started to research canine companions. He was looking for a dog with chocolate fur that loves water, one which could potentially hunt, and that are good with people and other dogs. He discovered the Boykin Breed, did his research, and a couple of months later his pup (Sir George of Fairfield) came to California and became part of the family.
George and Bob became inseparable. He was the first dog that he had ever bonded with so completely. Always at his side, whether in the vineyard, the shop, or around the house. A 24/7 companion for sure. In February of 2018, at just 5-years-old, George crossed the bridge. Bob decided to adopt a Boykin rescue, because they had fallen in love with the breed, and they adopted BSR™ Alum Mojo, a six-year-old rescue, in April 2018. He joined the pack with 6-year-old Jack Russel rescue and 3-year-old Maremma, and indeed brings a whole new spirit to their farm. Bob named the first wine bottled at the Forever Farm & Vineyard in George's honor, the Boykin Blend, which won a silver medal in the American Wine Society annual competition! Cheers to George! Bob has 40+ years of experience in management positions (both domestic and international) in manufacturing with hundreds of employees and staff. He has developed business plans, budgets and goals, and responsible for implementation of methods and procedures to meet and exceed those deliverables. Bob us recently retired and wanted to take an active role in a volunteer organization, especially to honor George and Mojo. |
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John Steinmeyer
Term: 2020-2023
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After admiring the breed for years, John got his first Boykin Spaniel when he and his wife Carol welcomed an 8-week-old puppy named Sadie into their family in December of 2017. John and Carol have always had dogs but circumstances never allowed for a Boykin to join the mix. Sadie immediately found her way into their hearts and John became even more interested in Boykins because of their loyalty, intelligence and energy level. In the summer of 2019, he discovered Boykin Spaniel Rescue and signed up as a volunteer and adoption applicant.
That August they were asked to foster an older Special Needs Boykin named Crash. Crash was 11-years-old with several health issues. With his advanced age and multiple health issues, it became apparent to everyone that it would not be in Crash’s best interest to transition again to a new environment. So, it was decided Crash would remain with John and Carol. Both Sadie and Crash get along very well with a third dog, 8-year-old Ginger, a Cavachon. As if 3 dogs weren’t enough, there are 2 cats in the family also. Professionally John has over 35 years of experience in financial services, working in a corporate setting for 17 years and then directly with clients for the past 19 years. He has his own investment advisory firm and also is an Investment Advisor Representative licensed with the SEC. John has particular expertise in planning for retirement, especially distribution of income in retirement, and in legacy planning. He also has an interest in charitable giving and planning. John is a native Charlestonian and his family’s history here dates back over 200 years. He is a graduate of the College of Charleston Over the years, John has been involved in numerous civic groups and non-profit organizations, and was active in coaching youth sports. He has served as treasurer of his church for the past 15 years and is a member of its finance committee. In addition to BSR, he also regularly volunteers at the MUSC Children’s Hospital |
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Non-Voting Team Members
Jeannine Culbertson, Executive Director
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In 1995, a sad brown dog with haunting amber eyes sat in the local SPCA waiting for the right person to make him theirs. He had already been turned back into the shelter twice for being too attached to his adopters and following them everywhere, and again for being messy at his waterbowl…hardly offenses in Jeannine’s mind! Devoted to her husband, the dog was christened “Shadow” and was never more than a few feet away. It was their veterinarian who told them what a Boykin Spaniel was, while the family preferred to think of Shadow as simply “the greatest dog ever.” When Shadow passed in 2010 at the age of 16, it was firmly decided that a boykin spaniel needed to always be a part of the family, and Jeannine researched rescues, zeroing in on Boykin Spaniel Rescue™. A match was not to be had for the 2 years of her first application, and so Rider was purchased from a nearby breeder. A second application was submitted as a renewal and in 2013, BSR #814, Scooter, came to join the family. Neurotic with separation anxiety and crate phobia, getting him settled and secure was a labor of love. At the same time, Jeannine was leaving a career in Architecture and looking for opportunities to use her project management skills for something worthwhile. Boykin Spaniel Rescue just happened to need a Regional Coordinator, and it was settled, Jeannine had gone to the dogs.
Prior to BSR™, Jeannine had had a career as a museum facilities specialist and exhibit planner with various architectural firms since graduating University of Virginia with a BS in Architecture in 1987, and from Virginia Commonwealth University with a MA in museum studies in 1992. Extracirricularly, field hockey had remained a passion of Jeannine’s since her middle school days, and she continued to play in adult leagues around Virginia. During her child-rearing sabbatical from architecture, while also managing a custom reupholstry business, she developed and managed a community program to teach umpiring to young players and provide coverage for the Parks and Rec system games. She also coached goalkeepers at the middle school and high school level, and became a certified umpire for high school, collegiat and US levels of play. Pulling together all the threads of her project management and passion for hockey, Jeannine started and managed a local non-profit organization aimed at cultivating interest in the sport at all levels throughout the area. Once committed to BSR™, Jeannine continued to put her organizational, technical and project management skills to use, not only as a Regional Coordinator, but later as Transport Coordinator, then Intake Coordinator and Assistant Executive Director to Jill Freeman. In 2017 Jeannine accepted the position of Executive Director of BSR™, focusing on the “Dogs and People” side of the organization. Along the way, a third boykin has joined the home, and Rider, Scooter and Ziggy provide daily input to her work helping little brown dogs everywhere, mostly from the couch in her home office! |
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Eric Grubbs, Outreach Director
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Eric joined BSR™ as a volunteer in 2009. He has been a foster, transporter, as well as having served on the Medical Care Committee, and Executive Director from 2012-2015. He currently serves as Outreach Director.
Eric trains and handles dogs in field competitions, is a HRC AA Judge for all classes. He also took HRCH, UH, MHA Pawley's Island Boy "Paw" to the first ever rescue Boykin Spaniel to receive HRCH and MHA titles, who also was the 2014/15 Upland Dog of the Year for CBSRC and back-to-back Upland Doubles winner in 2016 and 2017. Eric is the Immediate Past President of the Carolina Boykin Spaniel Retriever Club, has been a Board Member with the Boykin Spaniel Society and as the BSS Registry Chairman. |
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Lynne Brown, Director of Operations & Marketing
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Lynne joined BSR™ as a volunteer and then Regional Coordinator in 2016, after a 25 year career from corporate life as Vice President of International Business at a medical device manufacturer. Her roles throughout her career included sales, marketing, strategy and operations.
During her time as Regional Coordinator, she started assisting with some of the Marketing efforts and working with the team to develop ways which BSR™ could update operational infrastructure and streamline processes. In 2016, Lynne was asked to take on the role of Director of Operations and Marketing. Lynne's responsibilities include oversight of the marketing and operations, including fundraising and website development. Lynne is a dedicated PFC foster, and spends much of her time with her PFC foster, Ruthie. |
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