ARBA Committees

We believe strongly in the value and purpose of the committees established by the ARBA Board of Directors. These committees provide essential service to the American Rabbit Breeders Association and its members by doing the thoughtful, behind-the-scenes work that helps guide informed Board decisions—always with the best interests of the ARBA and its membership at heart.

Special Committees are truly indispensable. They take on important responsibilities on behalf of the Board in areas such as fundraising, research, and engagement with members, government entities, and emerging technologies that may impact both rabbit and cavy hobbyists as well as commercial enterprises. Their efforts are central to the successful planning and execution of major ARBA operations and events, including the annual ARBA National Convention.

Serving on a committee does more than keep the ARBA running smoothly—it also provides an outstanding opportunity for personal growth and leadership development. Committee service offers members a meaningful way to contribute beyond the local level while gaining valuable experience for those who may wish to serve the ARBA in an expanded capacity, including as future Board members. We encourage any member with an interest in serving the ARBA and advancing our shared hobby to reach out to their District Director and make that willingness to serve known.

Standing Committees

Advertising & Publicity

Allyse Sullivan, WI-Chair
allysesully24@gmail.com
Karen Wadsworth, AL
Mike Huston, TN
Laurie Penterman, WI
Amber Tondre, TX
Sandra Wight, NY

Budget

Dave Freeman, OH-Chair
dlfreemanacgrc@yahoo.com
Becky Forney, PA
Linda O’Neil, FL

Commercial Dept.

Andrew Gauck, IN Chair
agauck@hotmail.com
Kelly Secord, CA
Randy Meyer, IL
Terry Grubb, OH
Don Mersiovsky, TX

Constitution Committee

Brock Meanor, PA-Chair
windyhillrabbitry@yahoo.com
Wendy Lange, WA
Debbie Sandoval, CA

Credentials Committee

Kathy Lugo, CA-Chair
centralvalleyrba@aol.com
Loretta Odabashian, CA
Becky Ormond, UT

Election Committee

Dr. Amy Mersiovsky, TX-Chair
admersiovsky@gmail.com
Dr. Karen Morgan, TX
Loyd Morgan Jr, TX
Jennifer Schimpf, TX
Donna Stone, TX
Alternate-Amie Klaus, TX
Alternate-Don Mersiovsky, TX

Resolutions Committee

Jennifer Burr, NY- Chair
jennburrny@gmail.com
Matt Fuller, CA
Piper Debrueler, SC

Research and Development Committee

Adam Schuller- CO Chair
10horses@gmail.com
Andrew Miles, OH
Paula Courtney, TX
Juilet Hamak, CA
Zach Newman, DC
Issac White, NE
Emma Ward, OR
Emily Colyn, CA
Dean Castillo, OH
Kathy Compton, IN

Rabbit Standards Committee

Briony Smith, KS-Chair
blsmith758@gmail.com
Armando Cabrera, CA
Rob Frizzell, MD
Andy High, AL
Mike Avesing, IA
Bruce Ormsby, IN
Alan Rafferty, CA
Tiffany Wayne, MN
Chris Zemny, CA

Cavy Standards Committee

Travis Finkle, MD-Chair
Travis856@gmail.com
Chase Austin, TX
Dale Mize, IL
Faith Storms, MD
Kathi Groves, CA
Cindy Newton, FL
Kelly Hansen, MI
Jason Whitehurst, OR
Dana Kolstad, ID

Youth Department

Valerie Uptragrafft- Chair
arbayouth@gmail.com
Melinda Smith, KY
David Delsignore,
Bruce Ormsby, IN
Theresa Christian, WI
Ashley Mahaffey,
Paula Courtney, TX
Luke Brewer, IA
Paula Keller, IN

Show Rules Committee

Phil Humfleet, GA-Chair
phil_humfleet@comcast.net
Karen Zgonc, GA
Tony Bell, TX
Arian Dworzecki, NV
Bruce Ford, GA
Jim Rowland, FL
Griffin Harrah, OR
Tara Parker, OK
Rich Steinberg, MN
Reed Tibbetts, TX
Joey Martin, OH
Christine Lorenz Conrelius, MO

Youth Scholarship Committee

Christi Ringelstetter, WI-Chair
GCRING01@AOL.COM
Kim Terrones, WA
Misty Polasik, CA
Karen Morgan, TX
Darrel Clutterbuck, IL
Kaitlyn Stone, GA
Mary Ann Churma, NY
Ethan Harvill, OH
Meg Whitehouse, NJ

Membership Services

Kelly Hinde, CA-Chair
hindekelly@gmail.com
Teresa DeSautell, TX
Allyse Sullivan, WI
Laurie Penterman, WI
Sandra Wight, NY

Special Committees

Airline Committee

Joe Kim, OR
joemalibu@hotmail.com
Maddie Pratt, MI

Special Committee – Club Liaison

Brock Meanor, PA-Chair
windyhillrabbitry@yahoo.com
Lonnie Harper, OH
Wendy Lange, WA
Debbie Sandoval, CA
Kendal Bledsoe, NC

Complaint Investigation

Appoint as needed

Convention Liaison

Ted DeLoyola, OR
tdeloyola@frontier.com

Domestic Rabbits

Sandra Wight, NY-Chair
domesticrabbits@arba.net
Eric Stewart, PA
Kathi Groves, CA
Debbie Vigue, ME

Equipment Manager

Bob Price, IN
wildwestwabbits@hotmail.com
Ted Deloyola, OR
Arian Dworzecki, NV

Judges Continuing Education Committee

Louis Potter, FL-Chair
Louis49x@yahoo.com
Briony Smith, KS
Kendel Bledsoe, NC
Juliet Hamak, CA
Jordan Miner, CA
Kathi Groves , CA
Cheryl Eng-Link, HI
James Goodrich, NY
Melissa Magee, CA
Kate Smith, CA
Pam Jones, MI
Mary Ellen Staments, NJ
Randy Shumaker, CA
Fayth Young, NC

Judge Review

Bill Patrick, OH-Chair
wpatrick8@aol.com
Steve Lussier, TN
Molly Covert, MI
Gail Krall, TX

Library Committee

Ellie Bonde, MD-Chair
ellieandrc@aol.com
Kevin Whaley-Co-Chair
Sharon Barnes, KS
Johnny Haussener, PA
Deb Morrison, OK
Paula Courtney, TX
Sharon Bauer, NJ
Jackie McDonald, MI
Karen DeHaven, TN
Julie Hannah Stewart, IN
Sally Larson, MN
Cheryl Smith, IN
Dan Main, PA
Michelle Forry, PA
Sara Forry, PA

Membership Recognition

Lois Rawlings (PA) Chair
rawlings319@gmail.com
Jason Karwoski, MN
Matt Fuller, CA
Bruce Johnson, WI
Dallas Meyer, IL

Rabbit & Cavy Health

Dr. Jay Hreiz, NC-Chair
Jehvmd08@comcast.net
Denise Ancharski-Stutler, PA
Dr. Tiffany Bohlman, IL
Dr. Wendy Feaga, MD
Dr. Alfred Mina, HI
Dr. Fritz Trybus, IL
Dr. Zach Sauer, IA
Kimberly Weems, MD
Rachel Penterman, WI

ED Performance Review

Rusty Westhoff-Chair
rustywtn@gmail.com
Johnny Haussener
Scott Rodriguez

International Liaison Committee

Kathi Groves, CA-Chair
Chase Austin, TX
Arie Wardhani, Indonesia
Richelle Briones, Phillippines
Josee Maher, Canada
Masako Miyazaki, Japan
Kamarulazwa Muhammand, Malaysia
Sally Turner, Australia
Beh Aik Kang, Malaysia
Yo Hui Ling, Malaysia
Wuttichai Thongnopakao, Thailand

Judge Mentor Program

Cheryl Eng-Link, HI-Chair
cenglink@gmail.com
Molly Covert, MI
Steve Lussier, TN
Randy Shumaker, CA
Johnny Haussenner, PA

Photography

Sandra Wight, NY
domesticrabbits@arba.net
Cheryl Eng-Link, HI
Ramie Grissom, OR
Shannon Wallace, CO

IT Committee

Barry Burton, PA-Chair
Rusty Westhoff, TN
Don Mersiovsky, TX
Scott Stockwell, RI