The Palmetto Chapter wants to thank Adam Blair, VP from 2020 to 2025, Jim Howell, secretary from 2021 to 2024, and Jimmy Nelson, member at large since 2021. We experienced some heavy times with Adam, who almost lost his life in an accident, but by the grace of God, is doing wonderfully now with a booming business. He and his wife, Katie, are raising two beautiful daughters. Although Adam plans to continue helping with our test, snake clinic, and training when his schedule permits, he must dedicate more time to his family and business for now. Jim Howell has served as a dynamic secretary, and his vibrant personality has always been a welcome to our new and seasoned members alike. As a major enthusiastic member, Jim always brings joy and laughter. With his own business requiring travel across the U.S. and engagements as a keynote speaker at several events this past year, Jim is stepping down but plans to join us at training weekends at CFFT (GMHT). Jim Nelson served as a member at large and is now busy with family growth, including grandchildren, business, and family needs. His two GSPs are enjoying their acreage and time with family. We thank you for your dedication over the years.
We placed several calls for nominations to fill positions, and we are pleased to announce this year’s board with a huge welcome to the three members filling the roles of those who stepped down. We encourage members to consider giving back to the club, as there are many ways to volunteer besides the board; just let us know your interests and expertise, and we are sure we can use the assistance, as we are a member-run club. We are delighted to introduce you to your board members.
Member at Large: Tyler Steinhauer: Tyler and his wife Sarah joined NAVHDA in 2024. Tyler has a GSP named Pearl, which they got this year, and he has attended every training session since then. Tyler and Sarah even started attending prior to the arrival of their puppy. Tyler has been growing as a handler and wants to give back. We are excited to have Tyler and Sarah as members, and both are on our testing committee.
Treasurer: Missy Bettis brings us another dedicated year as treasurer. Missy has fulfilled this role for the past 3 years and was also our past test secretary for a few years. Missy is the owner of many dogs, but she entered the versatile breeds with her Bracco Italiano in 2018, becoming a member of NAVHDA. She now owns 3 with many awards! Thank you for being willing to do the bookkeeping and reports.
Secretary: Nikki Bowman. Nikki joined NAVHDA in 2022 when she and her husband Lee got Lana, their Pudelpointer. Nikki is an excellent trainer and has helped on many training days; she and Lee have been significant contributors on test days. Nikki brings an eye for detail, creativity, organization, and is an excellent teacher. We are super excited to have her on our team as secretary. We have watched Nikki and Lana excel; they were our chapter’s first Gun Dog participants, and we look forward to seeing Lana at her Utility Test.
Vice President: Jeff Conaway joined NAVHDA in 2022 and has been training and testing his German Wired Hair Pointer, Izzy. Jeff also guides at QHF with Izzy. While Jeff is relatively new to NAVHDA, he is not new to hunting dogs, having owned and worked with many over the years. Jeff is an excellent teacher who gets excited for others to learn, especially our youth. Jeff has taken our test and aims clinic, has a great understanding of NAVHDA, and has helped us in most roles at training and testing, including being our field marshal at times. Jeff is dedicated and attends the majority of events. We look forward to working alongside Jeff, whose expertise will bring growth to all.
President: Melody Sweet is a life member of NAVHDA since 2000. Melody has always had German Shorthaired Pointers and, after obtaining a breeder’s award, has been hooked on NAVHDA ever since. Her passion is hunting, especially for Ruffed Grouse. She grew up hunting without dogs but, once introduced to the combination, will never hunt without them again. She loves providing opportunities for people to see and enjoy what versatile breeds thrive on, and seeing the excitement and passion when everything comes together makes all the hard work worthwhile. She looks forward to this year as both puppies and people grow in their abilities.
Test Secretary: Amanda Gruhn accepted appointment again this year as the chapter’s test secretary. Amanda joined us in 2020, she and her husband Otto own Drake and Penny with both dogs achieving many awards. Otto has also gunned for us at our tests and both shorthairs have ample of hunting opportunities with Amanda and Otto. Amanda does a wonderful job at organizing all the paperwork that is entailed for the test as each dog’s entry and handler information is prepared for the judges during the test and sent on to international. Amanda secures our judges for us and works with judge steward to ensure their time here is well managed.