The CEB-US Nomination Committee has diligently put together a strong list of candidates to fill pending vacancies in the Board. We are proud to present the following candidates:
Peter Wax was originally selected to fill a mid-term vacancy for Post 1, and the Nominating Committee and Board of Directors now propose renewing his term for a full three-year term from May 2025 through April 2028.
A passionate supporter of CEB-US’s mission and the breed, Peter brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the board. Residing in North Dakota, he spends countless days hunting the prairies of the Dakotas and Montana, pursuing wild birds with his trusted dogs. He is also an active board member of the Big Sky Epagneul Breton Gun Dog Club and editor/author of the Whoa Post newsletter, where he works to promote and grow the breed.
A limnologist by trade, Peter’s true passion lies in hunting and training bird dogs—a journey that began 55 years ago with his first German Shorthair and has since grown to encompass extensive involvement in both field trials and testing venues. For the past 17 years, he has actively competed in the UKC Pointing Dog Program, while also spending 20 years testing dogs in NAVHDA and 13 years as a UKC pointing dog judge.
His deep-rooted commitment to the sport began with a milestone achievement—earning the very first blue ribbon in a UKC Open Trial with his dog, Zeus. From that moment on, he was hooked. As a board member, Peter hopes to apply his analytical skills and commitment to providing valuable insights to benefit both the membership and the future of the club.
Post 5 is currently held by Larry Ellison who took over the vacated seat with a year remaining in the term. The Nominating Committee proposes to renew Larry’s term to the full term from May 2025 through April 2028.
Larry Ellison brings a lifelong passion for bird dogs and upland hunting to the CEB-US Board. Residing in Alabama with his high school sweetheart and wife, Anne, he shares his home with two Epagneul Bretons and a setter, all of whom fuel his love for wild bird hunting.
An avid competitor and judge, Larry is actively involved in UKC, NSTRA, and AKC pointing dog events, where he enjoys seeing well-trained dogs showcase their refinement and watching young dogs and handlers bond over the uplands. Beyond the field, he has spent over a decade as an instinctive shooting instructor, training under the legendary Mr. James Rutland. Larry’s deep knowledge of bird dogs, hunting, and shooting sports makes him a valuable asset to CEB-US, and we are thrilled of the prospect of having him continue on the Board.
A lifelong upland hunter, Todd Butler was introduced to pointing dogs in his late teens and never looked back. Originally from Illinois, he started with American Brittanys before transitioning to Epagneul Bretons after relocating to South Dakota. In 2017, he welcomed his first EB and has since expanded his pack to four, each sharing his passion for the uplands.
Todd became involved with CEB-US in 2017 and attended his first Conclave in 2018, where he was warmly welcomed by fellow members and quickly immersed in the community. Since then, he has been an active contributor, serving on the Conclave Committee, Auction Committee, Live Auction, Sporting Clays Event, and Gun Raffle. His dogs get ample bird exposure through both hunting and guiding, and he remains deeply committed to preserving and promoting the breed. Todd values the Epagneul Breton's size, drive, and temperament—traits that make them exceptional companions in the field and at home.
The Nominating Committee and Board of Directors propose that Todd fill Post 7 effective May 2025 through April 2028, bringing his passion for the breed and dedication to the club to the Board.
In addition to our new board nominees, we also have a few internal transitions within the leadership team. Tracey Jacobson’s term as Club President is coming to an end, and she will move into the role of ex-President for the next year. Be on the lookout for a future newsletter highlighting Tracey’s incredible dedication and contributions to both the breed and the club.
Stepping into the role of Club President is Jeff Pleskac, who transitions from Secretary and President-Elect. Stay tuned — more about Jeff coming soon!
Lastly, Shooter Smith will be shifting from Post 7 to take on the responsibilities of Club Secretary.
We’re grateful for the leadership and commitment of these individuals and look forward to their continued impact on CEB-US!
To learn more about the nomination process, please refer to the By-Law (found in the Member’s Only Section of the website). Note, the new password for 2025 was sent over the weekend to all current/active members.
As things stand, your Club’s Board of Directors for 2025/2026 will be:
President - Jeff Pleskac
Ex-President - Tracey Jacobson
Vice President - Patty Lucasey
Treasurer - Chip Hidinger
Secretary - Shooter Smith
Post 1 - Peter Wax
Post 2 - Kaleb Miller
Post 3 - Nanette Smith Harwell
Post 4 - Colin Johnston
Post 5 - Larry Ellison
Post 6 - Kim Bartells
Post 7 - Todd Butler
Post 8 - Butch Nelson
Comentarios