About Us

President
Gary Andersen
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Gary has been involved with AKC for 50 years. A member of SCTC for 20 years, he served on the board in various positions for 15 years. He is an AKC judge of 30 years for 6 groups.  Gary owns Smooth Fox Terriers and one Russell Terrier.

Vice President, Show Chairman
Susan Lucas
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Susan is a charter member of the Sun Country Terrier Club. She has competed in both Obedience and Conformation since 1982. Susan and her husband have shown and bred Airedales, Smooth Fox Terriers and currently Welsh Terriers.  Both Bob and Susan trim, condition and show their Terriers. Susan is a member of the Welsh Terrier Club of S. California, The Airedale Club of America and The Welsh Terrier Club of America, of which she is a board member. Susan has served as a board member, Vice President, Treasurer and currently President of SCTC which she has held for eight terms.  Susan is dedicated to preserving the Terrier breeds and the sport of pure bred dogs.

Treasurer
Elizabeth Johnson
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Born and Raised in Arizona, Elizabeth has owned dogs all her life. Her dream as a little girl was to show dogs, but she was not sure what breed. Elizabeth joined the Sun Country Terrier Club in 2014 with her husband Kirk. They own American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and a Cane Corso (who thinks he is an Amstaff). She has trained all her dogs by herself.

Recording Secretary, Membership Chair, Breeder Referral, Trophy Chair, Christmas Party Chair
Ramona Benson

Ramona showed and bred Scottish terriers for over 35 years including 20 years in Australia, and showed in England on several occasions. In 2001, Ramona had the #9 dog All Breeds. The Scottish Terrier Club of America 2001 awards; the # 1 Scottie for Breed & Best in Show points (2000 also), Stud dog of the Year, Brood bitch of the Year, Breeder of the Year. With SCTC, Ramona has previously served as Vice-President, treasurer, judges selection, nominating chair, Match Sec and board member for many years.

Corresponding Secretary, Newsletter Editor, Club Photographer, Match Chair, Assistant Show Chair
Madeleine Horn, Psy.D.

A newly elected board member as of 2023, Madeleine has been a member of SCTC for 3 years and has been an owner-handler in AKC conformation for 3 years. She championed her first show dog, a West Highland White Terrier in one year, and is now conditioning her Airedale Terrier puppy for show. Madeleine has earned her dogs titles in obedience and conformation. She is also a member of WHWTCA. Dr. Horn is passionate about breed preservation, and welcoming and mentoring newcomers into AKC sports. 

Board Member, Show Chair
Nancy Lentz

Nancy started showing dogs over 35 years ago with Rough Collies, and has been a member of the Sun Country Terrier Club for over 20 years.  She got her first Norwich Terrier in 2001. Nancy is a breeder, owner, and handler of Norwich Terriers for more than 20 years.  She is also a member of the Norwich Terrier Club of America,  Northern California Norwich Terrier Association, and the Collie Club of America. 

Board Member
Naomi Waynee

Naomi has had Bull Terriers for 40 years and Rat Terriers for 11 years and is living with two Bull Terriers and one Rat Terrier. She joined SCTC in 1994 and has served in many board positions and as show chair and assistant show chair. Naomi also belongs to the Bull Terrier Club of America and has served in many capacities on the Board (currently as Second Vice-President). She aided the Rat Terrier Club of America achieve AKC recognition and is currently on the board for the Bull Terrier Club of Central Arizona.

Board Member
Luis Altamirano

Growing up, Luis assisted his father in breeding Boxers on the East Coast and has been conditioning dogs since he was a child. Luis has experience working with English Bulldogs and American Staffordshire Terriers. He has shown and championed many of his dogs in conformation. He currently shows his American Staffordshire Terriers internationally and plans to continue showing in Mexico to earn foreign titles. Luis has been a member of SCTC for three years and serves on the board as a newly elected member.

Board Member, Head of Education Committee, Legislation
Kathi Elliot

Kathi lived in Florida for 20 years before happily returning to Arizona. After purchasing her first Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 20 years ago, it didn’t take long to fall in love with the breed and become involved in conformation and then as a breeder and owner handler participating in AKC shows in the Southeastern US and Canada. While conformation and breeding have been her primary focus, Kathi has participated in scent work, agility and herding. She has been a member of the FL Wheaten Club since 2003 and was president from 2011 – 2015. Kathi served on the board of the National club and was a member of the Tampa Bay Terrier Club. 

Board Member
Linda Muhlenfeld