Candidate for Vice President | Back

My name is Phil Casdorph and I would like to serve the GSPCA in the capacity of Vice President. My wife Stevi and I have been active in the breed since 1984 and together have put 11 Field Champion titles on our Von Kasdorf Kennel dogs and Stevi has finished three dogs to CH titles and added 8 Obedience Titles to 4 dogs along the way.

Many of you will remember me from my prior  service on the GSPCA Board of Directors. I served for ten years, from 1991 to 2000. I initially served as a Director, was elected as Vice President, and then became President when John Rabidou joined the AKC staff.

I have great memories of working with other GSPCA Board Members to help develop and send to the AKC the Insurance Package which has matured into the AKC Club Insurance package as we know it today. This plan has made it possible for many AKC clubs to obtain affordable liability insurance, without which many would have faltered. Another focus was the creation and funding of the John Merrell National Championship All-Age Trophy.  It’s hard to believe that we are in the eighth year of this project.  I also enjoyed creating, purchasing and marketing exclusive NFT Merchandise from 1997 until the ’04 Championship. I have also enjoyed serving as the “Purina Handler of the Year” Coordinator (AKC) since the program began in 2000.  It’s my way of giving back to our number one corporate sponsor.

There have been a number of major changes in my life since my terms in office ended. First, I retired after 38 years with MetLife. My wife, Stevi and I sold our home in Redlands, CA and just completed building a new one in Paulden, Arizona, where we are close to good hunting, training and field trial grounds.

Lately, several well known and influential leaders among our breed have asked me to return to service in the GSPCA. They cite some very important reasons and I have agreed. We need to reinstate some of the old proven practices and we need the Club to take steps forward to modernize and to achieve fiscal soundness. In my opinion, GSPCA Board members should commit to not only attend both Annual Board Meetings, but to attend the National Specialty and the National Field Trials (whether they are competing or not). Board members and Officers need to have a good understanding of our entire Breed and to develop a good understanding of what activities will benefit it overall, not just from their primary focus.

I also believe that it’s time to take a long look at our Publication needs and weigh the alternative uses of the funds required to print and mail a slick hard copy color magazine 10 times a year. Many agree that having an electronic magazine that would be in your email on the first of the month, containing Show, Field, Obedience and Agility information would be a great alternative, and the cost savings would enable the Club to fund many other important projects. Over a 10 year period, these savings would amount to upwards of $250,000. This is not a small amount and a consideration of our spending priorities must include putting all budget items on the table.

I have always enjoyed working to better the German Shorthaired Pointer breed and with more time available now, I look forward to serving the GSPCA once again. I appreciate your support and your vote.