The Regional Board

NELLI RACSKO

Pasadena, CA

Email: intoigp@gmail.com

As the Regional Director for the Southwestern Region, Nelli feels honored honored to have been entrusted with this important responsibility.  With decades of involvement and experience in the field of IGP training, breeding and showing of German Shepherd Dogs I am truly passionate about promoting  their welfare and protecting their heritage. 

In fulfilling my duties as Regional Director, I will take great pride in supporting member clubs and upholding the organization's objectives.  I will promptly attend to Event Authorization requests and be available to answer any questions that may arise.  I am committed to promoting the growth of clubs in our region and will make sure that both of our regional events are held each year.  I will work hard to foster a culture of excellence and sportsmanship among our member clubs, encouraging them to push themselves to achieve their fullest potential. By working together, we can build a vibrant and thriving community of working dog enthusiasts that is second to none.

In closing, I am very pleased about the opportunity to work with my fellow board members to ensure the success and growth of the SW Region of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America.  Together, we will uphold the principles of excellence, sportsmanship, and community that define our organization.

OSCAR MORA

Pomona, CA

Email: corsi777@gmail.com

As the Assistant Regional Director of the Southwestern Region for the United Schutzhund Clubs of America, Oscar Mora plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the region.  His primary responsibilities include supporting the Regional Director, serving as a liaison between the Board of Directors and regional members, and actively promoting the IGP sport.

Oscar leverages his social media influence to increase the region’s visibility and attract more attention to its activities.  He is dedicated to developing and implementing top-notch training programs, fostering a stronger community and greater engagement in the IGP sport.  Through his efforts, Oscar aims to enhance the success and reputation of the Southwest Region.

KRISTA HRIBAR

Encinitas, CA

Email: spcd@cox.net

As the Regional Secretary, Krista has many responsibilities crucial to ensuring the smooth functioning of the regional meetings.  One of her main duties is facilitating effective communication among the region's members.  This involved taking the official minutes of every meeting and documenting the key points that were discussed and debated amongst the members.  Krista is also responsible for distributing these minutes amongst the members of the region along with any other information that the Regional Director deemed relevant.

In addition to these key duties, Krista is tasked with designing a comprehensive training program for trial secretaries.  This involves identifying the skills and knowledge required of a trial secretary and designing a training module that would impart this knowledge to the participants.  The focus is to ensure that the training program is effective, engaging, and easy to understand so that the participants can perform their duties with ease and confidence.

Another important responsibility of Krista is compiling a log of members qualified to serve as trial secretaries for each club in the region.  This involved maintaining an up-to-date record of the training completed by each member and their competence levels.

Krista will carry out these responsibilities with the utmost focus, diligence, and proficiency, ensuring that all activities are executed effectively and efficiently.  By doing so, she will boost the administrative efficiency of the region, excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational abilities with excellence, contributing significantly to the success of the region.

STEPHEN ROMEO

Las Vegas, NV

Email: romeoblitzz@gmail.com

As the Regional Breed Warden, Steve holds a position of great importance within our organization.  As per the guidelines outlined in the USCA Constitution and Bylaws, the RBW will be responsible for providing assistance to the club chosen to host the Regional Conformation Championship and Breed Survey within our region, and will also serve as the Regional Show Chairperson.  In this capacity, Steve will play a key role in ensuring the success of these events by overseeing their planning and execution, coordinating with all relevant parties, and addressing any issues or concerns that may arise.

As part of his duties as a Regional Breed Warden, Steve will also be expected to assist at the USA Sieger Show, along with the other Regional Breed Wardens.  This annual event is a highlight of the USCA conformation calendar, bringing together some of the most talented and accomplished dogs and handlers from across the country to show their German Shepherds in various categories.

The Board is confident that with Steve's years of experience as a handler and trainer, combined with his passion for promoting excellence in dog breeding and showing he will be an important asset to our organization.  He feels honored to serve in this role and looks forward to working with the Regional Board to achieve the shared goals of promoting and preserving the German Shepherd Dog.

ROBERT L JOHANTGEN

Prescott, AZ

Email: rjohantgen@gmail.com

USCA Performance Judge Robert (Bob) Johantgen is an esteemed member of our organization, who has served with distinction as our Regional Treasurer for a number of years.  We are honored that he will continue in this vital role, which entails assuming accountability for the Regional Treasury and allocating funds for training programs and other regional requirements per the Regional Policy.  Bob's exemplary expertise and unwavering commitment have been invaluable to our organization, and we express our sincerest appreciation for his continued service.

TYLER PLUSS

Ramona, CA

Email: k9pluss@gmail.com

We are delighted to introduce Tyler, who has been elected to serve as the Regional Training Director.  Tyler is a highly experienced helper with years of experience in dog training and competition. His passion for promoting safe and effective training methods make him an excellent fit for this role.

As Regional Training Director, Tyler will promote safe and proper training for trial helpers, training helpers, and handlers throughout the region.  He will draw upon his wealth of experience and expertise to organize required educational seminars and fun matches while working closely with the National Helper Committee to ensure compliance with the educational Teaching Helper Program.  Tyler will also collaborate with the National Youth Director to help implement all youth training programs nationally and locally.

In addition to these responsibilities, Tyler will establish a line of communication to assist new clubs and their Training Directors.  His guidance will be instrumental in helping new clubs establish effective training programs that support the development of young handlers and promote the welfare of the German Shepherd Dog.