New York, NY - The Board of Directors of the American Kennel Club is pleased to announce the election of Dennis B. Sprung as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the American Kennel Club, effective immediately.

Sprung's election followed the resignation of Nicholas D'Altilio. He will head the AKC Operations Facility in Raleigh, NC, transferring from the New York Headquarters immediately.

"Dennis brings tremendous experience to this position, from both within the organization and the sport," said Alfred Cheauré, AKC President and Chief Executive Officer. "The Board and myself have every confidence in his ability to provide the leadership necessary to achieve AKC's goals and to fulfill its mission."

Sprung has been involved with AKC shows since 1968. He and his wife Susan served in many capacities in clubs and bred Afghan Hounds and Greyhounds. Dogs they owned or bred have won both Parent Club national specialties and over 175 all breed Best In Shows.

He joined the AKC as an Executive Field Representative in 1989. In April of 1990 he was promoted to Assistant Vice President in the Dog Events department and a year later assumed the additional responsibility of Director of the Field Staff. In March of 1994 he was appointed Vice President of Dog Events. In 1997, Sprung took over the responsibility of Vice President of Planning and Development, which included relocating the AKC headquarters to its present location and in 2001 he was named Vice President of Corporate Relations. Last year he created the DOGNY, a public art project which increased awareness of the AKC's commitment to Search and Rescue dogs, raising $2.5 million.

Prior to joining AKC, Sprung was a Delegate for 10 years from the Bronx County Kennel Club and also served as President. In 1993 he was honored with the "Fido" award for Dog Man of the Year. The Sprung's share their home with Ruby, a four year old Pekingese.

In addition to the appointment of Mr. Sprung, the Board of Directors elected the following Executive Officers:

v Alfred L. Cheauré, President and Chief Executive Officer
v James P. Crowley, Executive Secretary
v James T. Stevens, Chief Financial Officer