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Russell McCord's Farewell

May 21, 2019, 09:51 AM by Russell McCord

Russell McCord's farewell letter to the membership.

Dear NCHA Members and Staff,

It’s hard to believe that after over 18 years with NCHA the time has come for me to say farewell to you all and begin a new chapter of my life. My official last day before I retire will be Friday, June 7, 2019 which I am ready, but I do admit that it’s bittersweet since NCHA has been a very large part of my life for several years.

Being the Director of Judges has been so rewarding, enjoyable, challenging and sometimes everything in between, but it’s also exhilarating to look toward a future of doing many of the things that I always said I would do "someday”. The feeling of beginning a new life is exciting but leaving all of you is also disheartening.

This Association has felt more like a family, and even though I know I will see some of you from time to time, leaving NCHA is like moving away from home. The thought of no longer seeing my "NCHA family" every day is hard to imagine, but then again, I’m eager to travel the country with my wife Andi, and training and trialing Border Collies more extensively. This is something I’ve wanted for a long time and the right time I feel is now.

I’m very confident that I am leaving the Judges Department in very capable hands with my current team: Pete Fanning, Andy Adams, Joe Cameron, Les Shaw, & Tammy Kimmel. I have enjoyed my time working alongside them, as well as the rest of the NCHA Judges and Staff. I'm very proud of all the accomplishments and goals that we've achieved together.

I am honored to have been a part of the NCHA, and very grateful for all the opportunities it has given me. I have worked with some of the most talented and determined people that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Some who have had a large influence on who I am today.

This Association is one of a kind, and I hope all of you feel as fortunate to be a part of it as I have throughout the years. I feel richly blessed in my life, and it has been great working with you all.

Please allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the NCHA Members and Staff for believing in me, your huge support and your friendships.

Thank you,

Russell McCord

McCord, Russell 2013