The American Kennel Club Appoints Vice Presidents In Legal Department

NEW YORK, April 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Kennel Club (AKC^®), the world's largest dog registry and leading industry authority and advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the promotion to Vice President of two key members of its legal team effective April 22^nd, Heather McManus, Esq. and Cynthia Beagles, Esq.

"I am very happy to promote Heather and Cynthia to these much-deserved Vice President positions," said Dennis Sprung, President and CEO of The American Kennel Club. "They have been a part of our success as an organization. Their experience and knowledge continue to drive the AKC in a positive direction. We congratulate them and look forward to their continued success."

Heather McManus joined the AKC in January of 1993 and has served as Deputy General Counsel. She manages the law department functions, reporting to the General Counsel,  oversees the AKC's Compliance Division and is responsible for the Insurance Programs for AKC and its affiliates.  McManus serves as a member of the Executive Committee and Board Member of MAC Casualty. McManus also serves as secretary to the Board of Managers of Smart Pet Technologies LLC.  McManus has successfully handled litigation matters filed against AKC and its affiliates and represents AKC at Trial Board hearings.

Prior to joining AKC, McManus was Assistant State's Attorney with the Will County, Illinois State's Attorney's Office serving as both a felony prosecutor and Chief of the Misdemeanor Division.

McManus earned her law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School and her bachelor degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Cynthia Beagles joined the AKC in September of 1999 and has served as Assistant General Counsel.  Reporting to the General Counsel, she provides legal advice, counsel, and representation to AKC and its affiliates.  In particular, Beagles focuses on the law and practical applications of intellectual property, affecting the copyright, trademark, trade name, branding, licensing, and social media programs.  She also serves as the secretary to the Board of Managers of AKC Pet Care LLC and is a member of the AKC Museum of the Dog Board of Directors.

Prior to joining AKC, Beagles was an Associate with McCarter & English, LLP, practicing in many areas of litigation. Beagles holds a bachelor degree from Boston University and her law degree from Seton Hall Law School where she was a member of Law Review.  After law school, she clerked in the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division, for the Hon. Michael Patrick King, PJAD.  She has served as Chair of the Pro Bono Committee, New York State Bar Association, Corporate Counsel Section; as a member of the Advisory Committee on Pro Bono Service by In-House Counsel in New York State; and as a member of her town's local Shade Tree Commission.

"Heather and Cynthia's legal services to all areas at AKC have been invaluable," added Jay Waks, AKC's Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel.  "It is gratifying to work closely with these talented professionals, and I applaud their recognition by the American Kennel Club."

About the American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization, which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.  Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog.  For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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SOURCE American Kennel Club

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http://www.akc.org/