JOAN MILLER for Director-at-Large
		I am asking again for your support.  It has been my privilege to serve on the CFA Board for 20 years.  Critical challenges in these next years will mean decisions that require directors with business and financial planning experience; broad knowledge of the cat fancy, all the breeds, basic genetics,  public affairs and animal welfare issues as well as the ability to address many internal and external factors that influence our organization.  As a board member I strive to balance creative vision with practicality.  I base decisions on thoughtful listening, research, fairness and impartial judgement.  I have great respect for the history, mission and principles that represent the best of CFA and will work to maintain our position as the largest and most respected registry of pedigreed cats in the world.
			My experience and background Over 30 years in the cat fancy - breeding and showing national award winning Abyssinians, show production, club membership and a judge for 26 years - gives me a sound history of the Association and depth of knowledge.  I owned a business for 25 years providing interior design/architecture and art acquisition for corporate clients.  Areas in which I have focused attention include: Legislation - Chair of the CFA Legislative Committee and CFA Legislative Coordinator.  I have developed a strong grass roots force to counter laws detrmental to breeding and pet ownership.  I am the current President of the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy.  I've established CFA as a credible resource for information on public affairs regarding cats.  My work in this area is enhanced by my position as a CFA board member. The health and well-being of cats - Former President of the Winn Feline Foundation for 16 years; former Cornell Feline Health Center Advisory Board member; current member of the External Advisory Board, University of California - Davis, Center for Companion Animal Health.  I was co-coordinator of the first major national feral cat workshop; speaker at the 1995 AVMA Animal Welfare Forum; Tufts Expo 2002 presenter and track leader; presentations at two International Genetics Conferences. Education - I've written chapters and articles and presented talks to the public, veterinarians, students, animal control and shelter personnel to promote interest in preserving pedigreed breeds, feline color/pattern, breed origins and history, breeding strategy for health, cattery design and management, senior cats, breed personality traits, introducing a new cat, handling of cats in the shelter environment, homeless and feral cat issues, legislative matters and other topics.  I've conducted Breed Showcase presentations at four CFA/Iams New York Cat Shows and at two International Shows. Future objectives I want to expand CFA's ability to reach the pet cat owning public through education and inclusion. As Chair of CFA's Outreach and Education Committee I continue to explore new ways to increase awareness of pedigreed cats, gain public respect for cat breeders and help raise the value of all cats.  Some of my special interests are: Revenue producing programs - New marketing projects, including pet health insurance, products, DNA testing, cat identification/recovery all show promise and need promotion.  I am leading an effort to develop a program that will go beyond the cat fancy and attract pet owners by offering benefts through participation in CFA. Expanding CFA - We must bring new fanciers into CFA, attract and mentor breeders, find innovative ways to increase pedigreed cat registrations; provide more support for our developing International Division; assist clubs to have profitable shows; and make CFA more social and fun.  I originated the survey for voluntary club activity reporting and hope to bring more attention to the contributions of our clubs in areas such as feline health and animal welfare. Breed distinction - Clear definition between breeds remains vital to the fundamental strength and credibility of CFA.  Breed issues concerning showing, overlapping traits or diminished genepools should be resolved, not only by a ballot process but through a partnership approach with the Board and affected breed council members working together. You and your club are central to CFA's future.  I strive to represent your interests and will appreciate your confidence and vote. Joan Miller JMillerArt@aol.com