The American Kennel Club Government Relations department would like to welcome our newest staff member, Jacob Hupp. Jacob will serve as the Legislative Analyst/Community Outreach Coordinator for US Central States including Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
In this role, he will be responsible for monitoring state legislation and regulations as well as local ordinances and rules and responding appropriately in order to support the health, safety, and welfare of dogs. Additionally, Jacob will be working with clubs and federations in coordinating events aimed at increasing involvement at the grassroots level, promoting the purebred/purpose bred dog communities, encouraging responsible dog ownership and the humane treatment of all dogs.
Jacob is a graduate of Ohio University in Athens, OH, where he majored in Political Science and Sociology. His career began in college managing political campaigns, and he then worked at the Ohio House of Representatives as a legislative staffer. Jacob joins us from the Sportsmen’s Alliance, where he worked on wildlife conservation legislative issues and became familiar with many of AKC’s issues, particularly issues related to sporting and hound breeds.
Jacob grew up with a pack of beagles that he and his family trained to rabbit hunt and credits this experience for where his love for purpose bred dogs began. Jacob currently owns a lab mix named Goldie that specializes in swimming and stick chewing.
“I am excited to take on this new role with AKC and hope to be a useful resource for all,” Hupp said. Jacob also welcomes the opportunity to meet with AKC constituents, legislators, and other stakeholders to work together to protect purebred dogs and responsible breeders, in addition to attending events in his states.
Feel free to reach out to Jacob to introduce yourself or pass on information related to state legislation or local issues in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Kansas.
He may be contacted at: Jacob.Hupp@akc.org or via phone at (919) 816-3361.
