The American Kennel Club Appoints Ashley Jacot as VP of Education to Drive Canine Welfare

The American Kennel Club Elevates Ashley Jacot to Vice President of Education

On August 18, 2025, the American Kennel Club (AKC), known as the leading global authority in purebred dog registration and advocacy for canine welfare, announced the promotion of Ashley Jacot to Vice President of Education. This strategic elevation marks a significant step towards enhancing public education initiatives that promote responsible dog ownership.

In her new position, Jacot will spearhead various educational projects aimed at empowering the dog-owning community and industry professionals. This includes developing online resources tailored for groomers, breeders, trainers, judges, and the general public, ensuring they have access to vital information regarding canine care and responsible ownership. Under her leadership, the AKC aims to make educational resources not only comprehensive but also accessible to diverse audiences.

Gina DiNardo, President and CEO of the AKC, praised Jacot's tireless dedication to education. "Ashley has demonstrated an incredible ability to connect with varied audiences, becoming an invaluable leader within our organization. The expansion and impact of our educational programs are a testament to her commitment and vision," she said. DiNardo expressed confidence that Jacot will continue to elevate the AKC’s mission to promote responsible dog ownership and lifelong learning.

Ashley Jacot initially joined the AKC in 2017 as the Public Education Manager. Her impressive trajectory saw her promoted to Director of Education in 2018, where she significantly contributed to shaping the organization’s educational strategy. With a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master of Education from North Carolina State University, and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Jacot brings a wealth of educational expertise to her new role.

Her professional background is rooted in education, where she has always been passionate about fostering a love for learning and effective communication. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Jacot is a dedicated member of both the Raleigh Kennel Club and the American Chesapeake Club, reflecting her deep commitment to the canine community.

Beyond her significant contributions to the AKC, Jacot is a family-oriented individual who enjoys quality time with her husband, their three daughters, and their beloved Chesapeake Bay Retriever, embodying the values she passionately promotes within the organization.

Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club remains dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the largest registry of purebred dogs worldwide. It advocates for the sport of purebred dogs, promoting responsible breeding practices and the well-being of canine companions. The AKC is backed by over 4,900 member clubs and affiliates and hosts more than 26,000 competitions each year, ranging from conformation shows to agility and obedience trials.

For further insights into the American Kennel Club and its comprehensive educational programs, you can visit www.akc.org. As the AKC continues its journey under the leadership of dedicated individuals like Ashley Jacot, the future of canine education looks very promising.