Write-in Kelly Flading for president of the National Angora Rabbit Breeders Club! Kelly is a smart, creative innovator who also has the diplomatic skills needed to take NARBC forward. She is a devoted Angora rabbit fancier who has become one of the most active and knowledgeable breeders and exhibitors in the country today. Her small herd is mostly English Angoras, but also includes a few Satin Angoras, and French Angoras. She also enjoys the fiber arts. Kelly offers the following information, which, typical of her, is modest and understated:

My name is Kelly Flading and I am running as a write-in candidate for the position of president of NARBC, Inc. I desire to continue (and build upon) the standards set forth in the NARBC constitution and those who have dutifully served before.

I am in my 4th year of raising Angora rabbits, but have learned a lot along the way. I look at my Angora adventure as a delightful blend of science and art. I value the friends and mentors I have met along the way. This fuels my desire to give back to the club that has helped me grow. I have a strong sense of tradition/heritage, but also a desire to be progressive and embrace the club’s web site motto of being “Everything Angora!”

I originally got into Angoras through my daughter’s insistence on having a rabbit. I am an avid knitter and self-proclaimed yarn addict. I thought Angoras would be a nice fit for my hobby and my daughter’s bunny fascination. My daughter has since moved on to Satin Angoras, but I fell in love with English Angoras and enjoy them so much. This year, I have acquired a few lovely French Angoras to add to my herd. Funny, I don’t knit near as much as I used to. I spend most of my time happily caring for my rabbits!

Outside the rabbit world, my background is in human resources. I was the personnel manager for the flagship store of a major retail chain and responsible for approximately 700 employees/managers. During that time, I was Community Involvement Coordinator and represented the company/store at community events. My store was won several Store of the Year awards for community service. I served as secretary for the Fort Hood USO Advisory Board (2 years) and also secretary for the 2nd largest chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army (4 years). I have also built two AAU girls sporting leagues, managing statewide basketball tournaments in North Carolina and later, countywide tournaments in Texas.

Since retirement, I have been a founding member of the Southern Angora Rabbit Club and am currently secretary of that organization. I am also breed co-chair for this year’s Convention committee and the chair of the NARBC, Inc membership committee. I enjoy all aspects of Angora rabbits, including show and fiber. Go wool!

Kelly’s Kelfla Rabbitry website. / Her Kelfla Angoras Facebook Page

Deb Butorac is running as a write-in candidate for District 3 Director, and she has our endorsement. Linda Cassella from New York, who is running for District 1 Director as a write-in candidate, is a two time ARBA Best in Show winner. Colleen Wagner of Ohio is also available as a write-in candidate for District 1.