The AKC Agility Department is excited to welcome Ronda Bermke of Wisconsin to the AKC Agility Field Representative team. Ronda started her new role on May 4. Ronda brings a wealth of experience to this position as a competitor, instructor and former judge.
Canines and the sport of purebred dogs have been a central part of Ronda’s life from an early age. Raised in a family actively involved in dog events, she entered her first AKC‑licensed show in 1979 exhibiting a Shetland Sheepdog in Junior Showmanship. With the exception of her college years, she has always shared her life with dogs and has continued to build on that foundation throughout her career.
Ronda established White Ridge Kennels, located just outside Green Bay, Wisconsin, where she has bred, trained, and exhibited multiple dogs across a wide range of AKC events. After acquiring her first Dachshund in 1993, “Kramer,” she achieved numerous milestones in the breed, including earning her first Versatility Certificate.
Ronda is married to Rob, who is employed as an environmental engineer and together they have one adult son, Sam, who is employed as an actuary. Their home is currently shared with a Standard Longhaired Dachshund and three Border Collies.
Her involvement in AKC sports has been extensive for the past 40 years. She has titled multiple dogs in conformation, agility, obedience, rally, herding, scent work, and earthdog. In 2011, Ronda became an agility judge and has judged consistently for the past 15 years across the country. Ronda has judged the National Agility Championships twice, the Invitational twice, including finals in 2019, Westminster and multiple national breed specialties. Ronda also earned her junior showmanship and rally, plus a limited number of breed conformation judging licenses. She has greatly valued her experiences in the ring and the many individuals she has met through judging. Ronda has also found herself in many club roles, including trial chair and board member, and instructor of classes for the public.
The judging process, becoming a judge, preparing for a trial, travel, and the actual judging during the weekend has become invaluable in Ronda’s new Field Rep role. Ronda hopes to bring specific suggestions and confidence to the new judges and support and encourage the current judge corp.
Ronda is enthusiastic about transitioning into the field representative role and is committed to supporting the continued growth and success of the AKC agility program.
