Thank You, Tracey Jacobson – A Presidential Term of Impact (2022–2025)

As Tracey Jacobson’s term as President of CEB-US comes to a close, we want to recognize and thank her for her years of service, dedication, and leadership — not only during her time as President from 2022 to 2025, but also as a long-time board member and passionate supporter of the Epagneul Breton and this club.

Throughout her tenure, Tracey led with intention and purpose, using the CEB-US mission statement as a guiding compass for all major decisions. Her focus never wavered from what matters most: protecting the integrity of the breed and preserving its purpose as a French hunting dog. She prioritized the needs of the dogs and the health of the breed over personal preferences or community biases, keeping the mission — and the Epagneul Breton — at the heart of every action.

Tracey’s presidency followed years of involvement with CEB-US, and her leadership was grounded in a deep understanding of the breed, the club’s history, and the community it serves. During her term, she brought energy and clarity of vision to a time of great change and opportunity for the club.

Advancing the Breed's Place and Purpose

Tracey’s leadership never wavered from the club’s central mission. She consistently made decisions that supported the Epagneul Breton’s identity as a dual-purpose bird dog rooted in the French tradition:

• Defended Against a Breed Split at the AKC – Preserved the club’s ability to guide the breed without dilution or deviation from its international standard.

• Maintained Standards at Events – Supported the continued ban on tracking/location collars at CEB-US events, staying aligned with the breed’s expected field behavior and evaluation system following French standards.

• Expanded Evaluation Resources – Helped recruit new UKC field trial judges and secured an expert confirmateur to support conformation evaluations nationwide.

• NAVHDA Recognition – Oversaw the Epagneul Breton being officially recognized as its own breed within NAVHDA. Though still in beta testing as process and paperwork are finalized, this is a landmark step for the breed’s visibility and credibility in the broader versatile hunting dog world.

Guiding the Club into the Modern Era

Tracey prioritized infrastructure updates that have made our operations more efficient and our member experience more connected:

• JoinIt Membership Portal – Provided members with real-time access to update contact and payment info, streamlining communication and renewals.

• Auto-Renewal Memberships – Simplified annual payments and improved the club’s financial transparency and stability.

• Revamped Website and New E-Store – Delivered a cleaner, more functional site with an integrated merchandise store that eliminates inventory costs.

• Expanded Club Communication – Led a nearly tenfold increase in newsletters, ensuring timely updates and a stronger bridge between the board and membership.

• Restructured Board Engagement – Encouraged more urgency and accountability from leadership, resulting in a more responsive and proactive board.

• Improved Documentation & Record-Keeping – Laid the groundwork for long-term organizational continuity with better process tracking and historical preservation.

Building Community and Visibility

Tracey showed up — literally and figuratively — for the breed and its people. Her term was marked by active involvement and outreach:

• Grew National Engagement – Oversaw increased participation at national and regional events, reconnecting members and building momentum across the country.

• Supported Regional Clubs – Offered consistent support and collaboration with local clubs hosting field trials, conformation shows, and training days.

• Showcased the Breed at Pheasant Fest – Represented the Epagneul Breton at Pheasant Fest each year, introducing the breed to the broader upland community and answering questions from hunters across the country.

Leading by Example

While many members of our community live out the dual ideals of the Epagneul Breton — preserving both form and function — Tracey exemplified leadership by fully immersing herself in those values. Together with her husband, Terry, Tracey operates a full-time guiding service in South Dakota, where their EBs work daily in the field, proving their utility and consistency across a full hunting season. At the same time, she ensures her dogs meet the breed’s structural standard, a balance beautifully demonstrated by Olivia du Ten Bar Ranch, who earned back-to-back National Best of Breed titles in 2023 and 2024.

Tracey didn’t just lead the club — she led from within the community, by example, with authenticity and heart.

Thank You, Tracey

CEB-US is stronger, more organized, and more connected because of Tracey’s term as President. While she now transitions into the role of President Emeritus, for the coming year to assist with a smooth leadership handoff, her lasting contributions are already shaping a better future for the club and the breed.

Please join us in thanking Tracey Jacobson for her service, vision, and unwavering commitment to the Epagneul Breton.