MARIANNE CURAN

Marianne Curan studied theatre at Catholic University and New York's 'Circle in the Square' Theatre School. She also received a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Maryland and trained with The Groundlings, a sketch/improv troupe known for launching many Hollywood careers.

Comedy is Curan's first love. She spent eight years as head writer and starring member of the D.C. political satire troupe, Gross National Product (GNP) appearing in such shows as "Man Without a Contra," "BushCapades" and "Clintoons." She also co-wrote and starred in several PBS comedy specials including "Politics as Usual" and "The First 100 Daze."

Curan's dead-on impersonation of domestic diva Martha Stewart has earned her numerous appearances on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." She can still be seen on HGTV's "Landscaper's Challenge." Marianne Curan currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, Bob Goen, stepson Max and the couples' two labs, Stogie & Dunk.

BOB GOEN

Well known for his time spent as host of "Entertainment Tonight," Bob Goen has interviewed Hollywood including: Jim Carrey, Sylvester Stallone, Tom Hanks, Michelle Pfeiffer, Elton John and many more. He has flown in Kurt Russell's private plane, shared a cigar with Milton Berle and visited Harrison Ford's ranch in Wyoming.

Upon graduating from San Diego State University, this California native used his college radio experience to land a part-time job doing news for KFOX-FM in Long Beach. In 1981, Goen became a sports anchorman at KESQ-TV, the ABC affiliate in Palm Springs. Meanwhile, Goen never gave up on his game show dreams.

In 1989, Bob Goen became host of the daytime version of the syndicated hit "Wheel of Fortune." He soon landed "ET" and the "Miss USA" and "Miss Teen USA" pageants. Goen has also hosted his own charity golf tournament, "Bob Goen's Lexus Invitational," that has raised more than $1,000,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado.

Susan Cook Henry

CAT: NW Jadon ComeFly With Me of Kenkat "Flip"
BREED: Blue Persian

Susan Cook Henry of Warrenton, Virginia, comes from a family that has bred and shown "Jadon" Persians since the early 1960's. Cook Henry has bred more than 50 CFA Grand Champions and Grand Premiers. Her 29 year career as a flight attendant has served her well over the years, allowing for time to travel when necessary.

"Flip" is a Blue Persian spay co-owned with Susan's mother, Donna Cook, and Leah Fowler of Bellingham, Washington. Flip had great success in the show ring as a kitten, earning "Kitten of the Year" honors in 2002. Flip's mother and grandfather also won the top Kitten award making this family the only known successive generation winners of this title. After a turn at motherhood, Flip was spayed this past fall and looks exceptional at her full maturity of five and one-half years.

Flip returned to the show circuit in October and in just three shows, attained "Best Cat" wins in 14 of 18 judging rings.

Melanie And Melisa French

CAT: SUNDEW'S COPACABANA "Lola"
BREED: Tortoise Shell Persian

Identical twins Melanie and Melisa French have dedicated their lives to showing cats. As accomplished breeders with over 23 years experience, the sisters are joint owners of Sundew 'boutique' cattery in Mission Viejo, CA. They currently house 16 cats and a 140-pound dog named Josie.

For CAT-MINSTER the twins showed Sundew's Copacabana, a Tortoise-Shell Persian born February 9, 2006. Endearingly known as Lola, the training for CAT-MINSTER began at birth for this prize-winning Persian. From nightly drives to prepare for extended travel to training with special toys used by the show judges, the time and money spent to prepare Lola to be the "Best of the Best" is a true labor of love for these Southern California women.

Gwen Watson

CAT: KEEZA'S KINGIANUM OF IAMBE "King"
BREED: European Burmese

As a 15-year cat show veteran, Gwen Watson has keen sense for what it takes to win and a particular passion for European Burmese felines. Watson and her husband run Iambe Cattery in Pacifica, CA, currently housing 5 cats.

To participate in CAT-MINSTER Watson flew to Australia to purchase KEEZA'S KINGIANUM OF IAMBE, known as King. CAT-MINSTER marks King's debut cat-show on U.S. soil, born on June 12, 2006 Down Under. Watson hopes her special homemade organic cat-food of raw meat, buffalo or dark turkey, raw eggs and supplements will give King the extra stamina needed to claim top prize.

Elizabeth Hodgkins and John Snedden

CAT: SUNSTONE SERENGETI 'Eddie' and SUNSTONE HEAT-OF-THE-MOMENT 'Charmin'
BREED: Ocicat

Elizabeth Hodgkins, a licensed veterinarian met John Sneed, a probation officer, when Sneed's wife purchased their first cat from Hodgkins' Yorba Linda, CA cattery. The two struck a friendship and supporters and competitors in the cat show arena. They have traveled and shown cats across the United States together for over eight years.

For CAT-MINSTER, Hodgkins showed SUNSTONE HEAT-OF-THE-MOMENT, Charmer, a well-mannered Ocicat against Snedden's 9-month-old precarious feline SUNSTONE SERENGETI, Eddie, of the same breed. The show will be Eddie's first competition.

Joy Dey

CAT: FUZZY-FOOT'S CONFETTI OF DEY-DREAM, "Cali"
BREED: Longhaired Manx

Joy Dey purchased her first pedigree feline for enjoyment purposes and without any knowledge of the competitive world of cat shows. Tipped off by a friend to the potential champion hidden within her beloved house cat, Dey entered her first competition and won. She has actively participated in cat shows religiously ever since.

Dey is presenting Cali this year for CAT-MINSTER, a raining "Best in Show" championship Longhaired Manx.

Pam DelaBar

CFA President

Current CFA President Pam DelaBar joined the CFA Board of Directors in 1986. Her judging career began in 1990 when she took a leave of absence from the U.S. Army to judge her first cat show. A resident of San Antonio, Texas, she served in the Army for 24 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Pam has presided over shows on just about every continent in the past 15 years, including North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia, and Africa. An avid cat fancier since college, she first got involved with pedigreed cats in 1975 with the purchase of a Himalayan. In the 31 years since, Pam showed and owned Siamese, Colorpoint Shorthair, Oriental Shorthair, Manx, Himalayan, and Maine Coon cats. She is a trained disaster responder for afflicted animals and cares for rescued and formerly feral cats.

Larry Adkison

Top 60 Judge

Adkison has been a judge for more than 25 years and currently resides in Springfield, MO. He has been involved in the Cat Fancy for more than 35 years having worked primarily with the Siamese breed. Larry Adkison is President of Lakes Country Cat Fanciers, Secretary of Cat Spring Irregulars, a member of National Siamese Cat Club, Wichita Cat Fancy, and the CFA Judges Association.

Kitty Angell

Top 60 Judge

Kitty Angell has been a CFA judge for 19 years and has guest-judged in many countries including Australia and Sweden. Angell served as one of CFA's top 12 judges chosen 14 times for the prestigious CFA International Show. As a breeder, she established Kitjim Cattery in 1977 breeding Scottish Folds and Persians resulting in many Regional and National Winners. She is a past President of the Judge's Association, immediate past Secretary of the Executive Board of Directors and is presently serving a second term as Vice President of CFA.

Walter Hutzler

Top 60 Judge

Walter Hutzler is an all-breed pedigreed feline Judge for the Cat Fanciers Association. Hutzler got his start in the cat champion milieu by exhibiting and breeding Siamese and Abyssinians in 1959. It was a long road to professional cat judging for Hutzler, who began his career cleaning cages as a Ring Steward during competitions. While actively participating in numerous Cat Clubs throughout the country, Hutzler learned the ropes quickly and progressed through the ranks of Cat Championship Judging.

David Mare

Best in Show Judge

David has been involved with CFA for over 40 years. He began his judging career in 1968 and was one of CFA's youngest Allbreed Judges. He served many years on the Board of Directors of the organization and currently serves as Chair and President of the Committee charged with the preservation of the history of the cat fancy (The CFA Foundation). He has worked primarily with Siamese and Sphynx -- and is credited with naming the latter breed in the early 1970s.

Rachel Anger

Best in Show Judge

Rachel's natural love and appreciation for all animals led her to become a CFA judge for 13 years She says it is important for a judge to have "the ability to honor and respect each cat and exhibitor." Rachel lives in Wayne, Mich., with two sons, Maine Coons, European Burmese, and Cornish Rex. She breeds Colorpoint Shorthairs, Orientals, Persians, Maine Coons, Cornish Rex, and European Burmese at her Camberwell cattery. Rachel also owns and shows Papillion dogs. One of her dogs recently won a Best in Show, a Specialty Best in Show, as well as many group and breed placements.

Wain Harding

Best in Show Judge