BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kilyan Klotsch
Co-Founder | Director of Breed Preservation & Working Dog Development
Kilyan is Co-Founder of the Foundation and oversees the practical and strategic implementation of its preservation work at the operational level. His focus lies in long-term breeding planning, structured population development, and the preservation of the breed’s functional working qualities.
As an active musher, he works regularly with Canadian Eskimo Dogs in sled operations. This practical experience forms a central foundation for his breeding and selection decisions. For him, it is clear that a working breed can only be preserved in the long term if its functional abilities remain verifiable and operational.
Through direct responsibility for a significant proportion of the global population, he brings substantial experience in husbandry, selection, performance evaluation, and line management to the Foundation’s strategic work.
His approach combines working capability, resilience, and strength of character with long-term genetic stability and responsible breeding planning.
Anna Maurer
Co-Founder | Director of Strategy & Development
Anna Maurer is Co-Founder of the Foundation and oversees its strategic direction and structural development. Her focus lies in long-term planning, institutional stability, and the establishment of sustainable partnerships.
She brings entrepreneurial experience, organizational structure, and an international perspective to the Foundation’s work. Her emphasis is on clearly defined responsibilities, transparent decision-making processes, and a governance framework designed for long-term viability.
In addition to strategic leadership, she is actively involved in documentation, network development, and the structured expansion of partnerships — particularly in the context of academic collaboration and northern communities.
Her approach combines organizational clarity with long-term responsibility toward the population, its historical context, and its future stability.
Brianna Olesen
Director of Finance & Administration
Brianna Olesen supports the Foundation in the areas of financial structure, accounting, and administrative organization.
Her responsibilities include financial transparency, structured fund management, and support in budgeting and reporting. The objective is to ensure a clear, accountable, and sustainably stable financial foundation for the work of the Foundation.
With her experience in the organizational and administrative environment of the Canadian Eskimo Dog community, she contributes to the efficient and responsible management of financial processes.
Her focus lies on transparency, reliability, and a financially sound basis to support the Foundation’s strategic goals.
Beverly Arseneau
Director of Breed Preservation & Advisory Affairs
Beverly Arseneau brings extensive experience in breeding, club leadership, and mentoring to the work of the Foundation. As President of the Canadian Eskimo Dog National Club of Canada, she has in-depth knowledge of the organizational, breeding, and community structures of the breed within Canada.
Her focus lies in preservation breeding, knowledge transfer, and the guidance and support of breeders within a responsible and structured framework. She contributes historical perspective, detailed lineage knowledge, and practical experience to long-term population development.
Through her close connection to the established breeder and club network, she supports a coordinated and professionally grounded preservation strategy.
Her emphasis is on continuity, quality assurance, and the sustainable stabilization of the population.
Kånå Aiyout
Director of Inuit Relations & Northern Partnerships
Kånå Aiyout supports the Foundation in matters relating to cooperation with Inuit representatives and northern partners. His role focuses on maintaining respectful dialogue, fostering cultural awareness, and integrating northern perspectives within the context of the Canadian Eskimo Dog.
With roots in the North, he brings insight into the historical and cultural background in which the breed developed. He works directly with the dogs in practical application, continuing a tradition that has shaped his family for generations. His involvement strengthens a partnership-oriented approach grounded in mutual respect and long-term responsibility.
Within the Foundation, his function is advisory and connective, ensuring that northern voices and perspectives are appropriately integrated into the broader preservation strategy.
Dr. Kristine McLean
Director of Animal Health
Dr. Kristine McLean is a veterinarian based in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, and brings an important veterinary and scientific perspective to the work of the Foundation. Through her extensive clinical experience in canine health and veterinary medicine, she supports the Foundation in evaluating questions related to health, genetics, and responsible breeding of the Canadian Eskimo Dog.
As a member of the Board, Dr. McLean contributes particularly to discussions concerning the health development, genetic diversity, and long-term stability of the breed. Her veterinary perspective helps connect scientific knowledge with practical experience and responsible preservation strategies.
Her involvement also supports the Foundation’s ability to collaborate with universities and research institutions, particularly in projects related to genetics, health, and the long-term preservation of rare dog breeds.
With her expertise, Dr. McLean strengthens the scientific foundation of the organization and supports its goal of preserving the Canadian Eskimo Dog in a responsible, research-informed manner while respecting the cultural and historical significance of this remarkable breed.
ADVISORY NETWORK
Alessandra Rizzo
Advisor – European Breeding & Community
Alessandra Rizzo is a breeder and musher who has been closely connected with the Canadian Eskimo Dog for many years and is deeply committed to the preservation of this breed. Through her hands-on experience, her connections within the European CED community, and her ongoing exchange with other breeders, she brings an important perspective from outside North America to the work of the Foundation.
In her role as Advisor – European Breeding & Community, she supports communication and cooperation with European breeders and owners, follows developments within the European population, and contributes her experience to discussions on breeding, preservation, and international collaboration. In doing so, she helps strengthen international connections and contributes to the long-term preservation of the Canadian Eskimo Dog.
David Anavilok
Advisor – Northern Breeding & Stewardship
David is closely connected to the Canadian Eskimo Dog through his work with the breed in the North. With practical experience in handling, breeding, and day-to-day life with these dogs, he brings an important perspective rooted in real working conditions.
As Advisor – Northern Breeding & Stewardship, he contributes insight into breeding practices, pedigrees, and the current state of the dogs in northern regions. His experience helps the Foundation better understand the realities of maintaining the breed in its original environment and supports the development of responsible, long-term preservation strategies.
Through his connection to the North and his practical knowledge of the dogs, he plays an important role in linking traditional working contexts with the broader international efforts to preserve the Canadian Eskimo Dog.