BOARD OF DIRECTORS & LEADERSHIP
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Colton Johnson
CO-FOUNDER, BOARD CHAIR
UNDER THE SUN DOG TRAINING & DAYCARE
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Diana Wilson
VICE CHAIR
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Russell A White, CPA, MBA
TREASURER
RubinBrown
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Patty Korsch
SECRETARY
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Heather Johnson
CO-FOUNDER, MEMBER
UNDER THE SUN DOG TRAINING & DAYCARE
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Greg Anderson, JD
MEMBER
THE ANDERSON TEAM
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Mark Barton
MEMBER
PHIL LONG FORD MOTOR CITY
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Tricia Elmer
MEMBER
CONSULTANT
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Doug Johnson
MEMBER
SUNRISE WOODMEN KENNELS
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Chuck Bessant
MEMBER
BIOGRAPHIES
Colton Johnson
Founder, Chair
Colton was born and raised in Colorado Springs, CO, and has been working with dogs his entire life. He has a deep love for this work and cherishes every moment spent with these wonderful creatures.
With over 22 years of professional dog training experience, Colton is dedicated to providing exceptional training and care for both you and your dog. His top priority is working with you to find the most effective training options and solutions at every level of his business, Under the Sun.
Dog training and care are not just a job for Colton but a true passion. He continually expands his education and training techniques, staying up-to-date with the industry's latest guidelines and literature. He actively attends and even presents at international training seminars to further enhance his knowledge and skills.
When Colton is not training and working closely with his clients and their dogs, he enjoys spending quality time with his family. He also participates in handling and competing at the national level with their own dogs.
Awards and recognitions:
2024 Breeders of the Year - Dog News Show Dogs of the Year Awards Sponsored by ProPlan
Top Ranked Owner/Handler of all time
Top-ranked dog in the U.S. in 2014 and 2018
Breeder/owner/handler of winningest Old English Sheepdog of all time
2015 Westminster Kennel Club Breeder of the Year
2015 Santa Barbara Kennel Club Herding Group Breeder of the Year Finalist
2006 American Kennel Club Breeder of the Year
Diana Wilson
Vice Chair
Diana Wilson, a stalwart figure in the realm of purebred dogs, boasts over 45 years of experience in exhibiting, breeding, and training dogs within the competitive dog show circuit. Having entered the world of junior handling at the tender age of 7, Diana achieved a notable milestone by finishing her first champion in conformation at the age of 13. Her profound love for dogs has been a constant throughout her journey.
With a dedicated focus on Dalmatians and Whippets, Diana has been actively involved in breeding and exhibiting these breeds for over 30 years. Her expertise extends beyond the show ring, as she served as a professional dog show handler for approximately 15 years, showcasing a diverse range of breeds. Furthermore, Diana dedicated almost a decade to the role of an AKC Executive Field Representative, collaborating extensively with exhibitors, judges, and club members.
In addition to her illustrious canine career, Diana brings a robust accounting background to the table. Currently serving as a Budget Analyst for the Department of Public Safety, she looks forward to leveraging her analytical and critical thinking skills in contributing to the Board of Sunrise Service Dogs. Committed to diligent learning and a meaningful contribution, Diana is poised to play an integral role in supporting the organization's mission.
Russell A. White, CPA, MBA
Treasurer
Russ White serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Sunrise Service Dogs, bringing over three decades of financial expertise to the organization. As a Partner in RubinBrown's Assurance Services Group, he contributes valuable financial oversight and accounting knowledge to support Sunrise Service Dogs' mission.
With more than 25 years of experience in the Denver Metro Area, Russ's extensive background in not-for-profit and governmental accounting makes him particularly well-suited for his role as Treasurer. His commitment to exceptional service and problem-solving skills helps ensure sound financial stewardship of the organization's resources.
When not volunteering his time and expertise to Sunrise Service Dogs, Russ enjoys hiking and skiing throughout the Colorado Front Range and spending time with his family.
Patty Korsch
Secretary
Patty is a lifelong dog owner and respected breeder of numerous champion German Shepherd Dogs, including Award of Excellence recipients and some of the top-ranked dogs in the country. Her dedication to the breed and involvement in the dog community have remained a central part of both her personal and professional life.
Her professional career began in the geotechnical engineering industry, where she managed the Longmont office of a Geotechnical Engineering firm for 26 years. She later expanded her experience into the oil and gas industry, spending six years in accounting before advancing into roles as Construction Department Operations Technician, Office Operations Technician, and Fleet Coordinator.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Patty has held numerous leadership roles within German Shepherd Dog clubs at both the local and national levels, including Show Chair, Site Selector, Club President, and Treasurer. Her extensive organizational, administrative, and financial management experience has made her a valued leader and contributor within nonprofit and profit organizations.
During retirement, she served as Project Manager and Owner’s Representative for the development of the new Under The Sun building. She currently oversees Human Resources and Payroll operations while also assisting with event coordination at Under The Sun.
With decades of leadership, administrative expertise, and nonprofit service experience, Patty brings strong organizational skills, professionalism, and dedication to the role of Secretary.
Heather Johnson
Co-Founder, Board Member
Heather's connection with dogs runs deep, as her parents raised Bullmastiffs, and her family became heavily involved in the world of AKC purebred dogs.
Throughout her high school and college years, Heather gained practical experience by working at grooming facilities, boarding facilities, and various veterinarian clinics.
In 2000, fate led Heather to Colorado, where she traveled to evaluate a litter of Bullmastiffs. It was there that she met Colton, and their meeting marked the beginning of a wonderful journey together. They have been happily married for over 15 years and now have three beautiful children.
As a family, Heather, Colton, and their children are dedicated to raising Old English Sheepdogs under the Bugaboo prefix. They continue to carry on this passion alongside Heather's in-laws, Douglas and Michealanne.
Awards and recognitions:
2024 Breeders of the Year - Dog News Show Dogs of the Year Awards Sponsored by ProPlan
Greg Anderson
Board Member
Greg Anderson is an attorney and real estate broker with more than 30 years of experience in real estate transactions, broker counseling, and legal matters. As Broker Owner and Manager of The Anderson Team, LLC, he has closed more than 1,400 transactions representing more than $500 million in real estate sales. Greg brings a strong background in negotiation, advising, and complex problem-solving, shaped by earlier work in complex litigation and corporate bankruptcy. He holds a Juris Doctor from Brigham Young University and remains active in both the real estate and legal communities. He has also contributed more than 10,000 hours of volunteer service and currently serves at University Hospital as a registered Therapy Dog Handler with Alliance of Therapy Dogs alongside his certified therapy dog, Darla.
Mark Barton
Board Member
Mark Barton is a longtime automotive retail leader in Colorado Springs and has served as General Manager and Partner at Phil Long Ford of Motor City and Phil Long Dealerships since 2008. In addition to his leadership in dealership operations, Mark is known for his strong commitment to community partnerships across the Pikes Peak region, with a focus on supporting veterans and animal welfare initiatives. His work reflects a longstanding dedication to both business excellence and meaningful local impact.
Tricia Elmer
Board Member
Tricia Elmer brings a wealth of experience in the field of special education as a teacher, director of special education, agency director, executive director, and most recently as an independent consultant coaching administrators in special education, conflict resolution, and mediation. She has been recognized as an outstanding contributor in the field of special education by the Iowa Council of Administrators of Special Education and served extensively on district task forces and state committees related to special education. Her education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education as well as a Master of Arts in Special Education, both from Michigan State University. Tricia is an active volunteer and has also served as a board member for the New Mexico Children’s Foundation and on the Advisory Panel for the Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Douglas Johnson
Board Member
Doug Johnson is an esteemed figure in canine breeding and conformation, AKC judge, and advocate for the welfare and advancement of pure and purpose-bred dogs. Starting in 1972 with Old English Sheepdogs, Doug's commitment to ethical breeding practices and breed integrity has made a lasting impact on the dog world. He expanded his breeding repertoire to include Bouvier des Flandres in 1976, solidifying his reputation as a devoted breeder.
Renowned for his discerning eye and dedication to maintaining breed authenticity, he is sought-after as an AKC judge, garnering respect and admiration within the canine community.
Doug's contributions go beyond breeding and judging. He shares his knowledge by serving on various AKC committees, enriching the wider community of dog enthusiasts. As Vice-Chair, Doug generously advises Sunrise Service Dogs for the benefit of individuals with disabilities.
Awards and recognitions:
Devoted husband, father, and grandfather
2006 American Kennel Club Breeder of the Year
2016 Winkie Award Outstanding Breeder of the Year
American Kennel Club, Board Nominating Committee
Bouvier des Flandres Club of America, President, board member & Breed Guide Committee Member
Colorado Department of Agriculture, Pet Animals Care Facility Act Chair & Advisory Committee
Colorado Springs Kennel Club, AKC Delegate, President & board member
Delegate & Advisor, AKC Junior Showmanship Committee
Dog Federation of Colorado, President & board member
Old English Sheepdog Club of America, President, Board member, AKC parent club delegate & Illustrated Guide Committee
Chuck Bessant
Board Member
Chuck Bessant is a results-driven leader and community advocate with more than 30 years of experience in engineering, strategic planning, and large-scale program delivery. With an MBA and a dual bachelor’s degree in management data systems and marketing, Chuck brings deep expertise in financial oversight, governance, risk management, and organizational strategy.
A longtime supporter of therapy and service dog initiatives, Chuck previously served as Treasurer of a national therapy dog organization and remains an active volunteer and handler. His career spans executive consulting, global technology leadership, and infrastructure architecture, including leading complex deployments for major financial and telecommunications organizations. Chuck is deeply committed to ethical, mission-driven animal-assisted programs that enhance independence and quality of life for veterans, children, and individuals with disabilities.