Officer Bios
Sharon Blaszak, President
“I live in NW Indiana with my husband of 32 years, Brian, golden retriever, Sully, and Bernese, Astraea. We got our first dog, a golden retriever, in 1995. Our first berner was in 2004. I started in
Conformation with goldens, but now I also compete in Obedience, Rally, Scentwork/Nosework and Draft. My dogs also have FastCat, Farm Dog and Trick titles. I have been the Secretary for the BMDCNI for the last six years. I chaired the Veterans Parade and Titleholders for the 2024 National and am chairing Veterans again in 2027. I am a HR professional with over 30 years
of experience and for the past three years I have been self-employed as a HR Consultant. When I am not competing with my dogs, I love to read, go to concerts, lounge in my pool, and vacation in Florida.”
Lori Delk, Vice President
“I come from a family of animal lovers, ranging from farmers to breeders to pet owners. Growing up, we had sporting dogs: Labs, Golden Retrievers, and one Irish Setter. Several years ago, I saw a Christmas card featuring two Berners, and I fell in love. My first Berner was born with a genetic defect that prevented him from thriving; losing him broke my heart. It is because of him that I went from pet owner to performance dog handler. Then came Lolita, and I joined the conformation world and began breeding. Currently, I have three Berners. We are involved in drafting, obedience, and rally. We have also earned farm dog certifications done agility and therapy work. I love training my dogs—teaching is in my nature; I am a retired 5th-grade teacher (and a grandmother of four.) I truly love Berners and want to do whatever I can to preserve our beautiful breed. I have served as president, vice president (current), editor of the Matterhorn and webmaster. I am a member of our parent club (BMDCA), and FVDTC. When I am not doing something dog-related, I’m probably sleeping.
Kelley Frank, Secretary
“My history with animals is a long one. My first dog I could call my own was a Golden Retriever given to me by a friend as a “kind of “ graduation gift in 1990. I have had a Black Lab and most recently the smartest dog on the planet, a Border Collie. He basically trained my Bernese Mountain dog for me. I started with Rally with the Berner as a way to bond with him. I then met some of the club members and became a member of the BMDCNI. Before I knew it Ibecame a Board member and now Secretary. I have really enjoyed getting to meet people in the club and sharing thespecial bond we have with our Berners! Thank you for letting me be a part of your club!”
John Washburn, Treasurer
“I was introduced to Bernese Mountain Dogs in 2016, when I met my wife, Lynne. As Lynne is a breeder, our household consistently includes no fewer than three Berners. Over the years, I have become increasingly involved in competitions and club events, which led me to volunteer for the position of Treasurer for the club beginning in 2025. Professionally, I am a Software Engineer employed by a large international manufacturing company. In my personal time, I enjoy playing golf, traveling to the Caribbean, and taking road trips focused on wine and bourbon tasting.”
Lynne Farrell Washburn, Board Member
Lynne developed a love for Bernese Mountain Dogs in 2002 while actively showing Golden Retrievers. In 2004, she welcomed her first Berner, “Haley,” and has been devoted to the breed ever since. Over the years, Lynne has been privileged to raise numerous litters of Bernese Mountain Dogs, helping fulfill many families’ dreams of welcoming a Berner into their homes. She became a member of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northern Illinois (BMDCNI) in 2008 and has served the club in several capacities, including as a board member and Membership Chair since 2014. She currently serves as the club historian. Lynne is actively involved in a wide range of activities with her dogs, including conformation, rally, obedience, draft, agility, and therapy work.
Kay Cammarata, Board Member
“I am married to my high school sweetheart, Jim, and we have 3 adult children and 2 precious grandchildren. We current live in St. John, IN. with our 2yr old Berner, Eva. Jim is currently
working with her in Confirmation and hopes to work with her in Agility. We have owned several Bernese Mountain dogs over the past 30 years now and love the breed. We’re not interested in owning anything else. We also love fishing and spend as much time as we can in the Northwoods of Wisconsin where we own a log cabin home.”
Lauren Pullano, Board Member
“My name is Lauren Pullano, and I live in the northern suburb of Ivanhoe. I have served on the board before and have decided to make another commitment to serve again. I’m a big picture person, and love creating new ideas. I am a designer of hair and have owned my own company for 31 years. My husband Robert has his own insurance brokerage company going back 3 generations, and my son Nicholas has just finished medical school and is looking forward to his residency sometime in 2026. I have owned Paso Fino horses for 26 years and love all animals since I was a child. My first working breed was a Siberian husky, Kahlua, and a Malamute, named Bear. I love the working breed. Bernese Mountain Dogs were a perfect match for myself and family. It took me 4 years to finally get the most beautiful breed of dog and it’s been an uphill climb from learning about the past, present, and future of the breed including breeding techniques and competing in the show ring. The best part about breeding is sending my love and dedication to new families to join our wonderful breed! In my free time I love to read, garden, and cook new recipes I am looking forward on working with the current and new BMDCNI Board members for the 2026 year!!