THE BOARD
The committee ensures fairness and integrity in honoring champions.
The National Hall of Champions Board is composed of dedicated volunteers representing a variety of roles and regions across the United States and Canada. Though diverse in background, the board is united by one mission: to recognize and celebrate the good in our fellow hobbyists.
As this initiative grows, board membership will evolve, but we are committed to maintaining a broad and inclusive representation of both roles and regions within the poultry community.
Current Board Members
Dan Castle
Connecticut
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Troy Laroche
Canada
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Stephanie Coomer
Kentucky
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Kyle Tripp
Arizona
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Jackie Koedatich
Florida
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Dan Castle
CHAIRMAN
From Connecticut, Dan has been a devoted member of the exhibition poultry community for more than 25 years. Best known for his success in breeding and showing Black Australorps, Brahmas, and Hamburgs, he has established a reputation for producing birds of exceptional quality and for advancing these breeds within the fancy.
Beyond the showroom, Dan has been an active leader and organizer. As President of the Connecticut Poultry Breeders Society, he plays a central role in coordinating and running the club’s annual show, helping to provide exhibitors with a high-quality venue and fostering community among fanciers. His leadership has strengthened the organization and created lasting opportunities for breeders and exhibitors alike.
At the national level, Dan has contributed his time and expertise in many ways. He is a General Licensed Judge with both the American Poultry Association and the American Bantam Association, respected for his knowledge, fairness, and integrity in the showroom. He has also served on the ABA Standard Committee, helping to shape the official guidelines that define the future of the hobby.
Outside of poultry, Dan owns and operates an aerospace company specializing in torque multipliers used in the assembly of helicopters and airplane engines. His professional work reflects the same dedication, precision, and commitment to excellence that define his role in the fancy.
Jackie Koedatich
Member
From Florida, Jackie has been involved in the exhibition poultry hobby since 1999, though her roots in animal competition began much earlier in the dog show world. Over more than two decades, she has become best known for her breeding and showing achievements with Buff and Light Brahmas, Speckled Sussex, New Hampshires, and Black Australorps.
Jackie’s dedication and success have been recognized at the highest levels. Through the American Bantam Association, she has achieved the title of Master Breeder in Buff and Light Brahmas and Speckled Sussex Bantams. Through the American Poultry Association, she has earned the distinction of Grand Master Exhibitor with both Black Australorp Largefowl and Buff Brahma Bantams.
Her service to the fancy extends beyond breeding and exhibiting. Jackie is a licensed judge with the ABA and has served as a director, contributing leadership and vision to the organization. Known for her enthusiasm, she values both exhibiting and judging, and is admired for her willingness to mentor and share knowledge with others.
At the heart of Jackie’s philosophy is the belief that openness to learning and listening is the key to becoming a better breeder and judge. This mindset, coupled with her achievements and service, has made her a respected figure in the poultry community and a role model for exhibitors of all levels.
Troy Laroche
Member
From Canada, Troy has been an active force in the exhibition poultry hobby for more than 40 years. Best known for exceptional breeding and showing achievements with Modern Games, Troy has established a reputation for consistency, quality, and passion that has elevated the breed and inspired countless fanciers across the country.
In addition to personal success in the showroom, Troy has dedicated significant time and energy to supporting the broader community. A key organizer of the Ontario Poultry Breeders Show, he plays an important role each year in ensuring the event’s success, helping create opportunities for exhibitors to showcase their birds and build lasting connections. Beyond this, Troy has served in many leadership roles at the national level, contributing vision and guidance that have strengthened the poultry hobby across Canada.
Respected not only for his expertise as a breeder and exhibitor but also for his generosity of time and knowledge, Troy is a mentor and supporter to newcomers and veterans alike. His influence extends well beyond the birds he raises, shaping the culture of the hobby through service, leadership, and example.
Outside of poultry, Troy owns and operates a successful distribution business, demonstrating the same work ethic and dedication that have defined his role in the fancy. Balancing professional life with decades of service to the poultry community, Troy stands as a model of commitment, excellence, and leadership.
Kyle Tripp
Member
From Arizona, Kyle has been a devoted member of the exhibition poultry community for more than 25 years. Best known for exceptional breeding and showing achievements in Old English Games, Leghorns, and Rocks, Kyle has earned recognition across the country for consistency, quality, and dedication to the advancement of these breeds.
In addition to personal success in the showroom, Kyle has played an active role in supporting and promoting the fancy. Each year, he helps to organize and run the Apache County/Four Corners Show, ensuring exhibitors have a well-run and welcoming venue to showcase their birds. His leadership extends well beyond Arizona, as he has served in many national roles, including the distinguished position of Chair of the American Bantam Association Standard Committee, where his vision and knowledge have helped shape the future of the hobby.
Respected for his expertise as a breeder and exhibitor as well as his generosity as a mentor, Kyle is known for offering guidance to both newcomers and experienced fanciers alike. His influence has strengthened the poultry community locally and nationally, inspiring confidence and fostering a spirit of learning and cooperation.
Outside of poultry, Kyle applies the same work ethic and dedication to his profession as a farrier. Balancing his career with decades of service to the fancy, he exemplifies commitment, leadership, and passion in every aspect of life.
Stephanie Coomer
Member
From Kentucky, Stephanie has been active in the exhibition poultry hobby for more than 10 years. Best known for her breeding and showing achievements in Black Orpingtons and Black Cochins, she has established a reputation for quality and dedication that has earned recognition in the showroom and among fellow breeders.
In addition to her success as a breeder and exhibitor, Stephanie has contributed her creative talents to the advancement of the fancy. She has designed numerous advertisements for the American Poultry Association Yearbook as well as promotional materials and collateral for clubs, lending a professional polish that has helped elevate the visibility of the hobby.
Outside of poultry, Stephanie supports companies with their marketing needs, applying the same creativity, precision, and professionalism that she brings to her work within the fancy. Balancing her career with her commitment to poultry, she has become a valued contributor whose influence extends beyond the showroom to the broader promotion of the hobby.
COMMITTEE DETAILS
- The governance of the Hall shall be vested in a Board of Directors ('the Board').
- The Board shall consist of:
- One (1) Chairman
- A minimum of three (3) and a maximum of nine (9) Board Members
- Members should represent all regions of North America, with no more than two members from the same APA/ABA district serving at the same time.
- Members must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the hobby.
- The founding Board includes:
- Dan Castle – Connecticut
- Troy Laroche – Canada
- Stephanie Coomer – Kentucky
- Kyle Tripp – Arizona
- Jackie Koedatich – Florida
- The Chairman shall preside over all Board meetings, enforce these Bylaws, and serve as the Hall's principal representative.
- The Chairman shall be elected by a majority vote of the Board.
- The Chairman may serve a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms.
- The Board shall be divided into three (3) groups with staggered term expirations to ensure continuity, with approximately one-third (1/3) of the Board seats up for renewal or replacement each year.
- Board Members shall serve a term of three (3) years and may serve no more than two (2) consecutive terms. After completing two consecutive terms, a Board Member must take a one-year hiatus before becoming eligible again.
- If the Board determines that a member’s continued service is not in the best interest of the organization, the Board may remove that member by a majority vote of the full Board. The member in question shall be given the opportunity to respond prior to the vote.
- When a Board Member departs, the Board shall give strong preference to candidates recommended by the outgoing member for their replacement. This preference shall be considered alongside the Board’s ongoing commitment to geographic diversity, role diversity, and overall representation in the hobby.
- Vacancies occurring before the natural end of a term may be filled by majority vote of the Board. The replacement member will serve only the remainder of the unexpired term, after which they may be considered for a new full term.
- The Board shall meet at least once per calendar year.
- Additional meetings may be called by the Chairman or a majority of the Board.
- A quorum shall consist of a majority of currently serving Board Members.