The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has successfully concluded its inaugural board of directors election following its transition to a newly independent structure, encompassing both a 501(c)(6) membership organization and a 501(c)(3) supporting arm, the A-HA Foundation. This significant electoral event, held in March, saw four new members elected from a pool of ten candidates, who were themselves selected from an initial field of 28 nominees. The newly elected directors will serve three-year terms, joining the existing board members Shawna Cormier, Drew Beechum, and Gregory Roskopf.
The results of this historic election usher in a new era for the AHA, an organization with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1978. The recent restructuring signifies a pivotal moment, granting the association greater autonomy and a refined framework for its dual mission: to champion the interests of homebrewers as a membership organization and to advance the broader cause of homebrewing through philanthropic and educational initiatives.
The four newly elected members are Jen Blair, Stephanie Butler, Jen Pereira, and Jeff Whelpley. Their selection by the AHA membership reflects a democratic process designed to ensure broad representation and diverse perspectives within the association’s leadership. Each of these individuals brings unique experiences and expertise to the board, promising to contribute to the AHA’s strategic direction and operational effectiveness.
The official seating of the new board is scheduled to take place on June 20, 2026, during the AHA’s annual meeting. This gathering coincides with Homebrew Con, the association’s flagship event and the premier annual convention for homebrewers worldwide. The choice of Asheville, North Carolina, as the host city for Homebrew Con 2026 further underscores the AHA’s commitment to engaging with its membership in vibrant and accessible locations.
The AHA expressed profound gratitude to all the candidates who participated in this year’s election, acknowledging the significant commitment and effort involved in running for a board position. Equally important was the appreciation extended to the AHA members who exercised their right to vote, thereby actively participating in the governance of their association. This high level of engagement is a testament to the passionate and dedicated nature of the homebrewing community.
A special acknowledgment was reserved for the departing AHA Board members, Sandy Cockerham and Gary Glass. As founding members of the board during this transitional period, their leadership and dedication were instrumental in navigating the complexities of the AHA’s recent independence. Their contributions have laid a robust foundation for the association’s future growth and success, embodying the spirit of volunteerism that is central to the AHA’s ethos.
Shawna Cormier, the current AHA Board Chair, articulated the significance of this electoral milestone. "The work started by the AHA Founding Board to bring the association to a new future has been impressive to say the least," Cormier stated. "With our new elected board members, we are positioned to help the AHA grow for generations. We look forward to bringing AHA’s vision of ‘a homebrewer in every neighborhood and a homebrew club in every community’ to life." This vision encapsulates the AHA’s ambitious goals for expanding the reach and impact of homebrewing across the nation.
Background and Context of the Transition
The American Homebrewers Association, since its inception, has been a cornerstone of the homebrewing movement in the United States. Founded in 1978, it has consistently worked to promote and protect the hobby, provide resources, and foster a sense of community among its members. The recent transition to an independent structure, comprising a 501(c)(6) and a 501(c)(3) entity, is a strategic move designed to enhance the organization’s operational flexibility, fundraising capabilities, and overall mission effectiveness.
A 501(c)(6) organization, typically a business league, is designed to promote the common business interests of its members. For the AHA, this translates to advocating for homebrewers, providing member benefits, and organizing events like Homebrew Con. The 501(c)(3) designation, held by the A-HA Foundation, allows the association to engage in charitable and educational activities, such as research, educational programs, and public awareness campaigns related to homebrewing and the craft beer industry. This dual structure allows the AHA to pursue a broader range of initiatives and secure funding from diverse sources, including grants and tax-deductible donations, while maintaining its core membership services.
The process leading up to this election involved a significant period of planning and restructuring. The AHA leadership and its members have been actively involved in shaping this new organizational framework. The nomination and election process itself was designed to be transparent and inclusive, reflecting the democratic principles upon which the AHA is built. The substantial number of initial nominees (28) and the robust candidate pool (10) for the final election indicate a high level of interest and commitment from individuals within the homebrewing community eager to contribute to the AHA’s future.
The Election Process and Timeline
The election cycle for the new board members began with the identification of potential candidates who met specific criteria for nomination. This phase likely involved outreach to active and engaged members of the homebrewing community, soliciting nominations and verifying eligibility. The initial pool of 28 nominees suggests a healthy interest in serving the AHA.
Following the nomination period, a selection committee or a similar internal process would have vetted these nominees to create a final slate of 10 candidates. This stage is crucial for ensuring that the candidates possess the necessary skills, experience, and commitment to effectively govern the association. Factors such as leadership experience, understanding of the homebrewing landscape, and alignment with the AHA’s mission would have been key considerations.
The voting period, which concluded in March, allowed AHA members to cast their ballots electronically or through other designated channels. The participation rate in this election is a critical metric for assessing member engagement and the perceived importance of board leadership. While specific participation numbers were not released, the fact that four new members were elected from a competitive field suggests a robust electoral process.
The newly elected directors will officially assume their duties at the AHA’s annual meeting on June 20, 2026. This date marks the formal commencement of their three-year terms and signifies the culmination of the transition process. The Homebrew Con event provides a fitting backdrop for this transition, allowing for member interaction with both departing and incoming board members.
Supporting Data and Community Engagement
The American Homebrewers Association has long been a vital resource for homebrewers. Founded in 1978, it has grown alongside the craft beer movement, playing a significant role in its development and popularization. The AHA’s mission is deeply rooted in the values of Community, Education, Joy, and Volunteerism. These core principles guide its various initiatives, from publishing Zymurgy magazine, a leading publication for homebrewers, to organizing the National Homebrew Competition, the largest and most prestigious of its kind.
The AHA’s online presence at HomebrewersAssociation.org serves as a comprehensive hub for recipes, educational content, and community forums. Member benefits, such as exclusive deals and access to a vast archive of brewing knowledge, further solidify its value proposition. The AHA also actively supports and recognizes homebrew clubs, understanding their critical role in fostering local brewing communities.
The transition to an independent structure, including the establishment of the A-HA Foundation, is expected to amplify the AHA’s impact. The 501(c)(3) status opens doors for grants and tax-deductible donations, enabling the association to fund larger-scale projects. This could include initiatives focused on brewing education for underserved communities, research into brewing science and sustainability, or advocacy efforts at local and national levels to support homebrewing legislation.
The success of the AHA is intrinsically linked to the engagement of its members. The election of new board members through a direct voting process underscores the democratic governance model. This model ensures that the leadership remains accountable to the membership and reflects the evolving needs and priorities of the homebrewing community. The AHA’s call to action, “a homebrewer in every neighborhood and a homebrew club in every community,” is a testament to its commitment to grassroots growth and widespread participation in the hobby.
Implications of the New Board Structure
The election of a new board of directors for the independently structured AHA carries significant implications for the future of homebrewing advocacy and education. The infusion of new perspectives and expertise from Jen Blair, Stephanie Butler, Jen Pereira, and Jeff Whelpley, alongside the continued guidance of Shawna Cormier, Drew Beechum, and Gregory Roskopf, positions the AHA to tackle emerging challenges and seize new opportunities.
The strategic importance of the dual 501(c)(6) and 501(c)(3) structure cannot be overstated. The 501(c)(6) arm will continue to focus on the direct benefits and advocacy for its members, ensuring that the interests of homebrewers are represented in policy discussions and industry developments. The 501(c)(3) arm, the A-HA Foundation, will be instrumental in securing funding for broader initiatives that benefit the entire homebrewing ecosystem and the public at large. This could include educational scholarships, research grants, and public outreach programs aimed at promoting responsible brewing practices and the cultural significance of homebrewing.
The continued leadership of Board Chair Shawna Cormier, who emphasized the goal of positioning the AHA for "generations" of growth, suggests a long-term strategic vision. The election process itself, with its rigorous nomination and selection stages, indicates a commitment to attracting qualified and dedicated individuals to serve. The active participation of AHA members in the election process reinforces the organization’s foundation in community and volunteerism.
The AHA’s overarching vision, "a homebrewer in every neighborhood and a homebrew club in every community," is ambitious and speaks to a desire to democratize the hobby further and integrate it more deeply into the fabric of local communities. The newly constituted board will be tasked with developing and executing strategies to achieve this vision, likely involving enhanced outreach programs, support for emerging homebrew clubs, and the dissemination of accessible brewing knowledge.
Furthermore, the AHA’s commitment to education and resources, exemplified by Zymurgy magazine and the National Homebrew Competition, will likely be strengthened. The new board will have the opportunity to innovate within these established programs and potentially introduce new educational platforms or competitions that cater to the evolving interests of homebrewers, from traditional styles to experimental concoctions.
The transition to independence and the successful election of a new board represent a critical juncture for the American Homebrewers Association. The organization is now better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern brewing landscape, advocate for its members, and foster the growth and enjoyment of homebrewing for years to come. The upcoming Homebrew Con in Asheville will serve as a public platform to celebrate this new chapter and to engage directly with the community that forms the heart of the AHA.
For those interested in understanding the AHA’s governance and its various committees, resources are available on their website. The AHA encourages continued engagement and support from its membership and the broader homebrewing community. As the association embarks on this new phase, its dedication to its founding principles of Community, Education, Joy, and Volunteerism remains paramount, promising a vibrant future for homebrewing enthusiasts across the nation.
