The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has officially concluded its first democratic election since transitioning into an independent entity, signaling a transformative era for the world’s largest organization dedicated to the hobby of home fermentation. In a process that spanned several months and drew significant interest from the global brewing community, AHA members elected four new leaders to the Board of Directors. This milestone marks the culmination of a structural reorganization that has seen the AHA evolve from a division of the Brewers Association into a standalone non-profit organization comprised of both a 501(c)(6) membership body and a 501(c)(3) educational foundation.

The election results, finalized in March 2026, saw a competitive field of 28 initial nominees narrowed down to a slate of 10 candidates. From this group, the membership selected Jen Blair, Stephanie Butler, Jen Pereira, and Jeff Whelpley to serve three-year terms. These four individuals will join current board members Shawna Cormier, Drew Beechum, and Gregory Roskopf to steer the association through a period of modernization and community reinvestment. The official seating of the new board is scheduled for June 20, 2026, at the AHA’s annual meeting during Homebrew Con in Asheville, North Carolina.

A New Chapter of Independence

The significance of this election lies in the AHA’s recent shift toward full independence. For decades, the AHA operated under the umbrella of the Brewers Association (BA), the trade group representing small and independent craft brewers. While this partnership was instrumental in the growth of the craft beer movement, the decision to establish the AHA as an autonomous entity was driven by a desire to return the organization to its grassroots origins.

By operating as a 501(c)(6) membership organization, the AHA is now empowered to engage more directly in advocacy and professional networking for its members. Simultaneously, the creation of the A-HA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) supporting organization, allows for a dedicated focus on the charitable and educational aspects of the hobby. This dual-structure model is common among large-scale trade and hobbyist organizations, providing a clear distinction between member services and the broader mission of public education and research.

The "Founding Board," which included outgoing members Sandy Cockerham and Gary Glass, was tasked with navigating this complex legal and operational transition. Their departure marks the end of the "provisional" phase of the new AHA, handing the reins to a board that has been directly mandated by the current membership base.

Profiles of the Newly Elected Leadership

The incoming board members bring a diverse array of expertise ranging from sensory analysis and professional brewing to technical infrastructure and community organizing.

Jen Blair is a widely recognized figure in the brewing world, known for her expertise as a National Rank BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) judge and an Advanced Cicerone®. Her focus on sensory education and beer style history is expected to bolster the AHA’s educational resources, particularly for those looking to bridge the gap between hobbyist and professional standards.

Stephanie Butler has long been an advocate for inclusivity and education within the brewing community. Her background often intersects with organizations like the Pink Boots Society, and her election suggests a membership desire for continued focus on diversifying the hobby and lowering barriers to entry for new brewers.

Jen Pereira brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and organizational management. As the AHA looks to revitalize local homebrew clubs—many of which faced challenges during the post-pandemic era—Pereira’s expertise in fostering local networks will be vital to the "homebrew club in every community" vision.

Jeff Whelpley represents the technical and innovative side of the modern homebrewing landscape. As homebrewing technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, with automated systems and digital fermentation tracking becoming the norm, Whelpley’s background in technology and his passion for the hobby provide the board with the necessary insight to navigate the digital future of the association.

Chronology of the 2026 Election Cycle

The path to this historic vote began in late 2025, following the formal legal separation of the AHA from the Brewers Association. The timeline of the election was designed to ensure transparency and maximum member participation:

• January 2026: The call for nominations was issued to the general membership. A total of 28 individuals were nominated, representing a broad cross-section of the homebrewing world.
• February 2026: A nominating committee reviewed the candidates, assessing their experience, commitment to the AHA’s mission, and vision for the future. The field was narrowed to a final slate of 10 candidates.
• March 2026: Online voting opened to all active AHA members. This period saw high engagement, reflecting the membership’s investment in the new independent direction of the organization.
• April 2026: The election results were verified and publicly announced.
• June 20, 2026: The new board members will be officially seated during the AHA Annual Meeting at Homebrew Con in Asheville.

Data and Impact: The State of Homebrewing

The election comes at a critical juncture for the homebrewing hobby. According to data from the AHA, there are an estimated 1.1 million homebrewers in the United States, who collectively produce more than 1.4 million barrels of beer annually. However, the hobby has faced headwinds in recent years, including rising costs for raw materials like malt and hops, and a shifting beverage landscape where younger consumers are increasingly drawn to ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails and non-alcoholic options.

The new board will be tasked with addressing these challenges. The AHA’s "Member Deals" program, which provides discounts at hundreds of breweries and supply shops nationwide, remains a primary draw for members. Additionally, the National Homebrew Competition (NHC), the largest of its kind in the world, continues to serve as the gold standard for hobbyist achievement. Maintaining the prestige and operational excellence of these programs while innovating for a new generation of brewers is the board’s primary mandate.

Official Responses and Strategic Vision

Shawna Cormier, the current AHA Board Chair, emphasized the gravity of this transition in her official statement. She noted that the work of the Founding Board laid the groundwork for a "new future," and that the newly elected members are "positioned to help the AHA grow for generations."

The stated vision of the AHA—"a homebrewer in every neighborhood and a homebrew club in every community"—serves as the north star for the incoming leadership. This grassroots focus is a deliberate move to decentralize the organization’s influence and empower local chapters.

Departing members Sandy Cockerham and Gary Glass were also highlighted for their service. Glass, in particular, served for years as the Director of the AHA under the Brewers Association era, and his role on the Founding Board provided a necessary bridge between the old and new organizational structures. Their work ensured that the AHA maintained its core values of community, education, joy, and volunteerism during the legal upheaval of the past 24 months.

Broader Implications for the Craft Beer Industry

The independence of the AHA is not just an internal matter for homebrewers; it has broader implications for the craft beer industry at large. Historically, the homebrewing community has been the "R&D lab" for the craft beer movement. Almost every major craft brewery in the United States, from Sierra Nevada to Dogfish Head, began as a homebrewing operation.

By strengthening the AHA as an independent 501(c)(6), the organization can more effectively lobby for "homebrew-friendly" legislation at the state and federal levels. This includes advocating for the right to transport homebrew to competitions and festivals, as well as clarifying tax laws regarding the production of fermented beverages for personal use.

Furthermore, the A-HA Foundation’s 501(c)(3) status allows the organization to seek grants and tax-deductible donations to fund research into fermentation science, sustainable brewing practices, and the preservation of brewing history. This scientific and historical output benefits the entire fermented beverage industry, not just hobbyists.

Looking Ahead to Homebrew Con 2026

The eyes of the homebrewing world now turn to Asheville, North Carolina, for Homebrew Con 2026. Known as "Beer City USA," Asheville provides a fitting backdrop for this historic meeting. The conference will serve as the first major gathering under the new leadership, featuring educational seminars, the final round of the National Homebrew Competition, and the "Social Club" where homebrew clubs from across the country share their creations.

The seating of the new board in June will mark the official start of their three-year term. During this time, the community expects to see a renewed focus on the Zymurgy® magazine’s digital evolution, the expansion of the AHA Member Deals program, and a more robust support system for local homebrew clubs.

As the AHA moves forward, the success of this first election serves as a testament to the resilience of the homebrewing community. Despite the changes in organizational structure and the shifts in the global beer market, the core mission remains unchanged: to celebrate the joy of making world-class beverages at home and to foster a community of passionate, educated volunteers.