Committees

Standing Committees

As with any association, much of ACS’s work is done through volunteer efforts provided by the standing committees of the American Cheese Society. Each committee member provides support and advice to the Board of Directors through the committee chair(s) on actions and initiatives directed by the Board. ACS Bylaws require that the committee chair(s) provide periodic reports to the Board of Directors through minutes of meetings. Not all committee chairs are members of the Board of Directors, except in the cases where the association’s Bylaws require it, and in most cases the committee works in conjunction with the ACS Executive Director in achieving its goals.

Membership on these standing committees is open to any member currently holding Individual, Small Business, or Corporate membership in the American Cheese Society. All members are encouraged to participate in ACS committee work where time and special talents allow. If you wish to be a contributing member of any of the committees listed below, please contact the committee chair or ACS staff liaison, and inform them of your interest.

Conference Planning Committee

Co-Chairs:

Jeanne Carpenter, Wisconsin Cheese Originals
Sara Hill, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
Bob Wills, Cedar Grove Cheese

ACS Staff Liaison: Nora Weiser, Executive Director

The conference planning committee advises and assists in the planning of the program and activities associated with the Annual Conference & Competition. Committee members develop the annual conference theme, suggest guest speakers, seminar and general session topics, events, tours, and help recruit volunteers for conference events. Through its work, the conference planning committee assumes responsibility for developing and monitoring the conference budget and ensuring that the conference provides both an informative and enlightening experience for conference attendees.

Judging & Competition Committee

Chair: Todd Druhot, Atlanta Foods International
Vice-Chair: Tom Kooiman
ACS Staff Liaison: Michelle Lee, Programs & Operations Director

Members at large: John Antonelli; Patrick Bleck; Matt Bonano; Stephanie Clark; John Greeley; David Grotenstein; Rachel Perez; Richard and Karen Silverston

The Judging & Competition Committee is inherently linked to the Annual Conference. This committee is responsible for determining all criteria for the cheeses entered into the competition by ACS member cheesemakers. The committee determines the roster of judges and their compensation, the categories of cheeses, the judging processes, scoring, reporting, and awards criteria. The committee also formulates a budget, coordinates volunteers, and guides production of a printed awards brochure that is published onsite and made available to attendees at the Festival of Cheese.

Sponsorship Committee

Staff Liaison: Rebecca Orozco, Marketing & Communications Director

Members at large: Patrick Bleck, DPI Specialty Foods; Terry Comer, Euro USA; Mike Gingrich, Uplands Cheese; Mark Goldman, Formaticum; David Gremmels, Rogue Creamery; Adam Moskowitz, Larkin; Tim Smith, The Kroger Company; Cheryl Sullivan; Bob Wills, Cedar Grove Cheese

The Sponsorship Committee is responsible for soliciting funds to help defray the expenses of producing the Annual Conference & Competition, and the day-to-day operation of the association. Typically, the Sponsorship Committee develops an annual campaign targeted to those involved in the cheese industry, whether at the producer, retailer, or distributor level, with the goal being an amount determined by the Chairs and the Board of Directors. Members of this committee draft a benefits program, contact industry affiliates, and ensure that sponsor recognition benefits are consistent as outlined in the benefits program.

Certification Committee

Chair: Max McCalman
Staff Liaison: Jane Bauer, Education & Outreach Manager

The Certification Committee is responsible for overseeing the creation, maintenance, and operation of the Certified Cheese Professional™ Exam.  Working groups within the committee handle review of applications, appeals processes, exam writing and question analysis, governance, and scoring functions.

Scholarship Committee

Cheesemaker Scholarship Chair: John Eggena
John Crompton Memorial Scholarship Chair: Linda Luke, Luke & McKenna
Staff Liaison: Jana Hemphill, Member Services Specialist

Members at large: Jennifer Bice, Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery; Sue Conley, Cowgirl Creamery; Steve Ehlers, Larry’s Market; Francois Kerautret, Peterson Company; Neville McNaughton, CheezSorce, LLC; Anne Saxelby, Saxelby Cheesemongers

Cheesemaker Scholarships provide support for ACS cheesemaker members through scholarships to attend the Annual Conference. The committee sets scholarship criteria, communicates scholarship availability and deadlines, reviews applications, and selects scholarship recipients.

The John Crompton Memorial Scholarship provides support for ACS retailer members through scholarships to the Annual Conference. The committee sets scholarship criteria, communicates scholarship availability and deadlines, reviews applications, and selects scholarship recipients.

Member Services Committee

Staff Liaison: Jana Hemphill, Member Services Specialist

Members at large: Matt Bonano, Murray’s Cheese; Shawn Duffy, Lovera’s Market; Bill Krieger, Cheese Louise; Andy Meddick, Rehoboth Beach Cheese Company; Olivier Beaulieu-Charbonneau, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Marketing & Communications Committee

Chair: Jill Giacomini-Basch, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese
Staff Liaison: Rebecca Orozco, Marketing & Communications Director

The Marketing & Communications Committee is responsible for defining and managing the ACS brand through external communications with the media. It also has responsibility for educating consumers about the American Cheese Society.

Education Committee

Chair: Sasha Davies, Author
Staff Liaison: Michelle Lee, Programs & Operations Director
Members: Alyce Birchenough; Jeanne Carpenter; Marc Druart; Sara Hill; Kiri Fisher; Aaron Foster; Alexander Kast; Marianne Smukowski; Bob Wills

NEW! The Board of Directors has recently created this committee with a focus on enhancing existing, and developing new, educational initiatives for ACS members.  Includes the Conference Program Group, Body of Knowledge Group, and the Online Education & Tools Group.

Regulatory & Academic Committee

Chair: Kate Arding, Culture Magazine
Staff Liaison: Nora Weiser, Executive Director

NEW! Due to the growing body of scientific research and ongoing changes in regulations, the board has created this committee to advise ACS board and members on the latest research, best practices, food safety, regulatory issues, and scientific findings.  Will include Peer Review Panels for cheesemaking and retail best practices.