Committees | American Cheese Society

Standing Committees

As with any association, much of ACS’ 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: Dick Roe, Atlanta Foods International; MaryAnne Drake, NC State University

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 and Competition Committee

Chair: Todd Druhot, Atlanta Foods International

Vice-Chair: Tom Kooiman

Members at large: John Antonelli; John Greeley; Richard and Karen Silverston; Stephanie Clark

ACS Staff Liaison: Michelle Lee, Programs & Operations Director

The Judging and 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

Chair: Jena Paxton, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

Members at large: Cole Aardal, Sugar Mountain; Sherwin Alpert, Peterson Company; Patrick Bleck, DPI Specialty Foods; Mike Gingrich, Uplands Cheese; Mark Goldman, Formaticum; David Gremmels, Rogue Creamery; Adam Moskowitz, Larkin; Sara Smith, Sugar Mountain; Tim Smith, The Kroger Company; Cheryl Sullivan

Staff Liaison: Rebecca Sherman, Marketing & Communications Director

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.

Cheesemaker Scholarship Committee

Chair: John Eggena
Members at large: Jennifer Bice, Redwood Hill; Sue Conley, Cowgirl Creamery, Steve Ehlers, Larry’s Market; Laurie Greenberg, DBIC/Cultural Landscapes; Neville McNaughton, CheezSorce, LLC

Staff Liaison: Jana Hemphill, Member Services Specialist

Formerly known as the Cheesemaker Support Committee, the Cheesemaker Scholarship Committee was created by the Board of Directors to provide support for ACS cheesemaker members through scholarships to the Annual Conference. The committee sets scholarship criteria, communicates scholarship availability and deadlines, reviews applications, and selects scholarship recipients.

John Crompton Memorial Scholarship Committee

Chair: Linda Luke, Luke & McKenna

Staff Liaison: Jana Hemphill, Member Services Specialist

The John Crompton Memorial Scholarship Committee was created by the Board of Directors to provide 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

Co-Chairs: John Eggena, Fromagerie Tournevent/Damafro; Laurie Greenberg, Dairy Business Innovation Center

Members at large: Steve Ehlers, Larry’s Market; Neville McNaughton, Cheezsorce, LLC

Staff Liaison: Jana Hemphill, Member Services Specialist

The primary focus of the Member Services Committee is to enhance member communication and improve and create new programs that increase members’ satisfaction. The programs include the newsletter, the Web site, education and cheesemaker scholarships. The committee also reviews fees and creates membership materials for prospective and current members.

Marketing & Communications Committee

Chair: Jill Giacomini-Basch, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese

Members at large: Agela Abdullah, Pastoral Artisan Bread, Cheese & Wine; Jeanne Carpenter, Wisconsin Cheese Originals; Nancy Clark, Old Chatham Sheepherding Company; Scott Frank, Creminelli; Christine Hyatt, Cheese Chick; Thalassa Skinner, Culture Cheese Magazine

Staff Liaison: Rebecca Sherman, Marketing & Communications Manager

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

Staff Liaison: Jane Bauer, Education & Outreach Manager

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, Certification Task Force, and Winter Workshop Planning 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.