Meet our amazing volunteers
Committees and Advisory Panels
The American Cheese Society is a network of volunteer leaders who provide resources in services of our members. Want to contribute? Make sure you are a member of ACS and then learn more about Committee Service.
Oversees the creation, maintenance, and operation of all ACS certification programs and products including the Certified Cheese Professional® Exam and the Technical, Aesthetic, and Sensory Tasting Evaluation (T.A.S.T.E) Test®. Working groups within the committee handle review of applications, appeals processes, exam writing and question analysis, governance, and scoring functions.
Chair: Molly Browne, ACS CCP®, ACS CCSE®, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
Vice Chair: Oliver Ford, ACS CCSE®, Beehive Cheese Co.
ACS Board Liaison: Kelsie Parsons, Aldi
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Nathan Aldridge, ACS CCP®, ACS CCSE®, Gourmet Foods International; Andy Fitzgerrell, ACS CCP®, ACS CCSE®, Rumiano; Courtney Johnson, ACS CCP®, ACS CCSE®, Washington State Cheesemakers Association; Jen Maiser, CCP®, Whole Foods Market; AJ Rosenberg, ACS CCP®, Swiss American; Gabriel Salazar, ACS CCP®, ACS CCSE®, FoodLuna; Elise Steffel, CCP®, Whole Foods Market; Sue Sturman, ACS CCP®, ACS CCSE®, Makers and Mongers; Trevor Thomas, ACS CCP®, Lactalis Deli
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
Advises and assists in the planning of the program and activities associated with the Annual ACS Conference.
Chair: Rachel Freier, The Cheese Club
Vice Chair: Erin Selby, Laura Chenel and Marin French Cheese
Past Chair: Casie Wiginton
ACS Board Liaison: Pierre Guerin, Belle Chevre
ACS Staff Liaison: Tonja Britt, ACS Conference Planner
Members: Austin Banach, Guido's Fresh Marketplace; Amye Gulezian, High Lawn Farm; Janee' Muha, The Mobile Monger; Sarah Simiele, The Curd Nerd; Clay Whitney, Cabot Creamery Cooperative
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
The DEI Task Force will carry out a systematic audit of both existing and new ACS processes, procedures, and programs across all committees, events, initiatives, and communications. From this audit, the Task Force will make an initial series of multi-pronged recommendations with the purpose of increasing the visibility and representation of cheese workers from marginalized communities throughout all levels of ACS.
Chairs: Isabel Ocampo, Food Matters Again
Co-Chair: Jackie Assaad, Beehive Cheese Company
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Alisha Norris Jones, Immortal Milk; Dan Utano; Emiliano Lee
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
Responsible for review, selection, and coordination of the educational programming offered at the ACS Annual Conference. Committee members must commit to attending a two-day planning session each October, and are responsible for coordinating and overseeing 3-5 sessions at conference.
Chair: Kyra James, Own Your Funk, LLC
Vice-Chair: Sarah Simiele, The Curd Nerd
Members: Lynne Affleck, Kustaa; Joe Alstat, Hudson Valley Creamery; Brian Civitello, Mystic Cheese Co.; Mary Ann Ferrer, University of Guelph - Food Science Department; Jessica Fernández-Lopez, Mexican Mongers; Carmen Licon, Dairy products Techology Center; Lily Orr, Blakesville Creamery; Rachel Schaal, Parish Hill Creamery; Katie Schall, Beehive Cheese Company, BLLC; Kai Shariq, Bedford Cheese Shop; Rueben Nilsson, University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
Responsible for review, selection, and coordination of the online educational content offerings at ACS.
Chair: Sarah Simiele, The Curd Nerd
Vice Chair: Kyra James, Own Your Funk
ACS Staff Liaison: Cassy Hemmen, Membership Specialist
Members: Lynne Affleck; Samantha Genke, Boxcarr Handmade Cheese; Isabel Ocampo, Food Matters Again; Yoav Perry, Perrystead Dairy
The Executive Committee, a Bylaws mandated committee, consists of the officers of the Board of Directors. The officers review topics and make recommendations to the full Board, hold monthly meetings to develop Board agendas, and take on required roles/duties of each office per the ACS Bylaws.
ACS Board President: Britton Welsh, Beehive Cheese
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, ACS Executive Director
Members: Susan Rigg, River Whey Creamery; Jessica Little, Sweet Grass Dairy
The Finance Committee, a Bylaws mandated committee, consists consist of the officers of the Board of Directors, the ACS Executive Director, and at least one other Board member appointed by the Board President. The members are charged with review and recommendation of the annual ACS budget to the Board of Directors, developing financial policies, monitoring quarterly finances, fiduciary oversight of the association’s assets, and ensuring compliance through annual third-party audits.
Chair: Susan Rigg, River Whey Creamery ACS Board Treasurer
ACS Board Chair: Jessica Little, Sweet Grass Dairy, ACS Board Chair
ACS Staff Liaison: Susan Nolte, ACS Director of Finance
Members: John Stueland, Town & Country Markets; Lynn Giacomini Stray, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.; Jessica Little, Sweet Grass Dairy
With a heavy emphasis on food safety, the FS&R committee works to shed light on issues, policies, regulations, and research that impact ACS members. The committee strives to review the science and make sound recommendations to the Board of Directors on ACS positions and actions based on the facts. Committee members commit to participation in working groups to advance specific programs and products.
Chair: Chad Galer, Dairy Management Inc.
Vice-Chair: Eric Holley, Sweet Grass Dairy
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Dariann Gallegos, Rogue Creamery; Krista Jacobsen, Murray’s Cheese; Taryn Orlemann
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
The Governance Committee (GC) will assist the Board of Directors (BOD) of the American Cheese Society (ACS) in carrying out its mission and responsibilities to uphold the letter and spirit of the ACS Bylaws and BOD approved policies.
Chair: Jessica Konrath, Winter Winds Farm
ACS Board Liaison: Britton Welsh, Beehive Cheese Company
ACS Staff Liaison: Kori Sulewski, Deputy Director
Members: David Gremmels, Rogue Creamery; Bob Wills, Cedar Grove Cheese; Kat Spann; Larry Hedrich, LaClare Family Creamery; Mike Koch, FireFly Farms; Jane Bauer; Sheila Flanigan, Ron Tanner
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
The Guild Leaders Network group was formed in 2020. This working group aims to foster community, connection, information and resource sharing among the grassroots networks of Guild and Guild affiliates who provide regional support for cheesemakers.
ACS Staff Liaison: Tanya Arroyo, Membership Specialist
Steering Committee Members: Katie Bray, Oregon Cheese Guild; Courtney Johnson, Washington State Cheesemakers Association; Marty Mundy, Vermont Cheese Council; Kelsie Parsons, ALDI
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
Responsible for determining all criteria for the cheeses entered into the ACS Judging & Competition by ACS member cheesemakers. The committee also oversees the roster of judges, the entry categories, the judging processes, scoring, reporting, and awards criteria. The committee runs the ACS Judging & Competition and Awards Ceremony on-site each year, including managing logistics and coordinating volunteers. Committee members should be prepared to assist with the on-site operation of the Judging & Competition, an in-person commitment of up to 6 days annually.
Chair: Kari Skibbie, Wisconsin Aging & Grading
Vice-Chair: Gordon Edgar, Rainbow Grocery Co-Op
Immediate Past Chair: David Lockwood, Neal's Yard Dairy
ACS Board Liaisons: Stephanie Clark, Ph.D., New Mexico State University
ACS Staff Liaisons: Kori Sulewski, Deputy Director; Tonja Britt, Conference Planner; Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Mariah Ballard, Harmons; Stephanie Clark, Ph.D., New Mexico State University; Craig Gile, Cabot Creamery; Janee’ Muha, The Mobile Monger; Julia Powers, The Traveling Cheesemonger; Lisa Roberts, Zingermans; Rich Rogers, Scardello
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
To do our best marketing and communication work, we turn to our volunteer advisory panel to partner in effectively reaching our members and the community at large. People with a variety of experiences in cheese as well as expertise in aspects of marketing such as strategy & positioning, social media & engagement, and public relations & personas are encouraged to apply.
Chair: Kara Young, Vermont Creamery
Co-Chair: Josie Krogh, Culture Magazine
ACS Board Liaison: Erin Clancy, Point Reyes Cheese
ACS Staff Liaison: Marisa Pinette, Digital Marketing Specialist
Members: Izzy Creveling, Peterson Cheese; Janet Fletcher, Planet Cheese; Sarah Simms, Lady & Larder; Stephanie Skinner, Culture Magazine; Amy Thompson,Full Shelf Foods; Evan Talen, The Flavor Sherpa; Katie Bray, Oregon Cheese Guild; Chris Eastwood, California Milk Advisory Board
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
The nominating committee is a Bylaws mandated committee. Each year, the Nominating Committee reviews Board make up to assess upcoming openings; reviews, interviews, and vets nominees; and proposes a slate of candidates to the Board of Directors for approval in alignment with ACS Bylaws.
Chair: Larry Hedrich, LaClare Creamery
Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Steve Jones, Gourmet Imports; Cristi Menard, Landmark Creamery; Tom Perry, Shelburne Farms; Kat Spann, Prodigal Farm; Lynn Giacomini Stray, Point Reyes Cheese; Vanessa Tilaka, Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
Manages the ACS Conference Scholarships, funded by the American Cheese Education Foundation. This committee sets the scholarship criteria, reviews applications, and selects scholarship recipients.
Chair: Connie Concon, Point Reyes Cheese
ACS Staff Liaison: Cassy Hemmen, Membership Specialist
Members: Stephanie Ciano, World's Best Cheeses; Emi Lee, North Coast Co-Op; Sue Miller, Birchrun Hills Farm; Isabel Ocampo; Charuth Van Beuzekom-Loth, Dutch Girl Creamery; Cara Warren, Cooperative Isigny Sainte Mere; Rebekah Baker, UNFI
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
Meet our amazing volunteers
Committees and Advisory Panels
The American Cheese Society is a network of volunteer leaders who provide resources in services of our members. Want to contribute? Make sure you are a member of ACS and then learn more about Committee Service.
Oversees the creation, maintenance, and operation of all ACS certification programs and products including the Certified Cheese Professional® Exam and the Technical, Aesthetic, and Sensory Tasting Evaluation (T.A.S.T.E) Test®. Working groups within the committee handle review of applications, appeals processes, exam writing and question analysis, governance, and scoring functions.
Chair: Molly Browne, ACS CCP®, ACS CCSE®, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
Vice Chair: Oliver Ford, ACS CCSE®, Beehive Cheese Co.
ACS Board Liaison: Kelsie Parsons, Aldi
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Nathan Aldridge, ACS CCP®, ACS CCSE®, Gourmet Foods International; Andy Fitzgerrell, ACS CCP®, ACS CCSE®, Rumiano; Courtney Johnson, ACS CCP®, ACS CCSE®, Washington State Cheesemakers Association; Jen Maiser, CCP®, Whole Foods Market; AJ Rosenberg, ACS CCP®, Swiss American; Gabriel Salazar, ACS CCP®, ACS CCSE®, FoodLuna; Elise Steffel, CCP®, Whole Foods Market; Sue Sturman, ACS CCP®, ACS CCSE®, Makers and Mongers; Trevor Thomas, ACS CCP®, Lactalis Deli
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
Advises and assists in the planning of the program and activities associated with the Annual ACS Conference.
Chair: Rachel Freier, The Cheese Club
Vice Chair: Erin Selby, Laura Chenel and Marin French Cheese
Past Chair: Casie Wiginton
ACS Board Liaison: Pierre Guerin, Belle Chevre
ACS Staff Liaison: Tonja Britt, ACS Conference Planner
Members: Austin Banach, Guido's Fresh Marketplace; Amye Gulezian, High Lawn Farm; Janee' Muha, The Mobile Monger; Sarah Simiele, The Curd Nerd; Clay Whitney, Cabot Creamery Cooperative
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
The DEI Task Force will carry out a systematic audit of both existing and new ACS processes, procedures, and programs across all committees, events, initiatives, and communications. From this audit, the Task Force will make an initial series of multi-pronged recommendations with the purpose of increasing the visibility and representation of cheese workers from marginalized communities throughout all levels of ACS.
Chairs: Isabel Ocampo, Food Matters Again
Co-Chair: Jackie Assaad, Beehive Cheese Company
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Alisha Norris Jones, Immortal Milk; Dan Utano; Emiliano Lee
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
Responsible for review, selection, and coordination of the educational programming offered at the ACS Annual Conference. Committee members must commit to attending a two-day planning session each October, and are responsible for coordinating and overseeing 3-5 sessions at conference.
Chair: Kyra James, Own Your Funk, LLC
Vice-Chair: Sarah Simiele, The Curd Nerd
Members: Lynne Affleck, Kustaa; Joe Alstat, Hudson Valley Creamery; Brian Civitello, Mystic Cheese Co.; Mary Ann Ferrer, University of Guelph - Food Science Department; Jessica Fernández-Lopez, Mexican Mongers; Carmen Licon, Dairy products Techology Center; Lily Orr, Blakesville Creamery; Rachel Schaal, Parish Hill Creamery; Katie Schall, Beehive Cheese Company, BLLC; Kai Shariq, Bedford Cheese Shop; Rueben Nilsson, University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
Responsible for review, selection, and coordination of the online educational content offerings at ACS.
Chair: Sarah Simiele, The Curd Nerd
Vice Chair: Kyra James, Own Your Funk
ACS Staff Liaison: Cassy Hemmen, Membership Specialist
Members: Lynne Affleck; Samantha Genke, Boxcarr Handmade Cheese; Isabel Ocampo, Food Matters Again; Yoav Perry, Perrystead Dairy
The Executive Committee, a Bylaws mandated committee, consists of the officers of the Board of Directors. The officers review topics and make recommendations to the full Board, hold monthly meetings to develop Board agendas, and take on required roles/duties of each office per the ACS Bylaws.
ACS Board President: Britton Welsh, Beehive Cheese
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, ACS Executive Director
Members: Susan Rigg, River Whey Creamery; Jessica Little, Sweet Grass Dairy
The Finance Committee, a Bylaws mandated committee, consists consist of the officers of the Board of Directors, the ACS Executive Director, and at least one other Board member appointed by the Board President. The members are charged with review and recommendation of the annual ACS budget to the Board of Directors, developing financial policies, monitoring quarterly finances, fiduciary oversight of the association’s assets, and ensuring compliance through annual third-party audits.
Chair: Susan Rigg, River Whey Creamery ACS Board Treasurer
ACS Board Chair: Jessica Little, Sweet Grass Dairy, ACS Board Chair
ACS Staff Liaison: Susan Nolte, ACS Director of Finance
Members: John Stueland, Town & Country Markets; Lynn Giacomini Stray, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.; Jessica Little, Sweet Grass Dairy
With a heavy emphasis on food safety, the FS&R committee works to shed light on issues, policies, regulations, and research that impact ACS members. The committee strives to review the science and make sound recommendations to the Board of Directors on ACS positions and actions based on the facts. Committee members commit to participation in working groups to advance specific programs and products.
Chair: Chad Galer, Dairy Management Inc.
Vice-Chair: Eric Holley, Sweet Grass Dairy
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Dariann Gallegos, Rogue Creamery; Krista Jacobsen, Murray’s Cheese; Taryn Orlemann
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
The Governance Committee (GC) will assist the Board of Directors (BOD) of the American Cheese Society (ACS) in carrying out its mission and responsibilities to uphold the letter and spirit of the ACS Bylaws and BOD approved policies.
Chair: Jessica Konrath, Winter Winds Farm
ACS Board Liaison: Britton Welsh, Beehive Cheese Company
ACS Staff Liaison: Kori Sulewski, Deputy Director
Members: David Gremmels, Rogue Creamery; Bob Wills, Cedar Grove Cheese; Kat Spann; Larry Hedrich, LaClare Family Creamery; Mike Koch, FireFly Farms; Jane Bauer; Sheila Flanigan, Ron Tanner
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
The Guild Leaders Network group was formed in 2020. This working group aims to foster community, connection, information and resource sharing among the grassroots networks of Guild and Guild affiliates who provide regional support for cheesemakers.
ACS Staff Liaison: Tanya Arroyo, Membership Specialist
Steering Committee Members: Katie Bray, Oregon Cheese Guild; Courtney Johnson, Washington State Cheesemakers Association; Marty Mundy, Vermont Cheese Council; Kelsie Parsons, ALDI
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
Responsible for determining all criteria for the cheeses entered into the ACS Judging & Competition by ACS member cheesemakers. The committee also oversees the roster of judges, the entry categories, the judging processes, scoring, reporting, and awards criteria. The committee runs the ACS Judging & Competition and Awards Ceremony on-site each year, including managing logistics and coordinating volunteers. Committee members should be prepared to assist with the on-site operation of the Judging & Competition, an in-person commitment of up to 6 days annually.
Chair: Kari Skibbie, Wisconsin Aging & Grading
Vice-Chair: Gordon Edgar, Rainbow Grocery Co-Op
Immediate Past Chair: David Lockwood, Neal's Yard Dairy
ACS Board Liaisons: Stephanie Clark, Ph.D., New Mexico State University
ACS Staff Liaisons: Kori Sulewski, Deputy Director; Tonja Britt, Conference Planner; Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Mariah Ballard, Harmons; Stephanie Clark, Ph.D., New Mexico State University; Craig Gile, Cabot Creamery; Janee’ Muha, The Mobile Monger; Julia Powers, The Traveling Cheesemonger; Lisa Roberts, Zingermans; Rich Rogers, Scardello
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
To do our best marketing and communication work, we turn to our volunteer advisory panel to partner in effectively reaching our members and the community at large. People with a variety of experiences in cheese as well as expertise in aspects of marketing such as strategy & positioning, social media & engagement, and public relations & personas are encouraged to apply.
Chair: Kara Young, Vermont Creamery
Co-Chair: Josie Krogh, Culture Magazine
ACS Board Liaison: Erin Clancy, Point Reyes Cheese
ACS Staff Liaison: Marisa Pinette, Digital Marketing Specialist
Members: Izzy Creveling, Peterson Cheese; Janet Fletcher, Planet Cheese; Sarah Simms, Lady & Larder; Stephanie Skinner, Culture Magazine; Amy Thompson,Full Shelf Foods; Evan Talen, The Flavor Sherpa; Katie Bray, Oregon Cheese Guild; Chris Eastwood, California Milk Advisory Board
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
The nominating committee is a Bylaws mandated committee. Each year, the Nominating Committee reviews Board make up to assess upcoming openings; reviews, interviews, and vets nominees; and proposes a slate of candidates to the Board of Directors for approval in alignment with ACS Bylaws.
Chair: Larry Hedrich, LaClare Creamery
Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Steve Jones, Gourmet Imports; Cristi Menard, Landmark Creamery; Tom Perry, Shelburne Farms; Kat Spann, Prodigal Farm; Lynn Giacomini Stray, Point Reyes Cheese; Vanessa Tilaka, Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
Manages the ACS Conference Scholarships, funded by the American Cheese Education Foundation. This committee sets the scholarship criteria, reviews applications, and selects scholarship recipients.
Chair: Connie Concon, Point Reyes Cheese
ACS Staff Liaison: Cassy Hemmen, Membership Specialist
Members: Stephanie Ciano, World's Best Cheeses; Emi Lee, North Coast Co-Op; Sue Miller, Birchrun Hills Farm; Isabel Ocampo; Charuth Van Beuzekom-Loth, Dutch Girl Creamery; Cara Warren, Cooperative Isigny Sainte Mere; Rebekah Baker, UNFI
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
