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: Bill Stephenson, KeHe
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.
Works to position the ACS as the single unifying voice of our membership to present to the world what our climate impact is and the progress we are making.
Chair: Bill Stephenson, DPI Specialty Foods
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, ACS Executive Director
Members: Mike Koch, FireFly Farms; Jessica Little, Sweet Grass Dairy; Lynn Giacomini Stray, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese; Kurt Beecher Dammeier, Sugar Mountain
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: Emi Lee, North Coast Co-op
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.
Co-Chairs: Emiliano Lee, Dan Utano, Jamie Png
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Alisha Norris Jones, Immortal Milk; Isabel Ocampo, Greenwich Cheese Company; Jackie Assad, Beehive Cheese Co.
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: Rueben Nilsson, University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Vice-Chair: Kyra James, Own Your Funk, LLC
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; Rachel Schaal, Parish Hill Creamery; Katie Schall, Beehive Cheese Company, BLLC; Kai Shariq, Bedford Cheese Shop; Sarah Simiele, The Curd Nerd
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: Kyra James, Own Your Funk
ACS Staff Liaison: Kori Sulewski, Deputy Director
Members: Joe Alstat; Lynne Affleck; Samantha Genke; Rueben Nilsson, UWRF; Isabel Ocampo, Greenwich Cheese Company; Yoav Perry, Perrystead
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: Larry Hedrich, LaClare Family Creamery
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, ACS Executive Director
Members: Jessica Little, Sweet Grass Dairy, ACS Board Vice President; Rachel Perez, UNFI Fresh, ACS Board Treasurer; Britton Welsh, Beehive Cheese Company, ACS Board Secretary; Mike Koch, FireFly Farms, ACS Board Chair.
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: Rachel Perez, ACS CCP®, UNFI Fresh, ACS Board Treasurer
ACS Board Chair: Mike Koch, FireFly Farms, 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: Susan Rigg, River Whey Creamery
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Chad Galer, Dairy Management Inc.; Dariann Gallegos, Rogue Creamery; Eric Holley, Sweet Grass Dairy; 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: Britton Welsh, Beehive Cheese Company
Vice-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 Flannigan, Ron Tanner
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: David Lockwood, Neal’s Yard Dairy
Vice-Chair: Kari Skibbie, Wisconsin Aging and Grading Cheese
Immediate Past Chair: Rachel Perez, ACS CCP®, UNFI Fresh
ACS Board Liaisons: Rachel Perez, ACS CCP®, UNFI Fresh, Erin Clancy, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese, Julia Powers, ACS CCP®, Peterson Company
ACS Staff Liaisons: Kori Sulewski, Deputy Director; Tonja Britt, Conference Planner; Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Mariah Ballard, ACS CCP®, Harmons; Erin Clancy, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese; Stephanie Clark, Ph.D., New Mexico State University; Gordon Edgar; Craig Gile, ACS CCP®, Cabot Creamery Cooperative; Sara Maruyama, Oregon State University; Janee’ Muha, ACS CCP®, The Mobile Monger; Julia Powers, ACS CCP®, Peterson Company; Lisa Roberts, Zingerman’s; Rich Rogers, ACS CCP®, Scardello Artisan Cheese; Kari Skibbie, Wisconsin Aging and Grading Cheese
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: Chris Eastwood, GFI
Co-Chair: Kara Young, Vermont Creamery
ACS Board Liaison: Erin Clancy, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Izzy Creveling, Peterson Cheese; Janet Fletcher, Planet Cheese; Sarah Simms, Lady & Larder; Stephanie Skinner, Culture Magazine; Amy Thompson, Full Shelf Foods; Evan Talen, Aperitivo; Katie Bray, Oregon Cheese Guild
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: Mike Koch, FireFly Farms
Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Steve Jones, Gourmet Imports; Cristi Menard, Landmark Creamery; Kat Spann; Lynn Giacomini Stray, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
Manages the ACS Conference Scholarships, funded by the American Cheese Education Foundation. The panel sets the scholarship criteria, reviews applications, and selects scholarship recipients.
Chair: Rebekah Baker, ACS CCP®, UNFI
ACS Staff Liaison: Kori Sulewski, Deputy Director
Members: Stephanie Ciano, ACS CCP®, World’s Best Cheeses; Connie Concon, Point Reyes Cheese; Eric Holley, Sweet Grass Dairy; Emi Lee, Northcoast Coop; Sue Miller, Birchrun Hills Farm; Isabel Ocampo, Greenwich Cheese Company; Tom Perry, Shelburne Farms; David Rogers, Standard Market; Charuth Van Beuzekom-Loth, Dutch Girl Creamery, Cara Warren, Isigny
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 Liaisons: 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, Sobeys Inc.
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: Bill Stephenson, KeHe
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.
Works to position the ACS as the single unifying voice of our membership to present to the world what our climate impact is and the progress we are making.
Chair: Bill Stephenson, DPI Specialty Foods
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, ACS Executive Director
Members: Mike Koch, FireFly Farms; Jessica Little, Sweet Grass Dairy; Lynn Giacomini Stray, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese; Kurt Beecher Dammeier, Sugar Mountain
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: Emi Lee, North Coast Co-op
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.
Co-Chairs: Emiliano Lee, Dan Utano, Jamie Png
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Alisha Norris Jones, Immortal Milk; Isabel Ocampo, Greenwich Cheese Company; Jackie Assad, Beehive Cheese Co.
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: Rueben Nilsson, University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Vice-Chair: Kyra James, Own Your Funk, LLC
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; Rachel Schaal, Parish Hill Creamery; Katie Schall, Beehive Cheese Company, BLLC; Kai Shariq, Bedford Cheese Shop; Sarah Simiele, The Curd Nerd
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: Kyra James, Own Your Funk
ACS Staff Liaison: Kori Sulewski, Deputy Director
Members: Joe Alstat; Lynne Affleck; Samantha Genke; Rueben Nilsson, UWRF; Isabel Ocampo, Greenwich Cheese Company; Yoav Perry, Perrystead
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: Larry Hedrich, LaClare Family Creamery
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, ACS Executive Director
Members: Jessica Little, Sweet Grass Dairy, ACS Board Vice President; Rachel Perez, UNFI Fresh, ACS Board Treasurer; Britton Welsh, Beehive Cheese Company, ACS Board Secretary; Mike Koch, FireFly Farms, ACS Board Chair.
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: Rachel Perez, ACS CCP®, UNFI Fresh, ACS Board Treasurer
ACS Board Chair: Mike Koch, FireFly Farms, 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: Susan Rigg, River Whey Creamery
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Chad Galer, Dairy Management Inc.; Dariann Gallegos, Rogue Creamery; Eric Holley, Sweet Grass Dairy; 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: Britton Welsh, Beehive Cheese Company
Vice-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 Flannigan, Ron Tanner
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: David Lockwood, Neal’s Yard Dairy
Vice-Chair: Kari Skibbie, Wisconsin Aging and Grading Cheese
Immediate Past Chair: Rachel Perez, ACS CCP®, UNFI Fresh
ACS Board Liaisons: Rachel Perez, ACS CCP®, UNFI Fresh, Erin Clancy, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese, Julia Powers, ACS CCP®, Peterson Company
ACS Staff Liaisons: Kori Sulewski, Deputy Director; Tonja Britt, Conference Planner; Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Mariah Ballard, ACS CCP®, Harmons; Erin Clancy, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese; Stephanie Clark, Ph.D., New Mexico State University; Gordon Edgar; Craig Gile, ACS CCP®, Cabot Creamery Cooperative; Sara Maruyama, Oregon State University; Janee’ Muha, ACS CCP®, The Mobile Monger; Julia Powers, ACS CCP®, Peterson Company; Lisa Roberts, Zingerman’s; Rich Rogers, ACS CCP®, Scardello Artisan Cheese; Kari Skibbie, Wisconsin Aging and Grading Cheese
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: Chris Eastwood, GFI
Co-Chair: Kara Young, Vermont Creamery
ACS Board Liaison: Erin Clancy, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese
ACS Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Izzy Creveling, Peterson Cheese; Janet Fletcher, Planet Cheese; Sarah Simms, Lady & Larder; Stephanie Skinner, Culture Magazine; Amy Thompson, Full Shelf Foods; Evan Talen, Aperitivo; Katie Bray, Oregon Cheese Guild
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: Mike Koch, FireFly Farms
Staff Liaison: Tara Holmes, Executive Director
Members: Steve Jones, Gourmet Imports; Cristi Menard, Landmark Creamery; Kat Spann; Lynn Giacomini Stray, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
Manages the ACS Conference Scholarships, funded by the American Cheese Education Foundation. The panel sets the scholarship criteria, reviews applications, and selects scholarship recipients.
Chair: Rebekah Baker, ACS CCP®, UNFI
ACS Staff Liaison: Kori Sulewski, Deputy Director
Members: Stephanie Ciano, ACS CCP®, World’s Best Cheeses; Connie Concon, Point Reyes Cheese; Eric Holley, Sweet Grass Dairy; Emi Lee, Northcoast Coop; Sue Miller, Birchrun Hills Farm; Isabel Ocampo, Greenwich Cheese Company; Tom Perry, Shelburne Farms; David Rogers, Standard Market; Charuth Van Beuzekom-Loth, Dutch Girl Creamery, Cara Warren, Isigny
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 Liaisons: 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, Sobeys Inc.
Interested in getting involved? You can read more about this committee here.
