By Michelle McGrath | January 25, 2024
Last Friday, the American Cider Association (ACA) announced the results of their annual Board of Directors Election at their 2024 industry trade conference, CiderCon®, held this year in Portland, Oregon. There were two At-Large positions up for grabs, with 7 candidates in the running.
Josie Mielke of Urban Orchards Cidery in Asheville, North Carolina and Shannon Edgar of Stormalong Cider in Sherborn, Massachusetts were elected as Directors At-Large. Both new board members bring a shared passion for the land and communities that they are a part of. Their unique perspective of establishing and growing their cider businesses within the last 10 years will meaningfully contribute to the perspective of the ACA Board of Directors and how the ACA can support the cider industry.
New ACA Board Members
Josie Mielke is the Operations Director and founder of Urban Orchard Cider Company in Asheville, North Carolina. She was trained in the art of cider making in the United Kingdom at the Cider and Perry Academy in 2012 and opened Urban Orchard in the fall of 2013. Through Urban Orchard, Josie has championed North Carolina agriculture, by committing to purchase apples from North Carolina. Her cidery has only purchased juice from Hendersonville, North Carolina in the 11 seasons they have produced cider. Josie strongly believes in promoting the local economy, supporting local farmers, and knowing where your food comes from.
Shannon Edgar founded Stormalong Cider in 2014 in the pursuit of making ciders that showcase the unique flavors fermented from cider-friendly apples. Taking inspiration from the hard cider history in his adopted home of Sherborn, MA, the historical nature of some of these apple varieties and their connection to New England history has always been an interest to him. Over the last 9 years, Stormalong has grown into a passionate team of “Cider Geeks” evangelizing cider with a deep appreciation for apples and their craft.
2024 Officers Announced
The ACA Board Officers were also chosen by the incoming board of directors last week. The ACA is excited to announce:
-Christine Walter of Bauman’s Cider in Oregon as Board President
-Sarah Hemly of Hemly Cider in California as Vice President
-Dave Takush of 2 Towns Ciderhouse as Secretary
-John Behrens of Farmhaus Cider in Michigan as Treasurer.
Eleanor Legér, ACA Board President 2021-2024
Eleanor Legér of Eden Cider in Vermont was elected by her fellow directors as Board President in 2021. She is rotating off the executive committee to empower other leaders but will remain on the board in her continued role of Eastern Chair. First elected to the board in 2015, the ACA is incredibly grateful for her long and dedicated service to our mission and our members. She has served the role with honor!
