Town Hall: Meet the AHA’s Founding Board and Learn What an Independent AHA Means for YOU!

March 18, 2025

In a special Zymurgy Live virtual town hall, we embark on a new era for the American Homebrew Association (AHA)! With our transition to an independent organization, we’re inviting homebrewers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts to shape the future. Our Founding Board shares insights into the independent AHA’s vision, priorities, structure, and what that means for AHA members and homebrewing.

Your voice matters whether you’re a seasoned brewer or just getting started. Let’s raise a glass to a new future for the AHA!

Full Q&A

Referenced Resources

Event Details

  • Date: March 18, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 PM MT - 7:00 PM MT
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About the Speakers

Founding Board

Founding Board

American Homebrewers Association

The AHA's founding board, comprised of chairperson Shawna Cormier, members Drew Beechum, Sandy Cockerham, Gary Glass, and Greg Roskopf, and staff liaison and current executive director Julia Herz, will act as a transition committee to steward the AHA to organizational independence in 2025 and establish the nascent organization's bylaws, vision, mission, strategic priorities, and leadership elections to happen in 2026.

Doug Piper

Doug Piper, Moderator

Founder & Host of Gourmet Brewing

Doug Piper is the founder and host of "Gourmet Brewing" and lives in Greenville, South Carolina. An accomplished aerospace engineer with 35 years of experience, he is also an experienced beer, mead, and cider judge. Holding certifications as a Certified Cicerone and Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) beer, mead and cider judge, he is currently pursuing additional certifications in wine and coffee to expand his knowledge and expertise. With over 40 competition judgments, including at the National Homebrew Competition, Great American Beer Festival, the Brussels Beer Challenge, and the Brazilian National Beer Competition, he is eager to share his research and insights through his "Gourmet Brewing" webinars and YouTube channel. In addition to his achievements in the fermented beverage world, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, having served on corporate boards and developed 15 patents.