National homebrewing hobbyist organization transitioning from Brewers Association oversight to become an independent nonprofit

Boulder, Colo. — Today, the American Homebrewers Association® (AHA) filed for incorporation in Colorado and seated a founding board of directors in steps to become an independent 501(c). Founded in 1978, the AHA has operated as a division under the umbrella of the Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers—since 1983.

With these actions, the AHA will operate as a nonprofit organization autonomous from the Brewers Association, its parent organization, by the end of 2025. The AHA is in the process of hiring an association management company to manage day-to-day operations currently conducted by the Brewers Association.

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

“Our members should be excited to have front-row seats to history. We’re eager for the AHA to chart its new path and meet the needs of the homebrewing community,” said Cormier.

“We take the AHA legacy, homebrewers’ importance in our culture, and member needs seriously. This bold move better positions us to deliver on what members are asking for and brings the fun of homebrewing to members today and to future generations of enthusiasts,” added Herz.

“We know that many of our brewery members originated as homebrewers, which was instrumental in the growth of the craft beer movement in America,” said Bart Watson, president and CEO of the Brewers Association. “Since 1978, the AHA has been the preeminent organization for homebrewing enthusiasts and we look forward to supporting them as they transition into an exciting future.”

Media Contact: Karen Boe (on behalf of the American Homebrewers Association)

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From HBF: I reached out to Julia Herz who is a fantastic advocate for homebrewing (and a great friend of Homebrew Finds!) for comment.

Julia said…

“The transition to an independent association better positions the American Homebrewers Association to deliver on what members are asking for, including new networking opportunities, enhanced educational resources, and deeper support for homebrew clubs. It also elevates membership to now have a board of directors and more member opportunities to contribute. Simply put, we are psyched, and this change will help us keep pace, evolve, innovate, grow, and continue to represent and serve homebrewers nationally in exciting new ways.”

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