Aug. 3: Post edited to reflect the board’s July amendment to bylaws that eliminates one board seat and combines Brewpub and Taproom classes into a single Brewpub & Taproom class.

Self-Nominations for the 2026 Election Are Open

The Brewers Association is seeking self-nominations for the 2026 Board of Directors election. The deadline to self-nominate is Monday, August 17 at 5:00 p.m. MDT.  

There are three open seats: one for brewpub & taproom brewers and two for packaging brewers.

In July, the board approved a bylaw amendment that reduced the number of elected directors by one and combined the separate pub brewer and taproom brewer membership classes into a single class called the brewpub & taproom class. Currently there are six directors elected by packaging members, four directors elected by brewpub members, and three directors elected by taproom members. With the change, packaging members will elect a total of six directors and brewpub & taproom members will elect a total of six directors.  Current board members elected as pub brewer or taproom class representatives automatically become representatives for the combined brewpub & taproom class though the end of their term. The election will occur in the fall of 2026. Board terms are three years and start in February 2027.  

Why Run for the Board?

You’re busy. Running a brewery doesn’t leave much room for anything else, and a board seat will ask for more of your time. But it’s worth it. Here’s why.

• It’s a challenge. Board members tackle some of the thorniest problems facing the industry—the ones without easy answers.
• It’s fun. You’re working hand in hand with peers who care as much as you do. The people make it worth it.
• It’s a chance to shape where the industry goes next—decisions that affect your business and everyone else’s.

What We’re Looking For

The board seeks nominees who have one or more of the following: 

• Prior or current Brewers Association committee or subcommittee experience
• Prior or current experience serving in an officer position with a state brewers guild
• Unique perspectives, insights, or experience that will benefit the craft brewing community

Nominees must be a brewery owner, or the voting member representative designated by brewery ownership.

Note: Craft brewing is stronger when the people steering it reflect the people drinking it. We want a board that looks like the full range of this industry — and that means actively encouraging women, nonbinary folks, people of color, LGBTQ+ community members, people with disabilities, and veterans to run.

Submitting Your Nomination

Please include the following materials with your self-nomination:  

1. 45-second video
2. Photo
3. Candidate Statement
4. Short Answer Questions

Recommended reading: board candidates should review the association’s foundational documents and Board of Directors Expectations Agreement.

The Governance and Nominating Committee will propose and set the final slate based on organizational gaps, such as geographic, size, and candidate diversity, and achievements on behalf of the craft brewing community. 

Following the election, the Brewers Association will publicly announce the election winners as well as election result information, such as vote totals for each candidate.

Please reach out to Marc Sorini or Jessica O’Leary-Brennan with any questions.