Susan Ruud

I am honored to run for election to the Governing Committee of the AHA and would like to thank the AHA and its membership for this opportunity. Over the last ten years I have seen the AHA grow from just over eight thousand members to close to twenty-thousand. From an organization that had several complaints and concerns to one that is running smoothly and really listens to its members. Some of my goals if elected include: keeping the relationship between the AHA staff, Governing Committee and the AHA membership at the level it is, keeping the relationship between home brewers and professional brewers in the fore-front and in good standing, adding value to AHA memberships, developing strategies to continue our membership growth and getting more AHA members involved with the AHA.

Homebrewing is more than merely a hobby to me but a way of life. I thoroughly enjoy homebrewing as well as attending events and meeting other homebrewers who have the same intense interest in the hobby that I have.

I began homebrewing in 1996, although my appreciation of craft beer began several years before. I am still an avid homebrewer and meadmaker. I belong to the local homebrew club, The Prairie Homebrewing Companions, and have held the office of secretary and president of this club. I am currently active in maintaining our yeast bank, distributing our newsletter and helping with our homebrew competition, The Hoppy Halloween Challenge. I am a Grand Master level BJCP judge, am currently the BJCP Exam Administrator and have helped proctor and grade exams for the BJCP.

I believe that my enthusiasm for this hobby is an asset to the Governing Committee and welcome the opportunity to represent the members of the AHA for another three years.  Thank you for your consideration in voting for me in this AHA election.