The American Cider Association is moving into a period of structural and leadership change ahead of next week’s annual cider competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as the organization shifts to a staff-led operating model and prepares for an updated approach to its flagship conference.
The announcement was shared in a joint statement from the ACA Board of Directors via social media and a member update on its website tied to industry gatherings surrounding the GLINTCAP. It confirmed that CEO Monica Cohen will be stepping down as part of the transition.
“As part of this transition, Monica Cohen will be stepping down as CEO,” the board wrote in its statement. “We are deeply grateful for her leadership and the work she’s done to support this community. We move forward with respect for that work and a clear focus on what comes next, because we are not standing still.”
The board described the changes as a response to broader pressures in the beverage alcohol industry and event landscape, including rising costs and shifting participation models. In its written update, the ACA said it is aiming to “strengthen how we serve members, deliver more value through advocacy, education, and connection, while building a more sustainable and focused organization for the future.”
In an Instagram post, board members emphasized urgency around the organization’s direction and acknowledged recent instability.
“Times have been rocky, to say the least, but with tough times comes the opportunity to grow and to develop skills,” said David Tackesch of Two Towns Ciderhouse. He was joined in the message by board president Christine Walter of Bauman’s Cider along with John Berens of Farmhouse Cider, and vice president Tom Hart of Humboldt Cider Company
The board said it is “choosing to build something stronger, more focused, and more responsive to what our community actually needs to continue to grow and succeed,” and outlined a shift to a more cost-effective structure with defined leadership across membership, education, advocacy, and CiderCon operations.
Under the new structure, Jenn Martell will lead advocacy and industry partnerships, Jennie Dorsey will oversee education and certification programs, and Ellen Husch will direct member engagement and CiderCon operations. The board said these roles are intended to create clearer accountability while maintaining oversight from directors.
The ACA also signaled significant changes ahead for CiderCon, its annual industry conference, saying it is “reenvisioning” the event to better reflect how the industry gathers and learns.
“We are also taking a hard, honest look at CiderCon,” the board wrote. “The way people gather, learn, and support events has changed. If CiderCon is going to continue to lead and provide opportunities for innovation and collaboration for our industry, it has to change, too.”
It added that attendees should “expect bold evolution,” including a conference designed to create deeper connections and more tangible value while maintaining core elements such as CiderShare, technical education sessions, and informal networking often referred to as “LobbyCon.”
The organization said more details, including an announcement about CiderCon 2027, are expected at GLINTCAP next week.
Despite the leadership transition, the ACA emphasized continuity in its member-facing work and invited feedback from stakeholders.
“Our goal is to provide clearer, more focused value across the areas that matter most: advocacy, education, and member resources,” the written update said. “You will see more consistency, stronger communication, and continued investment in programs that directly support your business.”
The board closed its public message with a broader appeal to the industry as it enters the next phase of change.
“This is not just about the ACA,” the Instagram statement said as all board members read a prepared statement and mixed it between the four. “This is about all of us. The future of cider is being shaped right now by the choices we make, the standards we set, and the way we show up for each other.”
