Meet Your 2026 Board of Directors Candidates

Denise Gardner, White Crow Cider Company, Wichita, Kansas

Bio:

Denise Gardner is the co-owner of White Crow Cider Company in Wichita, Kansas, where she helps run a cidery and taproom built through hands-on experience and determination. Over the past several years, she has truly worn just about every hat—making cider, running the taproom, managing distribution relationships, and handling marketing and social media—while learning what it takes to build a sustainable cider business from the ground up. Denise is passionate about consumer education, practical problem-solving, and supporting cideries navigating real-world challenges like labor, rising costs, and changing drinking habits. She values collaboration, honest conversation, and making sure all cider voices are heard.

Candidate Statement:

My board platform centers on listening, collaboration, and practical leadership that reflects the realities of cideries operating across diverse regions and business models.

If elected, I want to help the ACA continue to deliver meaningful value to its members. That means supporting education, advocacy, and resources that are clear, practical, and easy to apply, especially for cideries navigating tight staffing, increasing expenses, and shifting customer expectations. Strong board decisions are grounded in an understanding of how these pressures show up in day-to-day operations.

As an At-Large board member, I want to be someone members feel comfortable talking to and heard by. I believe good board work starts with listening, asking thoughtful questions, and helping bring different perspectives into productive conversation so the organization can move forward together.

My goal is to help support a resilient, adaptable cider industry and an ACA that reflects and serves its members nationwide.

Greta Pittard Wright, Wise Bird Cider, Lexington, Kentucky

Bio:

Greta Pittard Wright is an experienced strategic leader with more than 18 years in media, production, and brand development. She has guided multi-million-dollar initiatives across broadcast, digital, and feature films, consistently driving meaningful growth and creative excellence. As co-founder of Wise Bird Cider, an award-winning, family-run cidery, she brings deep commitment to quality, tradition, and community stewardship. Greta is passionate about strengthening the cider industry through collaboration, thoughtful leadership, and values-driven innovation. She thrives in environments that empower people, foster shared success, and create lasting positive impact.

Candidate Statement:

As a board member, Greta Pittard Wright will advocate for strengthening the cider industry through greater visibility, deeper agricultural support, and clearer regulatory pathways. She believes the ACA plays a vital role in expanding consumer understanding of cider as a diverse, craft-driven beverage with deep agricultural roots. Greta is committed to advancing nationwide consumer education that highlights cider’s quality, traditions, and unique styles.

She will champion policies and programs that support growers of cider-specific apples, recognizing that a thriving orchard economy is foundational to the category’s future. Additionally, Greta is dedicated to pushing for simplified, modernized distribution regulations that allow cideries of all sizes to grow sustainably and competitively. She aims to foster collaboration, empower producers, and strengthen the long-term resilience of the American cider community.

Dave Takush, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, Oregon

Bio:

Dave Takush is the Head Cidermaker and Co-Owner of 2 Towns Ciderhouse. Dave earned a Master’s Degree in Fermentation Science at Oregon State University and has over fifteen years of experience in the cider industry. His passion for fermentation led him to join two childhood friends in starting 2 Towns Ciderhouse in Corvallis, Oregon. Now one of the largest craft cider producers in the nation, 2 Towns has over 100 employees and is dedicated to producing quality craft cider from 100% fresh-pressed Pacific NW apples. Dave is the current Secretary of the ACA board and serves as board member of the Cider Institute.

Candidate Statement:

The cider industry is simply the best. I feel lucky to be present at a time when the tradition of hard cider has made a comeback into the mainstream. In the face of serious headwinds in the alcohol market, cider has shown its resilience and strength. If I am re-elected onto the ACA board, I will put my efforts into 1) Passing the bubble bill to allow fruit cider to be carbonated without penalty or fear from the TTB, 2) The ability for cider producers to put harvest dates on their labels, and 3) Financial Stability for the ACA so that we can continue to grow CiderCon® into one of the best alcohol industry events in the world. We are stronger together and there is a place for everyone in the world of cider. From apple nerds to wild fermentation enthusiasts, my goals are to create a strong marketplace for our passions and businesses.

Richard Yi, Brooklyn Cider House, New Paltz, New York

Bio:

I am the cidermaker for Brooklyn Cider House, bringing ten years of wine industry experience and a degree in winemaking to every part of our production. My work focuses on fruit, fermentation, and building cider with clear character. At Brooklyn Cider House I have helped strengthen operations and support steady growth. I also serve on the board of the New York Cider Association, where I work to advance cider education and support the industry statewide.

Candidate Statement:

My primary goal for the American Cider Association is to grow national awareness and sales by reshaping how consumers and the trade understand cider. The category still battles the misconception that all cider is sweet, which limits retailer enthusiasm and consumer exploration. The ACA can lead the industry by formalizing cider style definitions and creating clear, engaging educational tools that help retailers, distributors, and consumers navigate cider’s true diversity. This work must be done in partnership with regional cider associations to ensure aligned, consistent messaging.

I believe we can promote a fresh, contemporary identity for cider—one that feels exciting, modern, and authentic. “Pick Cider” is a strong foundation, and I would love to help build the next evolution of that message.

John Behrens, Farmhaus Cider Co. and Farmhaus Farms, Hudsonville, Michigan

Bio:

I’m a longtime CPA turned Corporate Controller for a Fortune 500 company who discovered there had to be more to life. I started Farmhaus Cider Co. along with my wife 11 years ago on my 150+ year old family homestead. Three years ago we purchased a beloved apple orchard, fruit farm, farm market and bakery in Michigan and I added apple grower to my resume and list of responsibilities. Now we grow a wide variety of apples, pears, peaches, plums and cherries for use in our ciders and others in the industry.

Candidate Statement:

Through my next term with the American Cider Association (1) I will continue to encourage the ACA to adapt its business model to improve the long term financial stability of the organization. (2) I’ll work to improve the regional engagement and connectivity of cideries across the Midwest region. (3) I’ll continue to grow and improve the perception and recognition of cider as a standalone category across the BevAlc industry.

Talia Haykin, Haykin Family Cider, Aurora, Colorado

Bio:

Talia Haykin is the co-founder of Haykin Family Cider in Colorado, which she launched with her husband Daniel in 2017 after several years as dedicated home cider makers. Their work centers on celebrating the full range of apples and exploring how they express themselves through fermentation. Talia oversees operations, finance, compliance, sales, and marketing for the cidery, bringing prior experience as the CMO of large nonprofits and as a professional writer and marketing strategist. She lives in Denver with her husband and their three children, and firmly believes apples are better fermented than paired with peanut butter.

Candidate Statement:

I’m running for re-election to the ACA board because I care deeply about having small, independent cideries represented – especially scrappy startups without inherited infrastructure, large teams, or built-in resources. At Haykin Family Cider, I’m often the person figuring out marketing, compliance, sales, and operations as I go, and I bring that reality into board conversations. I focus on making sure the perspective of smaller producers is heard, particularly those in western states where the cider community can feel more spread out. I also enjoy contributing where I can on marketing and communication questions. I believe cider is at a tipping point, and with the right people and clear priorities, the ACA can remain a practical, steady resource for producers like me. I’d be glad to continue serving.

Marcus Robert, Tieton Cider Works, Yakima, Washington

Bio:

Marcus Robert is President, Cider Maker, and Co-Owner of Tieton Cider Works in Yakima, Washington, and a fourth-generation farmer in the Yakima Valley. With deep roots in agriculture and over a decade of cidermaking experience, Marcus brings a grower-producer perspective to industry leadership. He has served on the American Cider Association Board since 2017, representing the Northwest region and advocating for fair regulation, education, and sustainable growth. Marcus is committed to strengthening the cider community and supporting producers of all sizes through thoughtful, practical leadership.

Candidate Statement:

I am running for re-election to the American Cider Association Board to help guide American cider through its next phase of growth and opportunity. As a fourth-generation farmer and co-owner of Tieton Cider Works in Yakima, Washington, I bring a producer-led perspective grounded in agriculture, cidermaking, and scaling a national business.

Cider has proven its staying power, maintaining stability while many beverage categories have declined. With focused leadership, collaboration, and strategic advocacy, the category can continue to grow market share and strengthen its position in the beverage alcohol industry.

During my time on the ACA Board, I have worked to enhance regional representation, advance practical policy solutions, and expand resources that help cider makers of all sizes thrive. I am committed to continuing this work and ensuring a resilient, unified, and sustainable future for American cider.

Chris Lacey, Golden State Cider, Sebastopol, California

Bio:

Chris Lacey has spent more than 20 years in the beverage industry, leading growth across beer, wine, and cider. As CEO of Golden State Cider, he has guided the brand to become the #1 cider in California and #5 nationally.

Chris began his career in New York with American Beer before joining Rogue Ales & Spirits, where he rose to VP of Sales, overseeing expansion into all 50 states and 30 countries. He went on to lead marketing for 20+ wine brands at Precept Wine and later drove record sales for Constellation Beer at DBI Beverage in San Francisco.

Today, Chris is also launching Sonoma Craft with business partner Chris Jackson, expanding into wine, beer, and beyond. He lives in Northern California with his wife and two children and brings a lifelong passion for fermentation, craftsmanship, and community to the cider industry.

Candidate Statement:

I’m excited about the opportunity to continue working with the ACA. My key goals are to advocate for transparency and quality as the cider category continues to evolve along with supporting key legislation initiatives such as the Bubble Tax, to provide a more balanced playing field for the cider segment. Through working together, we have the potential to redefine the global standard for what cider can be for the long-term.

Colin Schilling, Schilling Cider, Auburn, Washington

Bio:

Colin Schilling is the CEO and Co-Founder of Schilling Cider, where he has helped shape the company into one of the nation’s most innovative and forward-thinking craft cideries.

Colin’s passion for food and beverage extends well beyond cider. He enjoys exploring new tastes and experiences and has contributed his expertise to brands in the non-alcoholic, coffee, energy, and cannabis spaces. His background includes an MBA focused on entrepreneurship and business sustainability, as well as experience in technology consulting, giving him a broad perspective on how businesses can make a positive impact.

Deeply committed to the idea that business can be a force for good, Colin has woven sustainable practices into every aspect of Schilling Cider’s operations. He is recognized for fostering a people-first company culture and continually strives to create a supportive and enriching work environment for every employee.

Colin is eager to connect with others who share his belief in the power of community, innovation, and positive change. He looks forward to collaborating with fellow board members to help further the mission and values of the ACA.

Candidate Statement:

• Advocacy & Fair Taxes: Support ACA lobbying to strengthen cider businesses and reduce taxes, ensuring fair treatment for cider producers.
• Grow National Cider Month: Continue to grow National Cider Month to boost sales and visibility for all cideries large and small.
• Build Industry Partnerships: Foster stronger relationships with trade associations, distributors, and partners to drive collaboration and innovation.
• Improve Business Operations: Roll out programs to help cideries run more efficiently and thrive in today’s challenging market.

I’m committed to championing the cider community and delivering real value for ACA members. Thank you for your support and your vote.