AlpacaGram 12.25 | Meet the AOA Board Candidates

Meet the AOA Board Candidates

We’re proud to introduce the candidates for the 2025 AOA Board election. Serving a three-year term on a national board is a significant commitment, and we sincerely appreciate each candidate’s willingness to step forward in service to our community.

2025 AOA Board Candidates

• Tom Blanford, Clayfarm Alpacas, Indiana
• Brian Houchin, Houchin Family Alpacas, Illinois
• Scott Miller, Crescent Moon Ranch, Oregon
• Jay Penica, Walnut Ridge Acres, Pennsylvania
• Scott Shelhart, Shelhart Acre Farms, Indiana
• Derek Smith, Fleecy Friends Alpaca Ranch, Oklahoma

The terms expiring this year are Rhonda Deschner, Brian Houchin, and Mary Miller.

Now it’s your turn to get involved. Take time to learn about each candidate’s background, vision, and priorities so you can cast an informed vote and help shape the future of AOA.

Election Schedule

• May 11, 2025 — Last day to become a paid member to vote in the upcoming election
• May 14, 2025 — Online Voting Opens
• June 4, 2025 — Online Voting Closes
• July 21, 2025 — 2025–26 Board of Directors and new officers introduced at the AOA Annual Meeting

Voting in the Election

To vote in the upcoming election: you must be a paid member (Primary, Business, Corporate), at least 18 years old, and own at least 25% of a live AOA-registered alpaca. If you haven't renewed your membership yet, log in and renew from your member dashboard. As a reminder, individuals, not farms, are AOA members. Spouses or partners must have their own memberships to be eligible to vote in the election.

We encourage everyone to take part in the election process!