AlpacaGram 13.25 | Reminder: Meet The 2026 AOA Board Candidates

Meet The 2026 AOA Board Candidates

Reminder: Join Us Tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. Central Time!

There's still time to register if you haven't already!

The Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) annual election process is underway, and we’re pleased to introduce the candidates for the upcoming Board of Directors election.

2026 Board Candidates

• Rhonda Deschner, Tierra Prometida Alpacas • Texas
• Hillary J Devin, Shambalah Alpaca Ranch • Colorado
• Myndee Ebbers, Zinnia Fields Alpaca Farms, LLC • Oklahoma
• Tim Graber, North Plains Alpacas • Oregon
• Colette Peterson, Feather & Fur and Big Timber Alpacas • Washington
• Kristian Thordarson, Thordarson Farms, LLC • Oregon

The terms expiring this year are Jennifer Hack, Sharon Milligan, and Mike Walsh.

Serving a three-year term on the AOA Board is a meaningful commitment to leadership, stewardship, and the future of our industry. We appreciate each candidate’s willingness to step forward and serve the membership.

Get to Know the Candidates

Now it’s your opportunity to get involved.

Join us for a live candidate webinar to hear directly from those running for the board, learn more about their perspectives, and ask questions. Your participation helps support an informed and engaged membership.

Candidate Q&A Webinar

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

8:00 p.m. Eastern
7:00 p.m. Central
6:00 p.m. Mountain
5:00 p.m. Pacific

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with meeting details. Please save this information to your calendar.

This webinar will be recorded and available for members who are unable to attend live.

Election Timeline

May 7, 2026 — Last day to become a paid member eligible to vote
May 13, 2026 — Online voting opens
June 3, 2026 — Online voting closes
July 2026 — New Board of Directors and officers introduced at the AOA Annual Meeting

Voting Eligibility

To vote in the upcoming election, you must:

• Be an AOA Primary, Business, or Industry Member
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Own at least 25% of a live AOA-registered alpaca

Membership is held by individuals, not farms. Spouses or partners must maintain their own memberships to be eligible to vote.

Log in to your member dashboard to confirm your voting eligibility or to renew your membership.

Member participation keeps our organization strong. We encourage all eligible members to take part in the election process and help guide the future of AOA.