Portland, Oregon-based American Cider Association CEO Michelle McGrath has announced the exit from the position she helped create more than 8 years ago. When hired in June of 2016, McGrath became the first CEO of the United States Association of Cider Makers, and helped guide the organizations transformation into the not-for-profit cider trade organization the ACA. McGrath says she will leave her position at the end of the year, and the national board is beginning to look for her replacement.

“Michelle has been instrumental at the helm of ACA for both our organization as well as for the cider industry. We will miss her creative, strategic, and compassionate leadership, but we are excited to see where her next endeavors take her. The board is grateful for Michelle’s 8 ½ years of service during which she reached many meaningful milestones for the ACA,” says current ACA Board President, Christine Walter of Bauman’s Cider. 

As CEO, McGrath expanded and diversified membership, events, and programs, enhanced the association’s capabilities, reach, credibility and network, and effectively advocated for policy change supporting cider with Congress, the TTB, and state governments.

 “I’m really proud of what the board, staff, volunteers, partners, and members have accomplished together over the last 8+ years. It’s been a true honor to work with such inspiring people, and although I am ready to move to the next phase of my career, I will cherish my time and the relationships I’ve built at the ACA forever,” says McGrath. “It’s hard to express how much the people in this industry mean to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the friendships and memories made. I was a cider fan before I took the reins at the ACA, and I’ll be a cider fan for life!”

A few of McGrath’s many accomplishments:

• Increased the ACA’s membership by more than 60% to nearly 800 members 

  1. Achieved a substantial 100% increase in annual revenue by diversifying funding sources 

  2. Expanded the ACA’s team to several highly capable and passionate team members

  3. Organized and led 8 CiderCon® events, the largest cider-industry event worldwide

  4. Oversaw the development, growth and global expansion of the ACA’s Certified Cider Professional program, the only globally available education program for beverage and culinary industry professionals

  5. Championed programs and policies to support the growth of a diverse interest in cider, including the ACA’s Cider is for Everyone Scholarship

  6. Created a market insights program that shares market data and reports with members and the beverage industry at large

  7. Fostered strong relationships with key national beverage media outlets and cultivated meaningful press highlighting the growth of cider and the humans behind it

  8. Supported national collaborative efforts to expand small-producer tax credits

  9. Fought for the right to list harvest years on TTB-approved labels for cider over 7% ABV

  10. Led efforts in securing TTB approval for 12 oz (approved in 2020), 16 oz, and 19.2 oz packaging sizes for wine, mead, and cider over 7% ABV (TTB comments recently closed)

  11. Collaborated with congressional champions and allied segments to introduce the Bubble Tax Modernization Act (HR 7029) to increase allowable carbonation thresholds for fruit cider, fruit wine and fruit mead under 8.5% ABV

McGrath shared that her championing of farmers will continue in her next role. She plans to stay engaged with the cider industry, and she will be at CiderCon® 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 

“I’m excited to see everyone, and to experience the cider from the featured guest country this year–Chile! Let’s share some cider together, friends!” McGrath says.

The ACA Board of Directors is accepting applications for its next dynamic and visionary CEO until November 24. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Those interested in applying can learn more here.