Now Accepting Nominations for the 2027-2029 SCA Board of Directors
The Specialty Coffee Association is now accepting nominations for the 2027-2029 SCA Board of Directors. Nominations close on Friday, July 10. The SCA will announce the slate of candidates selected through the interview process by Thursday, August 27.
The SCA Board of Directors consists of 15 volunteer members, supported by the CEO and SCA staff, according to the Bylaws of SCA have been approved by the membership. For this 2026 election, there will be an election for 3 seats.
These seats will be new Board Directors serving a term of 3 years from January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2029, with the following role description:
Board Director Qualifications 2026
This year’s SCA nominations and interview process is overseen by the Nominating Committee comprised of a mix of past and current board members:
Andrew Tolley, Board President
Nadine Rasch, Vice President
Jiyoon Han, 2nd Vice President
Cosimo Libardo, Board Treasurer
Pamela Chng, Emeritus Director
Garfield Kerr, Emeritus Director
Yannis Apostolopoulos, Chief Executive Officer
SCA members who meet the qualifications listed below are encouraged to submit a nomination to serve on the SCA Board of Directors. All submissions are reviewed by the Nominations Committee using the Board Director Qualifications. After the review, a shortlist of candidates is selected to move forward to the interview stage. Reaching the interview stage is competitive, and not all nominees will be selected to proceed.
2026 SCA Board Election Timeline
Every year, the SCA Board forms a Nominations Committee to recruit qualified professionals to serve three-year terms. See the timeline below for key dates in the 2026 SCA Board of Directors elections.
Nominations Period
June 29: Nominations Open
July 10: Nominations Close
Interview Period
Late July/Early August: The SCA Nominations Committee interviews nominees
Slate Announcement
August 27: The SCA Board announces the slate of candidates selected through the nominations and interview process
Nominations by Petition
Applicants not selected through the nominations and interview process may choose to collect at least 100 signatures from SCA professional members or the primary contact for a company member in good standing in order to be added to the final ballot by petition. More information on the petition candidacy process can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section at sca.coffee/board/elections.
September 1: Opening Date for Nominations by Petition
September 30: Closing Date for Nominations by Petition
Final Ballot Announcement
October 13: Announcement of Final Ballot
SCA Members Vote
November 1: Voting Opens
November 30: Voting Closes
Results Announced
December 15: The results of the election process is announced to SCA members and the wider coffee community
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I Eligible to Participate in the SCA Board of Directors Elections Process?
The annual Board of Directors election is an opportunity for SCA members to help shape the volunteer group that will provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. Only SCA members who hold a current valid SCA Professional or the primary contact for a company membership as of September 1 are eligible to vote. Please be aware that SCA Company Memberships receive one vote in SCA elections. Not sure if you’re eligible to vote? Check your membership status in theSCA Member Portal here or contact our Member Services Team here.
SCA Members will receive an email ballot on November 1 from eBallot, the third-party election management company supporting the 2026 SCA Board of Directors election. SCA members who do not receive an email ballot by November 1 should get in touch using the contact form on our website: sca.coffee/board/elections. Prefer a paper ballot? Request it by September 30 using the contact form on the elections page.
Do you have questions about the SCA Board elections process?
Visit the SCA Elections page on our website to find answers to frequently asked questions or take a look at the election process and procedure outlined in detail in the SCA’s bylaws. For any other questions, get in touch with us directly using the contact form at sca.coffee/board/elections.
