The results of member balloting for the Virginia Vineyards Association’s board of directors were announced at the association’s Winter Technical Meeting on Saturday, February 7.
Newly-elected VVA president Tom Kelly with Grower of the Year Fernando Franco.
Tom Kelly, of Kelly Vineyard Services, was reelected president of the Association, which means that Bill Tonkins of Aftonshire will serve another term on the board in his capacity as past president. Likewise, Jim Benefiel, general manager of Benevino Vineyards, will continue as vice president of the association, and Kay Thompson of Amherst Vineyards will serve a new term as Treasurer.
The newest member of the board is Aimee Henkle, who was elected Secretary. She and her husband, Todd, own The Vineyards and Winery at Lost Creek in Leesburg,
Tony Wolf of Virginia Tech will continue as technical advisor to the board.
The committee chairs are unchanged. Emily Hodson of Veritas Vineyards and Winery continues as head of the Research Committee, Ben Margulies of Democracy Vineyards remains as chair of the Education Committee, and Bill Robson of 16 Rows Vineyard stays on as chair of the Legislative Committee. Bill Freitag of Toll Gate Farm will head up the Sustainability Committee, and Bob and Chris Garsson of First Amendment Vineyard will continue on as co-chairs of the Communications Committee. Tracy Kirkman of Devilsbliss Farm and Vineyard is the association’s Business Manager.