Board of Directors
BECOME A SPONSOR
The Greater Appalachian and Alpaca Association would not be possible without its amazing lama volunteers and enthusiasts. GALA greatly thanks its Board of Directors for all their dedication to the industry and association.
Do you know a passionate GALA member who would fit the bill? GALA accepts nominations for new members to be voted upon by the membership. Get in touch with Dr. Jane Hamilton-Merritt at limasite98@aol.com
Do you know a passionate GALA member who would fit the bill? GALA accepts nominations for new members to be voted upon by the membership. Get in touch with Dr. Jane Hamilton-Merritt at limasite98@aol.com
NOMINATE A FRIEND!
get in touch
Deb Marcou
I have been a GALA member for 13 years and on the Board of Directors for three terms.
I joined GALA to be more informed regarding the llama industry and to also connect with other llama owners. I have made many friends and contacts within the llama community. Their advice and friendship has been invaluable to me.
I joined GALA to be more informed regarding the llama industry and to also connect with other llama owners. I have made many friends and contacts within the llama community. Their advice and friendship has been invaluable to me.
Vice President
I have been a member of GALA since the day I got my first llamas some 29 years ago. I have served on the Board of Directors several terms and probably too many years to count. I attended my first conference in 1995 and have not missed one since. GALA is committed to educating the camelid owners through its newsletter and its one-of-a-kind annual conferences. I cherish this community of like minded lama owners and think everyone should join for yourself and for your animals’ sake.
Carol Reigh
Secretary
I attended my first GALA conference in 1994, before I even owned any llamas. It was so much fun, and I learned so much, that I have been coming back to conferences every year since then. And during that time, I raised 23 llamas on a farm in Maine and I taught every one of them how to march to John Phillip Sousa’s Washington Post March.
Terry Beal
Treasurer
Steven Harrison
GALA's commitment to supporting new llama and alpaca owners was invaluable to me when I took over the running of the farm. Their resources and mentorship have been invaluable in helping me navigate the challenges and joys of raising a healthy herd.
Joining GALA connected me with a network of experienced llama and alpaca owners and a wealth of knowledge which have helped me gain the confidence I need to raise a happy and healthy herd.
Joining GALA connected me with a network of experienced llama and alpaca owners and a wealth of knowledge which have helped me gain the confidence I need to raise a happy and healthy herd.
Director
Cindy Millard
Sharing knowledge and the camaraderie of other llama owners is why I joined GALA and I have enjoyed attending two conferences. I am a new member of the Board and learning how GALA promotes so many aspects of llama care and supports education while encouraging new members.
Director
"I have been a participant and volunteer with GALA every year since 2013, which was the year I got my first llamas. I believe that GALA has become the premier camelid organization in the industry. With an emphasis on educating llama owners, GALA gives us an opportunity to network with other owners, trainers, veterinarians, fiber experts and amazing vendors. I am honored and excited to be considered for a position on the GALA board. I believe that a strong board is made up of individuals with varied strengths, backgrounds and talents, who together, work to benefit the overall organization. Working with this board is an opportunity to give back the community that has always been there for me!"
Steve Silverberg
Director
Jennifer Bidwell
Jennifer has been an enthusiastic supporter of the llama community for many years, beginning with her introduction to llamas through her sons’ work at the local Poverty Hollow llama farm. Though not a llama owner, she has participated in numerous events, including open barn days and International Llama Appreciation Day celebrations, where she helped facilitate educational programs for the public.
She has attended the Big E Llama show and several GALA conferences, where she developed a deep appreciation for llamas and their broader impact on people. Recently, she successfully used training techniques from John Mallon’s GALA lessons to work with Princess Nutmeg, a young and feisty llama.
She is particularly passionate about the unique gifts llamas bring to the world, especially through their involvement in medical contributions and the Pet Partners program, where they offer therapeutic benefits to people in need. What Jennifer values most, however, is the warmth, camaraderie, and kindness within the GALA community. She is eager to give back to this wonderful group and contribute to GALA’s mission as a member of the Board of Directors.
She has attended the Big E Llama show and several GALA conferences, where she developed a deep appreciation for llamas and their broader impact on people. Recently, she successfully used training techniques from John Mallon’s GALA lessons to work with Princess Nutmeg, a young and feisty llama.
She is particularly passionate about the unique gifts llamas bring to the world, especially through their involvement in medical contributions and the Pet Partners program, where they offer therapeutic benefits to people in need. What Jennifer values most, however, is the warmth, camaraderie, and kindness within the GALA community. She is eager to give back to this wonderful group and contribute to GALA’s mission as a member of the Board of Directors.
Director
