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

NOMINATE A FRIEND!
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As the current President of GALA, I want to extend a hearty “WELCOME” to GALA, the largest camelid organization in the US! GALA has been in existence since 1986 and from its inception has had as our Mission “to
educate our members and the public about the breeding, raising, and caring of llamas, alpacas, and related camelids and to promote and advance the interests of the industry as a whole”. I hope you’ll agree that GALA offers all the above as you read through our updated website. We
continuously add and update to ensure you get the best of new information. I also promise you will meet an exceptionally outgoing, friendly, caring group of camelid lovers, willing to help and share their experience and
expertise. I encourage you to take the time to acquaint yourself with the information available on our website. We look forward to having you take an active role in GALA!

Barbara Baker

President

Andrea Parent-Tibbetts

When we welcomed our initial group of llamas in 2010, we lacked the know-how in caring for them due to our inexperience and unfamiliarity with raising and training llamas. We joined GALA initially to receive news bulletins and emails and now actively engaged in the annual conference to enhance our knowledge, cultivate friendships, and enjoy participating in llama shows.

Vice President

Deb Gaskill

I originally started with GALA as the newsletter editor. After covering the conference once and being able to sit through a couple panels, I saw what an important resource GALA was for camelid owners. I’ve been a member for nearly ten years and, as I near the end of my second term on the board, I have nothing but respect for the important work GALA does.

Secretary

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.

Director

Suzette Jacobs

Suzette bought her first two alpacas in 2013 and has kept fiber boys since then. She has three alpacas in assorted colors and also two llamas. Their yearly fleeces are knit or crocheted and also woven into scarves and yardage for jackets and other clothing that she sells through her
website. Along with her husband Gary, they attended their first GALA conference that year and all but two conferences since then. She is in her third year on the GALA board and feels privileged to serve such a terrific organization. Additionally, they were members of the GALA-sponsored
group of travelers that went to Peru in April, 2019. Suzette and Gary are both retired public school teachers, teaching music and physics respectively. Suzette Is the music director of Washington Square Music Festival, a 66-year-old outdoor music festival in New York City, and also breeds and shows toy poodles.

Director

Deb Marcou

I have been a GALA member for 12 years and on the Board of Directors for two 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.

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 member of GALA since the day I got my first llamas some 28 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

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

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.

History