2014 is an election year for the BJCP. In order to provide BJCP members and voters a better understanding into the platforms and policies of representative candidates, The BJCP Bulletin recently conducted interviews with the candidates. Because BJCP Officers are elected from the BJCP Representatives, the platforms and policies of the candidates will likely impact all program members, not only those who reside in the candidate's geographic region.

The BJCP Bulletin adapted a set of questions from a similar certifying organization (KCBS) for the purposes of the interviews. Each candidate was provided the same standard set of questions and exactly two weeks to provide responses, via email, to the question set. Each candidate was instructed that there was no limitation to their response length, however, all responses had to be received at the end of the two week period. Each candidate was also asked for a picture to accompany their responses.

Below are the responses received by South region representative candidate, Phil Farrell. No alterations were made to either the question set or to the responses as they were received.

1) Please describe the skills you posess (which you believe are stronger than the other candidates) which would make you an asset as a representative and board member in dealing with the challenges facing the BJCP, and give an example of how those skills would serve the BJCP Board of Directors and its membership.

My previous life in the military gave me the skills to both work as a team member as well as lead others. My current job requires the same degree of responsibility while requiring the flexibility to be able to build a team from scratch every time I go to work. Both required extensive travel to all parts of the world. My first homebrew contest reminded me of the camaraderie I experienced in the military. The large tent atmosphere and free flow of information where everyone was trying to help each other to be better convinced me to make the leap to judging. I believe we make a difference and influence others every time we go out to judge. I feel I owe it to everyone who helped me out along the way to contribute at every opportunity to make the BJCP a better organization. I think I have the best mix of judging, grading, travel, organizational and people skills of all the candidates in my region.

2) As a judge, exam grader, steward, or member of a committee, please identify the major BJCP issues concerning one of the areas in which you are involved. Describe the major issue, your strategies to correct or improve the issue, and what you see as the biggest challenge to the success of your plan.

Exam grading is one of the thankless but very necessary jobs the organization has struggled with since its inception. Partly to serve the majority of the membership and partly to ease the grading load, the exam program was revamped during my last term. We are now able to relax the exam seating restriction slightly. The grading process while slightly less burdensome is essentially unchanged. The electronic forms have seen an improvement however I think we need more tools to further speed turnaround as well as add a higher level of standardization. Talking to one of the Associate Directors I heard of his idea to have an RTP (feedback form) completely linked to the EGF (grading form). Automation will help graders become lead graders faster without sacrificing quality. If anything the format will save the Associates a lot of time trying to standardize the reports. Faster turnaround, standardized results and consistent grading are all ideals that will make the exam program better even if a member never becomes a grader.

3) Identify your major short term goal and major long term goal, if elected to the BJCP Board, and your plan to implement change or improvement in order to carry out each of these goals.

My short term goal is for the 2014 BJCP Guidelines to be released this summer with a minimum of transition issues for exams as well as contests. This will be the first Guideline change since the new online and tasting exam format was implemented. The design of the new exam program factored routine style guidelines changes into question banks however it will be the first time we have actually done it for this specific exam format. The Style Guideline release was postponed specifically to limit the number of changes confronting the exam graders, directors and examinees. For long term goals I have three. One is to work with the AHA concerning the NHC to look at long term alignment of categories for the next style guideline revision as a way to streamline the competition. Along those lines making the competition more attractive to judges and volunteers is just as important. My second long term goal is to add to our education materials in such a way that aspiring and current judges will have access to an entire library of online seminars as well as complete courses. The turnover in the Education directorate and the exam changes are now in the rearview mirror. Volunteers already teach initial and CEP classes of exceptional quality. Recording those classes as well as making them available to isolated homebrew communities is very important in my opinion. The third goal is to continue the trajectory of BJCP expansion overseas without sacrificing standards or ignoring our membership. The BJCP is now a worldwide leader in beer education as well as judge certification. I want it to continue that way.

4) If elected, please explain your level of committment, time and energy for committee projects, judging, exam grading, organizing competitions, as well as representing the BJCP to the public and being responsive to our members.

Anyone who has met me will never question my dedication to the craft. I brew, judge, grade, proctor, educate, advocate, organize and administer exams regularly. I have been the 1st round NHC organizer 3 times while I have been a regional representative. I am readily available to answer questions and help anyone who wants to learn how to be a beer judge or wants to be a better beer judge. I have traveled to speak at various functions including service organizations such as the Kiwanis and Lions Club. I’ve been on webcasts and will present at my state’s Brewer’s Guild later this month. I advocate for good beer around the world. I have represented the BJCP at the most prestigious beer contests in the world as both judge and staff. If a member has a problem then we have a problem until it is resolved.

5) Please describe your previous participation in BJCP activities and years of experience.

I have participated in every level of BJCP activity from being the South Regional Rep to being a lead exam grader. I mentor new graders and I lead exam preparation courses. I administer exams and proctor other judge’s exams. I travel around the country extensively and have even gone overseas to help proctor an exam. Since taking the BJCP Exam 10 years ago I have been to every AHA Convention because I feel homebrewing and judging are mutually beneficial to each other. Once I became a rep I have been to every BJCP meeting at the AHA Convention because the membership deserves representation that is readily available and responsive to their needs. Getting out to the big events allows members to have actual conversation about issues that concern them. I think that everyone who ever talked to or contacted me has felt their issue was handled quickly and to their satisfaction. We all get better together. We all learn from each other and the more interaction the stronger we become as a group in regards to our main function, judging beer in contest.

6) Please explain why you want to be a member of the BJCP Board.

I want the honor of being your representative for another term because I feel I can ensure your voice is heard. I want the BJCP to keep improving and serve its growing membership in a way that reflects its size and strength. I will do everything I can to ensure the BJCP will continue to be the leader in judge training and education. I feel I have the ability to execute the BOD plans to the highest standard while ensuring we remain a member driven volunteer organization. Thank you for the chance to serve, the chance to speak to you in this newsletter, and please consider me when you vote.

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Mr. Farrell's candidate statement may be found at /docs/2014phil.pdf

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The BJCP Bulletin wishes all candidates the best of luck in the 2014 elections.

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