USBG ANNOUNCES SLATE OF CANDIDATES FOR 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTIONS
Candidates include representatives from local chapters from across the country
HENDERSON, NV (OCTOBER 28, 2025) - The United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) announces today the slate of candidates in the running for positions on the organization’s board of directors. Voting will be held November 1-15.
Upon submitting themselves for consideration, each candidate provided a candidacy statement:
Tracy Gomez: “I would consider it a privilege to serve a second term as member of the USBG National Board of Directors. As fulfilling and soul affirming as the experience has been so far, I recognize that there is still much to be done. Given the complex reality of our nation's state of affairs and the pressure being put on our industry as a result, I aim to continue my work on the organization's Advocacy Committee in an effort to positively impact the lives and livelihoods of our members. As a female married to an immigrant (who is also part of the service industry) from a small market with no current chapter presence, I believe my perspective lends a meaningful voice in representing many in our community. I am incredibly proud of the work that we've done on behalf of our members, and I would be honored to continue that effort in a second term.”
Bradley Stephens: “It has always been and continues to be my goal to give back to the community that helped me through many times of growth, motivated me to take risks, and had my back when things got tough. Our membership helped me become who I am, and volunteering has been a wonderful way to give back to our members. I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors guiding me over the years, many of them USBG volunteer leaders. It would be my honor to continue serving the USBG with another term on our national board and build on the work our team has already started and help assist our newest volunteer leaders launch what's next.”
Clark Pope: “I joined the Cleveland chapter in 2016. Starting in 2017, I have taken an active role as a volunteer in service to the chapter. As a committee chair, for education and fundraising, a few terms as the treasurer and vice president, and I am wrapping up my second term as a board member. During this time I established the education fund, in support of our chapter’s growth. We raised over $13,000.00 in case and in-kind donation from non-industry partners to bring an anti-racism program for our membership training which we made open to the public and co-hosted by the Cleveland State Law School.
I have taken the opportunity to travel to two IBA World Cocktail and two Pan-American Competitions, in support of TEAM USBG and have witnessed the impact and the execution of our craft at the highest levels. Having competed in the Friendship Cup, at the Pan-American, I have experienced firsthand what it means to step on the stage and lay it all out. As a national board member my goal is to build relationships so that the USBG can actively support our members; fiscal, mental, and emotional growth while they are on their own journeys.”
How it works:
USBG utilizes a slate elections format. The process ensures that candidates for nomination and election to the Board of Directors have demonstrable qualifications that make them a good fit and that they bring with them the lived experiences that will enrich the Guild. The thousands of USBG Members from across the country are encouraged to vote during the upcoming election season.
“As an organization, the USBG is extremely fortunate to have incredibly talented leaders who are willing to serve for the betterment of the organization and of the industry more broadly,” said Kim Haasarud, Chair of the Nominating Committee. “We saw an impressive group of candidates—many still early in their leadership journeys—who showed great passion, creativity, and commitment to the USBG’s mission. It’s exciting to see such strong potential and enthusiasm shaping the next generation of leaders within our organization.”
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About the United States Bartenders’ Guild
Founded in 1948, the United States Bartenders' Guild®️ is the national, member-led not-for-profit association of bartenders and other hospitality professionals that unites and elevates the bar industry through education, community, and advocacy. Through its network, the USBG connects members with peer-to-peer learning, expert instruction, service projects, and skills-based competition, all while fostering a fun and healthy environment and reinforcing the importance of the ‘third place’ in neighborhoods across the country.
Media inquiries:
Colin Baugh
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