Board Of Directors - 2026 Election

There are three openings for the 2026-2027 CBA Board of Directors. You may submit only one vote for up to three candidates per account (Individual, Family, or Business). You must be logged into your account on the CBA website to submit your vote. For questions, contact Michael Suwczinsky at secretary@calsmith.org

The candidates statements are below.

Jake Trogdon.

The CBA, its education program, and its community have given me so much. If elected, I would work towards continuing the educational legacy of the group, and contributing in any other way that I can.

Cathy Wuertz

I first discovered blacksmithing years ago when, on a whim, I took a weekend class while on vacation. Thinking it was just something fun and different to do, I had no idea I’d forever after be a captive of the inescapable draw of fire and steel. Without opportunity nearby, I took occasional classes here and there, but it was never enough.

Eventually I found Vista Forge. At first it seemed crazy to think about committing to be part of a forge that is two hours from home, but after the first visit, I knew I couldn’t stay away. Not only was it an amazing place, but even more amazing people.

I recently served as a board member of a nonprofit that brought special blacksmith instruction to Vista Forge, and I am currently a co-chair for the 2026 CBA Spring Conference.

Outside of blacksmithing, I’ve worked in education for over 20 years—first with children and, for the last 12 years, with adults. Loving the learning and teaching of blacksmithing, I regularly teach introductory classes at Vista Forge and recently earned my CBA instructor certification. Before my career in education, I worked in marketing and event planning. I’d like to deepen my involvement with CBA with a particular interest in education.

If elected, I’d work to continue to connect with CBA’s amazing members and instructors to leverage all of that collective wisdom in support of CBA and its dedication to educate smiths and preserve the art and craft of blacksmithing in California.

Dennis Dusek

I have held many different roles within CBA; grants, education demonstrator/ teacher, Conference-Chair to Vice-President and President... My goal, if elected, is to focus on updating the CBA policies and job descriptions. I would like to tag team up with Jake Trogdon as a board member to help me tackle this job. I am currently working on the power hammer curriculum for CBA education committee, and also the demonstrator coordinator for the upcoming Petaluma Spring Conference in 2028.

Bobby Mensinger

I spent 38 years working in the aerospace industry before retiring in 2012. For the past ten years, I have been dedicated to the craft of blacksmithing. I am currently a Level 1 blacksmith and plan to continue my progression toward becoming an instructor.

I became a member of the California Blacksmith Association (CBA) in 2019 and am also a member of ABANA. In addition, I serve on the Board of Trustees at the Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park, California, where I am one of the blacksmiths who provide public demonstrations.

My experience serving on the board of a nonprofit organization, combined with my background in blacksmithing and my commitment to the community, has inspired me to seek a position on the CBA Board. I believe my professional history and board experience would allow me to contribute meaningfully to the organization as a whole.