Ballots will be mailed August 15th. To be counted, ballots must be mailed by October 15, 2026. Results will be announced at the National Awards Banquet on December 12, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
MAFCA Candidates – 2027 – As seen in The Restorer (with photos)
(Candidates are listed in random order.)
Ed Tolman – Chino Hills, California
Ed Tolman’s Model A journey began in 1971 when his grandfather challenged him to rebuild a disassembled 1931 Coupe. More than 50 years later, that same car remains a treasured part of his collection.
A machinist and business owner, Ed operates D&G Products, Tolman Tool Manufacturing, and Cardinal Tool in Pomona, California. He and his wife, Monika, joined the Pomona Valley Model A Club in the early 2000s and have served in numerous leadership roles, including membership director, club president, and treasurer.
Nationally, Ed served four years on the MAFCA Board of Directors and helped host the 2019 National Awards Banquet. Today, he continues to support the hobby through his successful Model A engine rebuilding business, working alongside his sons to carry on a proud family tradition.
Bret Plue (Littleton, Colorado)
I am a Colorado native, born and raised in Loveland, Colorado. After graduating from high school, I moved to the Denver area, where I continue to live today. I have spent my entire career in the automotive industry, a field that has always been a passion of mine.
In 1997, I married my wife, Leigh, and together we have a wonderful daughter, Gwendolyn. Family has always been an important part of my life.
Around the age of 30, I discovered the Model A Ford hobby and quickly caught the fever. What began as an interest grew into a lifelong passion. Today, I own four Model A Fords and enjoy restoring, maintaining, driving, and sharing them with others.
I am an active member of the Model A Ford Club of Colorado and have had the privilege of serving as president. The friendships and experiences gained through the hobby have been truly rewarding.
Tom Rut (Stockton, California)
This year marks my 35th year of MAFCA membership, and I would like to join the Board of Directors to represent and keep the hobby fun for all of our members.
I am well qualified for this position due to my deep involvement with MAFCA over the years: President of the Delta A’s in Stockton, Calif., 1999 to 2004 and currently Vice President. President of the Northern California Regional Group 2012 to 2014 and served on the Super Committee for the 2018 National Convention in Reno. Master Judge with judging experience dating back to the early 1990s, was appointed to the Judging Standards Committee in 2015. Elected to JSC Chair in 2018.
Paint and Finish Guide 4th Edition and Revision 5 of the Restoration Guidelines and Judging Standards were produced under my leadership. Authored several articles for The Restorer. Received the 2025 MAFCA Volunteer of the Year Award.
Happy Begg (Irmo, South Carolina)
I have been a member of MAFCA since 2004, and very active at the local level since 2009, as Newsletter Editor, Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Palmetto Chapter. Nationally, I chaired the 2012 National Awards Banquet, co-chaired the 2019 Canyonlands National Tour, and chaired the 2023 Back Roads to the Classics National Tour.
I have served the MAFCA Membership as Vice President seven years and as President in 2017. As Vice President, I’ve worked with local chapter hosts on seven National Awards Banquets, five National Conventions, and five National Tours. I have been very active with the MAFFI Museum and am Editor of The A Preserver.
Before retiring, I worked many years in the West Bloomfield, Michigan, School District and served five years on the Society of Automotive Engineers, Detroit Section, Annual Meeting Committee. I look forward to serving the MAFCA Membership in 2027 and 2028.
Jim Cannon (Young Harris, Georgia)
I’ve owned a Model A since I was a teen. To promote the hobby, I served previously on the MAFCA Board, served as president of our Houston Chapter, and recently started a new MAFCA chapter in North Georgia. I’ve been writing “Jim’s Tech Tips” for many years; you’ve probably read them.
To help everyone get to know me better before voting, I have produced a few short videos that allow you to see and hear me talk about MAFCA, the hobby, and what’s important to me if I were elected. You can watch them at: www.youtube.com/@MAFCAJim
After watching, please find your ballots, mark them for me, and return them to the MAFCA office. I appreciate your support.
Thanks, and “Have a Model A Day!” — Jim
Sherry Winkinhofer (Table Rock, Nebraska)
I am seeking election to the MAFCA Board of Directors for the 2027–2028 term. My Model A journey began in 2007, and despite the loss of my husband in 2012, I have remained actively involved in the hobby.
Since 2008, I have edited my local club newsletter and, since 2010, served as editor and writer of A-World, MAFCA’s youth newsletter. I served on the Era Fashions Committee from 2017–2023 and currently serve as Fashion Editor for The Restorer. I have presented Model A and era-fashion programs nationwide, including at National Model A Days in 2025.
For the past two years, I have served on the MAFCA Board as Publication Director and Chapter Coordinator and would be honored to continue serving the membership.
Vicky Lujan Gibbs (Los Lunas, New Mexico)
My Model A journey began when my husband became interested in these remarkable cars. Fourteen years later, I am asking for your vote for the MAFCA Board of Directors. My first Model A experience was at the New Mexico State Fair, where members of the Poco Quatros club shared rides and their enthusiasm for the hobby. I was hooked.
Since then, I have served as club secretary, treasurer, membership coordinator, newsletter editor, and website editor. I co-chaired the 2024 MAFCA National Convention and currently serve as Chairman of the 2028 MAFCA National Awards Banquet. I am also a founding member and president of the Southwest Model A’s.
As a budding mechanic and Burtz Engine builder, I proudly demonstrate that women can drive, maintain, and repair Model A’s. I am committed to helping MAFCA grow, remain relevant, and inspirefuture generations of enthusiasts.
