(Press Release)

BOULDER, CO—Today, at a meeting in Boulder, Colo., the Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers—inaugurated its 2014 Board of Directors.

Led by Gary Fish of Deschutes Brewery, who succeeds Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery as Chair, the Board provides strategic direction for the BA. Four board positions were added as a means to increase representation and participation from the BA’s growing and diverse membership, which comprises more than 1,900 U.S. brewery members, 40,000 members of the American Homebrewers Association, allied trade, beer wholesalers, craft beer retailers, individuals, and other associate members.

“As the Brewers Association’s governance has evolved, it is critical that the diversity of our growing membership continue to be represented and have a voice. Updating the Board structure and creating additional seats provides an opportunity for increased representation from some of our smallest packaging and brewpub members, while helping to assure that institutional experience and knowledge is passed on,” said Charlie Papazian, president, Brewers Association. “The support and guidance from our board members is crucial as we continue to groom and grow the flourishing craft brewing landscape.”

The 2014 BA Board of Directors is made up of the following members:

Executive Committee

Chair – Gary Fish, Deschutes Brewery, Bend, OR

Vice Chair – Rob Tod, Allagash Brewing Co., Portland, ME

Past Chair – Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE

Secretary/Treasurer – Mark Edelson, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Wilmington, DE

Charlie Papazian, Brewers Association President

American Homebrewers Association Representative Board Members

Chris P. Frey, Saline, MI

Jake Keeler, Roseville, MN

At-Large Board Members

Steve Bradt, Free State Brewing Co., Lawrence, KS

Steve Hindy, Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn, NY

Nick Matt, F.X. Matt Brewing Co., Utica, NY

Scott Metzger, Freetail Brewing Co., San Antonio, TX

Brewpub Representative Board Members

Larry Chase, Standing Stone Brewing Co., Ashland, OR

Mark Edelson, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Wilmington, DE

Cyrena Nouzille, Ladyface Ale Companie, Agoura Hills, CA

John Pinkerton, Moon River Brewing Co., Savannah, GA

Packaging Brewery Representative Board Members

Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE

Gary Fish, Deschutes Brewery, Bend, OR

Ken Grossman, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, CA

Kim Jordan, New Belgium Brewing Co., Fort Collins, CO

John Mallett, Bell’s Brewery, Inc., Galesburg, MI

Rob Tod, Allagash Brewing, Portland, ME

Eric Wallace, Left Hand Brewing Co., Longmont, CO

“I am honored to be at the helm of such a dedicated and committed group that is eager to continue making great strides for the community of small and independent craft brewers across the country,” added Gary Fish.

The BA Board of Directors also has several standing committees that work with members and staff, focusing on specific areas to help achieve association goals. Committee chairs include:

AHA Governing – Jake Keeler

Brewpub – John Pinkerton

Communications – Chris P. Frey

Events – Steve Bradt

Executive – Gary Fish

Export Development Program – Brett Joyce

Finance – Mark Edelson

Governance – Steve Bradt

Government Affairs – Gary Fish

Market Development Committee – Rob Tod, Fred Matt

Public Relations & Marketing – Kim Jordan

Technical—Ken Grossman, John Mallett