The Distilled Spirits Council today announced a new partnership with Women of the Vine & Spirits™ designed to support women in the beverage alcohol sector by providing opportunities for career growth and personal development.

“We are honored to support Women of the Vine & Spirits and its mission to advance professional development of women within the wine and spirits sectors,” said Distilled Spirits Council President & CEO Kraig R. Naasz.  “From master distiller to spirits executive, women play a critical role in the continued growth and success of our sector.”

Naasz commended Women of the Vine & Spirits Founder & President Deborah Brenner for expanding the organization in 2016 to include professionals in the spirits sector.

“Deborah is advancing an admirable cause in the beverage alcohol community by creating a forum for women to network, exchange ideas and foster mentoring relationships,” said Naasz.

“Women of the Vine & Spirits is the only trade organization to advance and support the careers of women in the alcohol beverage industry,” said Brenner.  “Until now, there has never been a forum for women in all sectors to come together to strengthen ties through opportunities such as regional networking events, discussion forums, educational resources and the Annual Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium.  I am pleased to welcome the Distilled Spirits Council as one of our valued partners in this shared mission.”

Naasz will serve as moderator of a panel discussion on “Women of the Still” at the Third Annual Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium in Napa Valley, March 13-15.

In addition, the Council has submitted the following staff members for membership in Women of the Vine & Spirits:

Bridget Allshouse, Director of Legal Affairs
Carla Budesinsky Santillan, Administrative Coordinator
Emily Burk Smith, Manager of State Government Relations
Michele Famiglietti, Senior Vice President of Member Relations
Lisa Hawkins, Vice President of Public Affairs
Christine LoCascio, Senior Vice President of International Affairs
Kelley McDonough, Director of Public Relations
Christal Mirabal, Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
Lynne Omlie, General Counsel
Kelly Poulsen, Vice President of Federal Government Relations
Kyna Ricks, Manager of Accounting