The Distilled Spirits Council, representing the nation’s leading branded and craft distillers, today announced the promotion of Michele Famiglietti to senior vice president of member relations and the appointment of Kelly Pike Poulsen as vice president of federal government relations.
In her new role, Michele will assume primary responsibility for member recruitment and services, grassroots advocacy and management of the association’s many events. Michele has been at the Council for 15 years, promoting the equal treatment of spirits on Capitol Hill, expanding international market access for spirits and facilitating the exponential growth in the number of U.S. distilleries over the previous decade.
Prior to joining the Council in 2001, Michele served for six years as a deputy chief of staff for a member of the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee. Prior to coming to Capitol Hill, Michele worked as a staff member in the Florida House of Representatives.
Kelly most recently served as vice president of government affairs at the American Frozen Food Institute over the past two years. She also served in a government affairs capacity at the National Association of Home Builders and previously worked for two members of the U.S. House of Representatives over a period spanning eight years. She is a graduate of the University of Kansas.
“Michele and Kelly are both extremely well connected and incredibly competent professionals who will help us advance the Distilled Spirits Council’s mission of creating sound public policy and the continued growth of the spirits sector,” said Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. “As the Distilled Spirits Council expands its strategic initiatives both domestically and abroad, we are fortunate to have the enthusiastic support of our members and one of the best staff teams among national trade associations.”
Michele and Kelly assume their new roles on Nov. 1, 2016. Michele will report to Council President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz, whereas Kelly will report to Council Senior Vice President of Government Relations Mark Gorman.