Behind every beer brand you drink is an impressive team of beer professionals — brewers, barkeeps, bussers, canners, sales reps, CEOs, COOs, lab techs, interns and everyone from marketing and HR teams to warehouse and restaurant workers. “Beer professional” encapsulates a wide variety of jobs and skill sets. Breweries are constantly making moves to secure great employees and industry leaders. Oftentimes, it’s not even a beer pro, but a food or technology wiz that’s needed. Craft breweries and their suppliers and trade associations have many facets and require specialized employees. Here are a few of the big personnel headlines from the craft brewing industry in the last month plus. Send your beer pro news to kgribbins@cbbmedia.com.
San Diego’s RationAle Brewing strengthens its leadership and advisory team
RationAle Brewing, the award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer brand, recently announced a series of strategic initiatives to propel the company into its next stage of growth. With expanded production through a dedicated partnership with Octopi Brewing, an active bridge round of capital underway, and key leadership additions across sales, operations, finance, and advisory, RationAle is solidifying its leadership position within the fast-growing non-alcoholic craft beer category.
By aligning with Octopi Brewing, the state-of-the-art, Asahi-owned brewing facility recognized for its world-class capabilities and commitment to quality, RationAle now gains the infrastructure to scale exponentially, unlocking the capacity for millions of cases annually and positioning the brand to meet surging national demand.
“Octopi was designed to help established brands like RationAle scale with excellence,” said Paul Verdu, Managing Director, Asahi USA. “We are excited to support their growth and to bring their delicious, high-quality non-alcoholic beers to more people coast to coast.”
Leadership and advisory expansion
Complementing its operational growth, RationAle has strengthened its leadership and advisory team with accomplished veterans from across the beverage, retail, and consumer sectors. Their role: help RationAle scale smartly, navigate distribution, and keep culture and wellness at the center as the brand continues to grow.
Recent additions include:
- Dave Macon, Vice President of Sales: Formerly with New Belgium Brewing and Firestone Walker, Macon brings decades of experience in building powerhouse craft brands and leading national distributor relationships.
- Phil Trowler, Acting CFO: The former CFO of Olipop joins to guide RationAle’s financial strategy and capital planning.
- Jennifer Briggs, Advisory Board Chair: A mission-driven leader with executive experience at New Belgium Brewing, Modern Times Brewing, and Karl Strauss Brewing, Briggs currently serves as CEO of The Synergy Company.
“RationAle has built a strong foundation, and the recent leadership additions underscore the confidence we all have in the opportunity ahead,” said Jennifer Briggs, Chair of RationAle’s Advisory Board. “With the infrastructure, resources, and people now in place, RationAle is poised to scale its impact as consumer demand for premium non-alcoholic beer continues to surge.”
With expanded production capacity, strong financial strategy, and seasoned leadership, RationAle is positioned to execute its three-year expansion plan in partnership with 3 Tier Beverages, beginning with strategic growth across the Midwest and Southern U.S.
Bay Area Brewers Guild appoints Sayre Piotrkowski as Executive Director
The Bay Area Brewers Guild has appointed Sayre Piotrkowski as the organization’s new executive director. Piotrkowski, who started in the role on July 28, takes over from Joanne Marino, who has led the organization for the last 10 years.
With 18 years in craft beer, Piotrkowski brings experience at every level of the brewing industry, from sales, marketing and event management, to retailing, education and brand management. He has spoken at numerous industry events, and his award-winning writing, video and audio work has appeared in publications both local and national. He was one of the first 100 Certified Cicerones globally and became an Advanced Cicerone in 2025. Piotrkowski also possesses an intimate knowledge of the Bay Area brewing scene, its breweries, and the people who run them.
Commenting on his appointment, Piotrkowski said, “I’m incredibly excited to be leading the Bay Area Brewers Guild into its next chapter. Independent beer is an important part of the Bay Area’s cultural landscape, with the sector employing thousands of people and breweries bringing a vibrancy to the neighborhoods, towns, and cities in which they operate. I believe the Guild can be the unifying, reinvigorating force that this moment demands, and I look forward to using my background, relationships, and perspective to ensure the Guild’s continued success.”
“Sayre has been one of the defining voices in the Bay Area craft beer scene in recent years and the Board is thrilled to appoint him to lead the Bay Area Brewers Guild,” said Anthony Raggio, president of the Bay Area Brewers Guild. “The craft beer industry has been through some turbulent times in recent years, and the coming months and years will likely continue to throw up challenges. We believe Sayre’s skills, knowledge, and passion will steer the Guild and its member breweries through these challenges, ensuring that the Bay Area continues to have a thriving craft beer scene.
“I’d also like to thank Joanne Marino for steering the organization for the last 10 years,” Raggio continued. “Joanne has always been a cheerleader for the Bay Area craft beer scene, and her hard work and passion have been key to the Guild’s success. We wish her well in her future endeavors.”
New Jersey’s Emberside Brewery welcomes director of brewery operations, Tom Nielsen
Emberside Brewery, the new brewery coming to The Park in 2026, recently announced the appointment of Tom Nielsen as Director of Brewery Operations. With more than 20 years of experience and a reputation for creativity and craftsmanship, Nielsen will lead Emberside’s operations and help shape its debut lineup of beers.
Nielsen began his career at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., where he spent two decades pioneering new brewing methods and helping craft some of the company’s most beloved beers, including Torpedo Ale, Hop Hunter IPA, and Hazy Little Thing. A leader in hop and barley innovation, he helped introduce several new hop varieties to the craft beer world and has served in leadership roles across national brewing research organizations. At Emberside, he will use that experience to build a rotating lineup of IPAs, classic lagers and experimental small-bath releases tailored to New Jersey drinkers.
“Tom’s deep expertise and passion for innovation make him the perfect person to bring Emberside’s vision to life,” said Stephen Kilroy, Senior Vice President Hospitality and Marketing at The Connell Company, the owner of Emberside Brewery. “He’s not only an incredible brewer, but also someone who truly values community and collaboration and we are excited to see Emberside come to life with Tom at its helm.”
Now back in his home state of New Jersey, Nielsen is collaborating with local partners and suppliers to bring Emberside to life from the ground up. In the months leading up to the grand opening, Emberside will host a series of events celebrating its craft, community, and creativity. Among them is an upcoming Tap Takeover at Grain & Cane, on January 21st, 2026, where Nielsen will lead guests through a guided tasting of the beers on tap.
“After spending over two decades in the beer industry, leading a brewery like this from the ground up has always been a dream of mine,” said Tom Nielsen, Director of Brewery Operations at Emberside Brewery. “I could not think of a more exciting project to bring that dream to life. I am eager to channel my experience and creativity into shaping something truly special for the New Jersey craft beer community.”
Emberside will serve as a dynamic hub for craft beer, connection, and local flavor in the heart of The District at The Park — a 60-acre downtown destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment anchored by a walkable main street. In addition to Emberside Brewery, The District will feature an exciting mix of venues and experiences. Highlights will include Rosa Azul, a vibrant Mexican restaurant serving authentic cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails, alongside a casual taqueria offering window service for the outdoor garden and playground area. Guests can also look forward to BASH, a speakeasy-style venue featuring a wood-fired steakhouse, thoughtfully designed event spaces, multiple bars, and 16 of New Jersey’s first duckpin bowling lanes. Rounding out The District at The Park will be 328 luxury apartments, a 176-room Embassy Suites, and a variety of additional retail concepts.
“As we get closer to Emberside Brewery’s opening, we are excited to share what we have been building. From the rooftop and cozy fire pits to the indoor/outdoor garden seating, every detail is designed to bring people together over exceptional craft beer in a welcoming and casual setting,” said Shane Connell, Executive Vice President of The Connell Company. “Tom has been an amazing addition to the team. His expertise, excitement, and passion for the craft are instrumental in shaping Emberside into a high-quality and authentic brewery experience for the community.”
Emberside Brewery is owned and operated by Table & Banter Hospitality, a growing family of restaurants and experiences designed to bring people together through exceptional food, drink, and hospitality services. Table & Banter oversees culinary and hospitality services across The Park’s dynamic campus spanning restaurants, hotels, corporate buildings, residential towers, fitness centers, and event companies. Emberside carries T&B’s mission, offering a fresh destination where craftsmanship and camaraderie meet.
To learn more about Emberside Brewery and stay informed on upcoming updates, please visit: https://www.embersidebrewery.com/
Middle West Spirits appoints Luis Gonzalez as Chief Commercial Officer
Middle West Spirits, one of North America’s largest independently owned distilleries, recently announced the appointment of Luis Gonzalez as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). This follows Middle West Spirits’ acquisition of Old Elk Distillery in May 2025, where Gonzalez served as CEO. The acquisition marked a major milestone for Middle West Spirits, enhancing its scale, capabilities, and portfolio.
In his new role, Gonzalez will lead commercial strategy and execution, along with overseeing Operations and Marketing divisions. He will also spearhead the continued growth of Middle West Spirits’ robust contract distillation program, expanding its reach into international markets and enabling partners around the world to develop custom spirits under their own labels.
“This is an exciting chapter for Middle West,” said Ryan Lang, Founder and CEO of Middle West Spirits. “Luis is a proven leader who understands the power of people, process and brand. His unique ability to align strategy with execution will be key to accelerating our commercial momentum and unlocking new opportunities across our portfolio and the globe.”
Gonzalez served as CEO of Old Elk Distillery for over seven years, transforming it from a niche craft operation into a highly awarded, nationally recognized whiskey brand available in all 50 states. Under his leadership, Old Elk became known for its innovation, commitment to quality, and operational excellence, setting a new standard for American-made bourbon whiskey. He was instrumental in scaling the distillery’s custom mashbill program and launching several standout products, including the Signature High-Malt Bourbon, Master’s Blend Series, and Cask Finish Series.
“Middle West has long been committed to raising the bar in the global spirits industry,” said Luis Gonzalez, Chief Commercial Officer. “From crafting world-class whiskey and premium spirits for our own portfolio to partnering with some of the most respected names in the business, the team here has earned a reputation for excellence, innovation, and consistency — always grounded in integrity and honor.
I’m excited and grateful to join this remarkable team and serve the business as it enters its next era. With our state-of-the-art facility and forward-thinking approach, we’re positioned to grow both our branded and contract operations without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re a distributor, a producer, or an entrepreneur entering the market, Middle West offers a partnership defined by trust, results, and long-term success. Through my appointment, I will carry on the company’s foundation that Middle West is a business that our partners can depend on today and for the future of the industry.”
Founded in 2008, Middle West Spirits is deeply rooted in Ohio’s grain belt and oversees every step of production, from seed selection to distilling, aging, blending, and bottling. The company offers a portfolio of award-winning brands, including Middle West Bourbon, Rye, Wheat Whiskey, Bourbon Cream, OYO Vodka, Vim & Petal Gin, Lux & Umbra, and now Old Elk Bourbon Whiskey. Following recent expansions, Middle West Spirits has become the largest distillery in Ohio and ranks among the top 10 grain-to-glass spirits producers in the U.S., serving both its own brands and a growing roster of partners across the craft and global spirits industries.
Beer Institute recognizes 17 beer industry pros with 2025 BEST IN BREW Honors
The Beer Institute, the national trade association for U.S. brewers, beer importers and suppliers, awarded 17 individuals with the coveted BEST IN BREW Honors, which recognizes those who have made exemplary contributions to their companies and to the beer industry. Honorees distinguish themselves through exceptional job performance — consistently surpassing expectations, delivering high-quality work and demonstrating a passion for beer. From growing the commodities used in beer to brewing, packaging, marketing and managing supply chains, the awardees exemplify what makes a career in the beer industry rewarding.
The 2025 BEST IN BREW honorees are:
| Marcus Brown | Lead Maintainer | Ball Corporation |
| Jason Champoux | Vice President of Crop Production | Yakima Chief Ranches – Yakima Chief Hops |
| Amelia Chaves | Senior Director, Supply Chain Planning | HEINEKEN USA |
| Pete Denoia | Supply Chain Director | Allagash Brewing Company |
| Sara Goucher | Senior Director, eCommerce | Molson Coors Beverage Company |
| Doug Heimos | Packaging Manager | Anheuser-Busch |
| Mike McGahren-Clemens | Cellar Manager | Asahi Beer USA – Octopi Brewery |
| Darrel Miller | Operations and U.S. Procurement Site Director | RahrBSG |
| Keith Miller | Director of Brewing Operations | FX Matt Brewing Co |
| Susie Mulqueen | Senior Lab Technician | John I. Haas Inc. |
| Fabiola Pasquel | Vice President, Procurement | Constellation Brands |
| Jay Steioff | General Manager, Great Lakes Region | Mark Anthony Brands Inc. |
| Mike Sutton | Vice President, Craft Brewery Sales | Hopsteiner |
| Ellen Taberski | Director of Contract Manufacturing | FIFCO USA |
| Matt Trim | Vice President, Global Operations | MicroStar Logistics |
| George Ward | Senior Director, Off-Premise Division | The Boston Beer Company |
| Bradley Young | Head Brewer | Cape May Brewing Company |
“Congratulations to this year’s Beer Institute BEST IN BREW honorees. This recognition is a testament to their passion, innovation and dedication to advancing the U.S. beer industry,” said Brian Crawford, president and CEO of the Beer Institute. “From grain to glass, these industry leaders ensure beer continues to be a cornerstone of our economy, our communities and our culture. We are proud to celebrate the 2025 class of BEST IN BREW honorees, their achievements and the role they play in keeping beer vibrant and strong.”
The BEST IN BREW Honors is an annual Beer Institute award program that celebrates employees across every aspect of the beer industry, recognizing the vital role they play in the sector’s success.
The Beer Institute is a national trade association for the American brewing industry, representing brewers, beer importers and industry suppliers — an industry that supports nearly 2.42 million jobs and provides more than $471 billion to the American economy. First founded in 1862 as the U.S. Brewers Association, the Beer Institute is committed today to developing sound public policy and to the values of civic duty and personal responsibility.
