Boulder, CO • February 3, 2015 — Katherine “Katie” Marisic has been named Federal Affairs Manager at the Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers. Based in Washington, D.C. Marisic will plan and execute legislative, regulatory and political strategies to drive the Brewers Association’s federal affairs presence on Capitol Hill. She will report to Brewers Association CEO Bob Pease who currently leads government affairs-related matters.

“As the craft brewing industry continues to grow, our members need a champion on the Hill who understands not only the intricacies of politics but of the entire brewing landscape,” said Pease. “Katie is not only well-versed in politics and policy, she is also a longtime craft brewing supporter. Her experience will translate seamlessly to advocate for small and independent brewers in our nation’s capital.”

For the last five years, Marisic has worked in D.C. for the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU), most recently in the capacity of vice president of political affairs, supervising political advocacy efforts, planning and executing legislative strategy, actively lobbying members of Congress, and coordinating grassroots outreach efforts. Prior to her time at NAFCU, she worked for two different Congressional representatives. Beyond her political background, Marisic helped start Atlas Brew Works in Washington D.C, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of running a craft brewery.

A native of Pennsylvania, where her family frequented Tröegs Brewing Company, Marisic is a graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology. She will start with the Brewers Association on February 16.

“I’m thrilled to join the Brewers Association in a role that combines my personal and professional passions,” added Marisic. “This is an exciting time full of opportunity for American craft brewers and I look forward to being a voice for them in the halls of government.”

The Brewers Association has taken positions on, and is actively engaged in, several regulatory and legislative initiatives, including excise tax and distribution. Currently, the Brewers Association is working on passing the Small BREW Act, legislation that would recalibrate the federal excise tax for American small brewers.

“Enhancing our presence in Washington, D.C. is part of the evolution and growth of the Brewers Association, which represents 2,400 brewery members,” added Gary Fish, chair of the BA board of directors and president of Deschutes Brewery. “Craft brewers are mainstays in communities across the country. As the craft brewing industry matures it is more important than ever that Congress hears the voice of their craft brewer constituents.”

Contact: Abby Berman (on behalf of the Brewers Association), (646) 695-7044

About the Brewers Association

The Brewers Association is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The Brewers Association (BA) represents more than 70 percent of the brewing industry, and its members make more than 99 percent of the beer brewed in the U.S. The BA organizes events including the World Beer Cup^®, Great American Beer Festival^®, Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America^®, SAVOR℠: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience and American Craft Beer Week^®. The BA publishes The New Brewer magazine and its Brewers Publications division is the largest publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today’s craft brewers and homebrewers.

Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association. Follow us on Twitter.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

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