Support and development of state brewers guilds remains a major focus of the Brewers Association. As guilds develop it’s necessary to hire staff to support the board of directors and the small breweries throughout the state. Hiring an executive director is one of the most important steps a guild can take. The board is dependent on the director for day-to-day operations to achieve the guild’s purposes and objectives. The Washington Brewers Guild recently announced the hiring of their new executive director, Charlie Sullivan.

Read the full release below.

BREWERS GUILD HIRES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Former brewer tapped to lead Washington craft beer.

A brewer for brewers. The Washington Brewers Guild (WBG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Charlie Sullivan as the new Executive Director for this community of small brewers. Filling a long term vacancy, the WBG looked to a former President of the organization to build greater unity and provide a more consistent presence within the greater business community.

Mr. Sullivan started in the craft brewing industry in 1988 pouring pints at the Redhook Brewery’s Trolleyman Pub in Seattle. His passion for this new beer and business took him to Oregon and a three year stint with the McMenamin’s chain of breweries and pubs. In 1995 Mr. Sullivan helped open the Skagit River Brewery in Mount Vernon, Washington. After nearly fifteen years as Head Brewer and President Mr. Sullivan stepped away from the daily management of the brewery to focus on other affairs.

Heather McClung, current President of the WBG and co-owner at Schooner Exact Brewing Company of Seattle is quite pleased to have Mr. Sullivan aboard. “We are very excited about having Charlie working for us. He brings great experience within the craft beer business and a rich knowledge of the issues facing the industry.”

Mr. Sullivan comes aboard in time to oversee the craft brewers legislative agenda in Olympia and to help coordinate the Washington Cask Beer Fest. The Cask Beer Fest is truly an artisan beer tasting event showcasing the traditional “cask” style of ale brewing. This event will be held March 22, 2014 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall.

“I am thrilled to be supporting the work of one of Washington’s signature industries.” Says Charlie Sullivan. “The state has been at the forefront of the craft beer revolution, championing flavor and quality. I will work very hard to protect the investment of so many people.”

Founded in 1999, the Washington Brewers Guild has supported the community of craft brewers through representation before the state legislature and regulatory bodies, most notably the Liquor Control Board. In 2006 the WBG helped form the Washington Beer Commission to better market Washington made craft beer. Recent developments on both the Federal and State levels regarding taxes and regulatory changes by the FDA and local health departments have prompted the WBG to become more active.

### More information on the Washington Brewers Guild and the Cask Festival can be found at washingtonbrewersguild.org

Contact: Charlie Sullivan 360-941-4244 charlie.sullivan@rocketmail.com