What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?

I am founder alongside my husband, Steve, of Bear Island Brewing [in Boise, Idaho.]. I’m also chief executive officer and chief brewing officer. I became a connoisseur while in the U.S. Navy, traveling often. I became a homebrewer, then an apprentice, and then an entrepreneur. We have officially started out of our two-car residential garage!

What’s new at Bear Island?

We are looking for a commercial facility to expand our production and open a taproom.

What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?

Just that, the community. It doesn’t matter your background, political views, or religious views; we are all on board to have a beer together and support the craft beer revolution.

Name a favorite food and beer pairing.

IPA and stinky/strong gorgonzola cheese.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

Making it through naval school to be one of the very few female U.S. Navy EOD.

What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?

De Halve Maan Brugse Zot Bruin.

What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?

Bruges, Belgium…and really all over Belgium. It completely revamped my view on beer quality standards.

What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?

What time away?