New Executive Director at Massachusetts Brewers Guild

The Massachusetts Brewers Guild was founded in 2007 by a group of committed and passionate brewers. It has been instrumental in protecting the interests of Massachusetts state breweries and creating a community for brewers and enthusiasts alike. Founding members Gary Bogoff from Berkshire Brewing Company, Drew Brosseau from Mayflower Brewing Company, Dan Kenary from Harpoon, Ned Lafortune from Wachusett Brewing Company, Rob Martin from Ipswich Ale Brewery and Michelle Sullivan from Boston Beer Co. remain the backbone of the MBG and helped to implement some big changes for 2017.

For the first time in its nine-year history the MBG has hired a fulltime executive director to create a bigger impact and more synergy between Massachusetts breweries. Katie Stinchon assumed the role of executive director this past October. She joins the team with more than a decade worth of experience in event planning, marketing and public relations specializing in nonprofit organizations. A former beer blogger and craft beer enthusiast, she brings her passion for the industry and expertise in storytelling and branding to the cause.

Other fresh faces to the organization include president, Rob Burns from Night Shift Brewing as well as new board members Ryan Daigle from Gardner Ale House, Sam Hendler from Jack’s Abby, Adam Romanow from Castle Island Brewing Co. and Keith Sullivan from Medusa Brewing Company. Steve Sanderson from RiverWalk Brewing Company was also re-elected to serve as the MBG’s vice president.

"The beer scene in Massachusetts is accelerating at such a rapid pace that it was critical for us to bring in a full time executive director on board to keep pace with all the growth,” says Rob Burns, president of the MBG. “This will allow the Massachusetts Brewers Guild to create exciting events for consumers while also supporting member breweries in their mission to produce world class beer, protect against a challenging landscape, and support the unique experience for craft beer lovers that they provide."

In 2017 the MBG will focus on a rebranding effort with a new website and revitalization of its passport program to help drive traffic and tourism to MBG member tap rooms, brew pubs and breweries. The board will also focus on the creation of innovative beer festival with the goal of hosting 2,000 attendees and 150 breweries from across the Commonwealth while also continuing its work at the legislative level, fighting for license and franchise law reform, and serving as the voice of craft brewers on Beacon Hill.