The Brewers Association (BA) has appointed a new federal affairs manager to oversee and execute the organization’s craft-minded legislative, regulatory and political strategies in Washington D.C.
Katie Marisic, who for the last five years has worked for the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU), has been hired to fill the role, the organization announced today. She will report to BA CEO Bob Pease, who currently leads the group’s government initiatives.
“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,” Pease said in a news release. “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.”
At NAFCU, Marisic most recently served as vice president of political affairs, where she supervised political advocacy efforts, lobbied members of Congress, executed legislative strategy, and coordinated outreach efforts. Beyond a career in politics, Marisic also had a hand in launching Atlas Brew Works, a brewery out of Washington, D.C.
“I’m thrilled to join the Brewers Association in a role that combines my personal and professional passions,” said 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 BA is currently supporting the Small BREW Act, a bipartisan bill that aims to dramatically cut the federal beer excise tax that American small brewers pay on every barrel they produce.
“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. “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.”