Dr. J Jackson-Beckham to Lead BA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department
Dr. J Jackson-Beckham has joined the Brewers Association (BA) as equity and inclusion partner, a new full-time role created to “help promote greater diversity, equity and inclusion in the craft brewing industry,” according to a press release.
Jackson-Beckham will manage the BA’s new diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) department, which will tackle initiatives inside and outside the BA, create an equity scorecard, establish a new mentoring program and create educational content.
“When you’re trying to accomplish something complex and ambitious like changing the culture of an industry, you have to ask yourself, ‘What are the best tools available to accomplish this job?’” Jackson-Beckham said in the release. “What are the most valuable resources we have to bring to bear? Who’s going to support these efforts? For me, the BA checks all those boxes and then some.”
The move is an expansion of Jackson-Beckham’s role as the BA’s first-ever diversity ambassador, which she took on in 2018. In that role, Jackson-Beckham created educational resources for craft brewers, delivered keynote addresses for state guilds and other trade associations, and sat on the BA’s diversity committee. She will continue her outreach to guilds, with six virtual speaking engagements.
Crafted For All, Jackson-Beckham’s educational consulting agency, will continue to operate as an independent business serving clients in the craft beer, spirits, cider, wine and cannabis beverage industries. Last month, Crafted For All tapped Louis Livingston-Garcia as communication and administrative support specialist.
The DEI department’s creation and Jackson-Beckham’s hiring is the latest step the BA has taken to promote diversity within the majority white, male craft beer industry. Over the summer, the organization was criticized for its handling of racist incidents at breweries within its membership.
As a result, the BA board of directors approved a code of conduct that outlines expectations for member behavior in compliance with the law, responsible alcohol consumption and marketing, and respect for the individual and group.
Jackson-Beckham noted that organizations often encounter roadblocks when working toward equity and inclusion.
“I want to be part of getting this right,” she said. “2021 is going to be an exciting year with regard to diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Brewers Association.”
California Craft Brewers Association Appoints New Executive Director
Following the retirement of long-time executive director Tom McCormick, the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) has hired Lori Ajax as its next executive director, effective January 4, 2021.
“I am honored to work with the members and staff of CCBA and look forward to continuing the legacy that my predecessor established during his incredible tenure,” Ajax said in a press release.
Ajax will arrive at the CCBA following a four-year tenure as the first-ever chief of the California Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), a role she was appointed to by then-Gov. Jerry Brown 2016 when the agency was formed. Prior to her time at the BCC, Ajax spent nearly 20 years at the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), working her way up to chief deputy director before her departure.
California is home to more craft breweries than any other state, with more than 1,000 breweries currently in operation. In 2018, the state’s breweries supported more than 61,335 jobs and contributed more than $9 billion to the state’s economy, according to the CCBA’s website.
Morgan Robbat Joins Kyla Hard Kombucha as President
Hood River, Oregon-based Kyla Hard Kombucha has tapped Morgan Robbat as its president, the company announced this week.
“We are really excited to have Morgan on board as the president at Kyla,” board member Kate Wallman said in a press release. “Morgan brings deep industry experience in beverage alcohol that we believe will drive continued growth and innovation at Kyla under her leadership.”
Robbat joins Kyla from San Francisco-based Hotaling & Co., where she served as chief marketing officer from September 2017 until last month, overseeing the company’s transition from Anchor Distilling Company to Hotaling & Co. Prior to her time at Hotaling & Co., Robbat held executive marketing roles at Moët Hennessy USA, where she worked on the Chandon brand, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“The opportunities for KYLA’s future success are limitless,” Robbat said in the release. “I’m excited to be leading such an innovative brand and company that has already established itself as a leader in the segment. Working alongside an exceptional KYLA team and Board of Directors, I foresee extraordinary growth and innovation.”
As president, she will report to the board of directors, which includes Angie Bastian, co-founder of Angie’s BoomChickaPop; Eric Ryan, co-founder of Method, Olly and Welly; Scott Sellers, managing director of Encore Consumer Capital; Kate Wallman, director of Encore Consumer capital; and Cory Comstock, CEO of Remedy Drinks.
Kyla is owned by Full Sail Brewing Company.
TTB Appoints Deputy Administrator
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has named David M. Wulf its new deputy administrator.
“Mr. Wulf is a seasoned senior executive who comes to us from the Department of Homeland Security, where he served as Associate Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and as the acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection,” the TTB wrote yesterday in a newsletter.
In August, the TTB appointed Mary Ryan to the role of administrator permanently, which she had held for more than a year in a temporary capacity following the death of longtime administrator John Manfreda in May 2019.
Wulf will begin his tenure at the TTB on January 3, 2021. He will supplant current acting deputy administrator Elisabeth Kann, who is also the TTB’s assistant administrator external affairs and chief of staff.