Few Spirits founder takes helm at ACSA

Paul Hletko, founder of Chicago-based distillery Few Spirits, has been appointed president of the American Craft Spirits Association.

Few Spirits founder Paul Hletko has been appointed president of trade body the ACSA

Hletko succeeds Thomas Mooney, CEO and co-owner of Portland’s House Spirits Distillery, who has served as the organisation’s inaugural President since 2014.

Hletko, who has sat on ACSA’s Board of Directors since the association’s founding in 2013, will work with the board of directors and executive director Margie Lehrman to address the key issues facing the craft distilling industry.

“I have had the privilege of working with Paul Hletko on the ACSA board of directors during the past two years, and I’m thrilled to see him at the helm,” said Thomas Mooney, who will remain on the organisation’s board.

“Serving as president of the board of directors these past two years has been one of the greatest honors of my career, and I look forward to supporting Paul and working closely with each of our new board members in the year to come.”

Hletko added: “While Tom has left an indelible legacy, working tirelessly with the board of directors these past two years to transition ACSA from a clear vision – one deeply rooted in industry values and a code of ethics – into a thriving organization, I am thrilled to take on this new role.

“Our team and board of directors look forward to addressing key issues on behalf of our nation’s 1,287 craft distillers as together we move our industry forward.”

ACSA also appointed new members to its governing committees.

Under the leadership of Hletko, the ACSA established what is thought to be the first ever code of ethics for craft spirits producers.