Discus appoints VP of member services and development

Aimee Carter’s appointment comes as the Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) celebrates 50 years and opens its new Washington DC headquarters. 

Aimee Carter will join the Discus from 16 October, leading member recruitment, engagement and retention. She will also oversee the council’s non-dues revenue programme via conferences, events, sponsorships and business development. Carter joins from the Alliance for Health Policy, where she served as vice president of development and engagement.

“It’s such an exciting time to join Discus,” Carter said. “Discus’ longevity is a testament to the association’s strong leadership over the decades and its members’ determination to work together to navigate the challenges of the evolving spirits industry and marketplace. I look forward to building upon the great work that has been done to grow Discus membership programmes and to further secure its base of active and engaged members.”

Christine LoCascio, the organisation’s chief of policy, strategy and membership, added: “Aimee has a strong and diverse background in associations and membership organisations and comes to Discus with a proven track record of ensuring member engagement and growth. We are very confident Aimee has what it takes to expand and strengthen our membership, creating a solid and successful future for the spirits industry’s leading US trade association.”

Discus currently has 19 director members, more than 215 craft members and 58 partner members. In April, it welcomed Clase Azul Tequila, Spirit of Gallo and Stoli vodka as new director members.

On 18 October, it will host an event to celebrate the opening of its new Capitol Hill headquarters and the council’s 50th anniversary. It anticipates that more than 200 leaders in the spirits and alcohol industry, as well as members of Congress and representatives from the media will attend.