This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
ACSA names Emily Pennington COO
Emily Pennington will be in charge of implementing strategic growth initiatives for the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) as she takes up the role of chief operating officer.
In the newly created position of chief operating officer, Pennington will work closely with CEO Margie AS Lehrman to address key issues facing the craft distilling industry, including the ACSA’s continued push for modern market access.
Pennington previously helped develop industry publication Wine & Spirits Daily, and education platform Park Street University.
“I am thrilled to welcome Emily into this newly created leadership position,” Lehrman said. “I have had the privilege of knowing her since I joined ACSA a decade ago, both during her tenure as a seasoned drinks industry journalist and in her previous role launching and leading the deep education offerings at Park Street, and I cannot wait to support her as she leverages the same passion and work ethic to carry ACSA into a new era.”
Pennington has been in the beverage alcohol industry for nearly 15 years, specialising in content strategy and organisation management.
While at Park Street, she was ‘instrumental’ in executing the Craft Spirits Data Project, a collaborative study with the ASCA that reported on the annual economics of the craft spirits industry. With ACSA, Pennington will lead membership operations, industry outreach, and sustainability efforts.
“Together and with Emily’s support, ACSA will remain focused on critical issues to ensure our small business manufacturers, who are intricately connected to their local hospitality and agricultural communities, will keep pace with modern society, with support that a national trade group can offer,” Lehrman added. “That will also include a renewed interest in creating best-in-class membership offerings to continue to set the organisation apart from other industry groups.”
Beyond Lehrman, Pennington will work with Anna Klainbaum, director of membership and marketing; Stephanie Sadri, director of meetings and events; Jeff Cioletti, editor-in-chief of Craft Spirits Magazine; and Kirstin Brooks, manager of ACSA Education, among others.
“It is a tremendous honour to join Margie, the board of directors, ACSA’s advocacy partners, and the organisation’s staff to work together to make a meaningful impact on the current and future community of craft distillers,” Pennington said. “I am ready to tackle the challenges facing our community in 2025 alongside the extremely dedicated staff at ACSA.”
Related news
LCBO could axe US alcohol over tariffs