ACSA appoints interim director as Jensen retires
The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) has appointed Margie Lehrman as its interim executive director as Pennfield Jensen retires.
Pennfield Jensen has retired as executive director of the American Craft Spirits AssociationJensen, one of the founders of the ACSA, will continue to consult with ACSA and Lehrman to “ensure a smooth and successful transition”.
Lehrman, who has 20 years executive experience at national associations and previously worked at Lehrman Beverage Law LLC, was selected by the ACSA’s board to act at executive director in the interim.
“While Penn has left a lasting legacy, I am thrilled to take the helm of the ACSA at such a critical time for the craft distilling community,” said Lehrman.
“We have a dedicated team, a vibrant board of directors, and a bourgeoning industry of hundreds of craft distillers here in the US.
“There is ample opportunity to expand the work of ACSA, shepherding its growth from infancy to a more mature association.”
Thomas Mooney, ACSA president and founding member, and co-owner and CEO of House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon added: “In 2012, Penn and several of ACSA’s founding members set out with a clear vision: to create a non-profit trade group that would rally the industry together, and serve as the voice of our country’s craft distillers and artisan producers.
“While Penn’s choice to retire is a bittersweet one, we are incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished under his leadership and guidance in our three years together, and we are confident that under Margie’s leadership, the ACSA will make tremendous progress toward protecting and promoting American craft spirits in the years to come.”
In September last year, the ACSA launched what is thought to be the first ever code of ethics for craft spirits producers.
