Vice President

WineAmerica Vice President Michael is the main point of contact for the organization, Congress, and the Executive Branch. Working with WineAmerica’s government affairs team, Michael works to make sure the interests of WineAmerica’s members and the American wine industry are well served in our Nation’s Capitol. This includes working with the various state and regional winery associations and WineAmerica’s grassroots network, as well as our other alcohol commodity partners in Washington, D.C.Michael also manages all external communications for WineAmerica. This includes press outreach and membership communication. Michael also actively recruits new members for WineAmerica while getting the association’s message out to the masses. Michael is a regular fixture at industry trade shows and conferences throughout the country. He has been quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Associated Press, Wines and Vines, and Wine Spectator. He is a board member of the Free the Grapes. Before joining WineAmerica in 2006, Michael provided research and logistical support to two DC-based lobbying firms. He also handled compliance issues with a major political party. Michael earned his BA in American Studies and Political Science from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ, and an MA in Political Science from American University in Washington, DC.