Micah Krichinsky – Strangebird, Rochester
Bio:
With my formal education in microbiology and biochemistry, I bring an astute scientific background to brewing. After interning at the District Chophouse Brewery in Washington, DC during graduate school, I knew I wanted to become a brewer. After grad school, I got a job at Capitol City Brewing Company in Washington, DC. I left Cap City to attend the Master Brewer’s program at U.C. Davis. I was recruited to work at Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton, Delaware, while at U.C. Davis. I was a brewer at Dogfish Head for five years.
The craft beer market is more mature now, forcing craft breweries to step up our game in QAQC. If re-elected to this position, I will continue to use the platform to emphasize the importance of quality to member breweries with an eye towards efficiency and cost savings.
Abigale Brown – Browns Brewing, Troy
Bio:
As Vice President of Brown’s Brewing Company in Troy and North Hoosick, I’m proud to carry forward a family legacy that began when my parents, Garry and Kelly Brown, founded the brewery in 1993. Growing up immersed in the craft brewing community gave me a deep appreciation for both the creative and operational sides of the industry, and over the years I’ve had the opportunity to work in nearly every aspect of our business. Today, I oversee operations across our two taprooms and breweries, focusing on keeping our culture strong, our beer exceptional, and our connection to the community vibrant. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Vermont in 2018 and have continued my professional development through UVM’s Business of Craft Beer management program. Since 2025, I’ve served on the NYSBA’s Legislative and Social Impact Committees and participated in the 2025 Lobby Day at the New York State Capitol, where I joined with other brewery leaders to support initiatives that help New York’s craft beer community grow and thrive.
Purpose:
As the industry continues to evolve, I believe we have the responsibility and opportunity to rise to the challenges ahead – whether that means adapting to shifting markets, embracing innovation, or finding new ways to connect with our communities. My experience at Brown’s has taught me that New York’s craft breweries represent so much more than great beer – they’re gathering places that bring people together every day. Some of my most inspiring conversations have taken place over a pint in the taproom, and I am driven by the desire to create these types of experiences and opportunities for others. Having grown up in this industry, I’m passionate about supporting the next generation of craft breweries and particularly about empowering women in our industry. As a member of the Pink Boots Society, I’m especially interested in education, mentorship, and raising visibility for women professionals in beer. I hope to bring my community-minded values, curiosity and enthusiasm for our industry to the Board of the New York State Brewers Association
Eddie Del Castillo – Wolf Hollow Brewing, Schenectady
Bio:
When I took the position of Taproom Manager of Wolf Hollow in 2017 it was a brand-new role within the company and my responsibilities were mainly overseeing front of house staff and managing operations during business hours. Since then, these responsibilities have expanded a great deal. Currently, my duties include administrative work related to planning events and private parties, booking food vendors, managing inventory and costs, purchasing for front of house, social media management, website management, draft line maintenance, quality control, regulatory compliance, and staff training and oversight along with bartending during business hours. In April on 2025 I was promoted to Director of Hospitality.
Previously, I worked in NYC as a retail associate and cookie baker at Levain Bakery and before that I was an Ophthalmic Technician at Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island in Garden City, NY.
Purpose:
NYS breweries have become more than just places to stop in and have a drink. They’ve become a conduit for community connection and growth, and we need to keep that spirit alive. I want to work with breweries from across the state to help come up with ways to remind folks that we’re still here making awesome products AND integral third spaces. Things change, and rather than lamenting the changes, I want to focus on ways to move us all forward while also staying true to what we are at our core.
Chris Basso – Newburgh Brewing, Newburgh
Bio:
I am a lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley, deeply connected to the region’s vibrant community. I attended Washingtonville High School and after graduating from Boston University, I discovered my passion for brewing. I started as a homebrewer while attending the French Culinary Institute in New York City. My professional brewing journey began at Brooklyn Brewery around 2006, where I honed my craft and gained invaluable industry experience.
In 2012, I co-founded Newburgh Brewing Company with my best friend Paul Halayko, and I currently oversee brewing operations. My responsibilities extend beyond the brewhouse to include many aspects of the taproom and kitchen, distributor relations, and a variety of business-focused tasks that are vital to our brewery’s success. As a brewery, we believe in supporting as many local charitable causes as we can, and I am dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for both staff and guests. I remain committed to the continued growth and success of Newburgh Brewing.
I live in Newburgh with my wife and two daughters. When I am not brewing I enjoy my garden and cooking for my family.
Purpose:
As a small brewery owner with almost 20 years of hands-on experience in the brewing industry, my purpose in serving on the Board of the New York State Brewers Association is to give back to a community that has shaped both my professional and personal life. The brewing industry has provided me with invaluable experiences, lifelong relationships and never-ending opportunities to keep learning. With plenty of lessons still left to learn I think it’s time to share any insights, lessons, and practical knowledge that I have gained over the years to help strengthen our industry, support fellow brewers, and advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit breweries of all sizes. By serving on the Board, I aim to foster collaboration, innovation, and ensure the continued success and sustainability of New York’s craft brewing community. This is a challenging time for craft brewers, and my goal is to be a resource and a voice for small breweries, helping to pave the way for future generations of NYS brewers.