About Us

The New York State Brewers Association (NYSBA) is a 501 (c)6  and was founded in 2003 to serve as a promotional and legislative proponent for New York State breweries, microbreweries, farm breweries, brewpubs and brewing affiliated businesses. The growth of the Craft Beer segment continues to be strong and New York State’s share of that growth has exceeded that of breweries on the national level.

• The number of New York State breweries grew from 95 in 2012 to more than 535 in 2023
• New York State craft beer is currently 4th in the country with an Economic Impact of $5.4 Billion dollars
• New York State is the 2nd largest craft beer market in the US
• New York State craft breweries increased production from 557,436 in 2011 to 1,257,395 barrels in 2021

The outlook for breweries in New York State remains strong with more breweries-in-planning than ever, continued barrelage increases and growth in distribution in and out of state. In addition, with tremendous support from Governor Kathy Hochul and legislators throughout the State, breweries in New York are enjoying great success and are poised to continue making great beer, increase market share, and create more jobs.

Mission

Support & protect the New York State craft beer industry through advocacy, education, and promotion.

Goals

• Promote awareness and defend the vital interests of the NYS brewing industry
• Grow and maintain membership
• Create brewery unity
• Promote active participation through educational programs, events and services
• Increase sales through joint advertising and marketing
• Utilize the strength of the association
• Create a unified legislative front specific to our industry
• Encourage the consumption of fresh, local beer

Objectives

• Instill pride among New York State breweries and their affiliated business partners
• Promote awareness and defend the vital interests of the New York State Brewing Industry
• Grow and maintain membership
• Create brewery unity throughout the State
• Promote active member brewery participation through the development of events and services
• Increase New York beer sales through joint advertising and marketing
• Utilize the strength of the association to leverage legislative action
• Maintain a strong, unified legislative front for proactive advocacy
• Build the New York State beer brand as the highest quality in the nation
• Encourage consumers to support and buy New York State beer
• Engage wholesale and retail partners to support New York State breweries in commerce

Board of Directors

The NYSBA is controlled by its members and led by a Board of Directors.

The Board understands the daily challenges facing the industry and recognizes the need for this Association. We encourage each brewery, brewery related business, beer aficionado, and the like to become an active member in this new and exciting organization. Collectively, we will make a difference.

Meet the Board of Directors

Committees

Executive Committee – Rich Vandenburgh (President), Hutch Kugeman (VP), Chris Spinelli (Treasurer) Dawn Schulz (Secretary), Chris Ericson (1st Past President)

Governance Committee – Hutch Kugeman(Chair),  Rich Vandenburgh, Chris Spinelli

Technical/Safety – Ian Conboy (Chair) Rich Michaels, Bill Lenczuk

Competition Committee – Chris Spinelli (Chair), Ethan Cox, Hutch Kugeman, Jen Meyers, Tony Cordova, Andy Cook, Emily Forrester

Conference Committee –  Kevin Mullen (Chair), Hutch Kugeman, Rich Michaels, Paul Leone, Emily Forrester, Ivan Dedek,

Inclusivity Committee – Dawn Schulz(Chair), Ann Reilly, Mariquita Reese, Laura Dierks, Eric Gearity, Chloe Kay

Farm Brewing – Jason Sahler (Chair), Randy Lacey, Mark James (Farm Bureau), Rick Pedersen, Jon Kielty, Chad Meigs, Christian Malsatzki, Chad Zimar, Dan Palladino, Ted Hawley, Dennis and Janette Nesel

Strategic Planning – Jeff Ware (Chair), Fred Matt, Laura Dierks, Dawn Schulz, Hutch Kugeman, Kevin Mullen

Marketing and Events – Fred Matt, Chloe Kay,

Membership – Hutch Kugeman (Chair)