Executive Director – Paul Leone
Paul began his career as a multi-media producer for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. He soon moved on to editing, shooting, and producing several series for cable television and later worked in the studio, agency, and advertising industry. As a TV producer, he wrote and developed several television pilots on American craft beer, the first few hosted by Dogfish Heads Sam Calagione. Although they were never picked up, he discovered his passion for craft beer, and knew what he wanted to do as a career moving forward.
After living in several parts of the country, he moved back home to New York State in 2012 and was hired as the first Executive Director in 2013. Since then, he has seen New York’s brewing industry double in size, many new laws passed, and has had the honor to have met hundreds of incredible and passionate brewers all over the state and country. According to Paul, working for the brewers of New York State and the incredible Board of Directors guiding the industry every day, has been a true privilege to say the least.
Membership and Events Manager – Jen Meyers
Jen’s love of craft beer began in 2005. After graduating with a degree in Fine Arts from University of Buffalo, she set out to follow her passion. In no time, Jen landed a position as a Craft Beer Specialist with Wright Beverage Distributing in Rochester, NY. Her determination helped her to land a marketing position with CB Craft Brewers in Honeoye Falls, NY. Her next job was with Naked Dove where Jen worked the front of the house, held a cellerman positon, was involved in the brewing process, did on-premise sales, as well as many other things in-between. Jen earned a reputation for being dedicated and hardworking and was offered a Head Brewer position at Bottomless Brewing in Geneva, NY which was followed by a Co-head Brewer position at War Horse Brewing.
During the thirteen years Jen has been immersed in the craft beer industry, one thing has remained the same: her love for the craft beer. Her goal is and has been to put NYS craft beer on the map and help bring awareness to the NYS Craft beer industry. With all the roles Jen has played thus far in her career, she most certainly has a unique approach and understanding of the craft beer world and is honored to help promote the amazing craft beer produced in this awesome state!
Director of Partnerships – Meghan Connolly Haupt
Meghan joined the NYSBA in 2016 (the first time) after relocating to upstate New York from California. She has worked in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors as senior management with a focus on communications, marketing and strategy. She has consulted with Craft Beer Professionals, Third Space Distribution, Drink NY Craft and dozens of breweries. Much of Meghan’s 20-year career prior to craft beer was in the sustainability industry. She founded CSRwire.com, a newswire dedicated to corporate social responsibility communications, and created/sold a sustainable luxury brand. Meghan holds a master’s degree in management and believes that craft beer is a conduit for good conversations.
If you’re a business or organization that would like to partner with the New York Brewers Association, you can contact Meghan at: meghan@newyorkcraftbeer.com
Communications Coordinator – Chloe Kay
Chloe is an enthusiast of craft beer, art, science, and entrepreneurship. Her craft beer career began at one of Rochester’s oldest craft breweries, CB Craft Brewers. It was during her 3 years working at CB, as the Director of Marketing & Events, that her love for craft beer and passion for the industry blossomed. Today Chloe is the Marketing & Communications Manager for the New York State Brewers Association. She works to promote New York Craft Beer through the Think NY, Drink NY ® campaign and manages the Association’s websites, social media channels, mailing lists, merchandise program, and event marketing.
Contact: chloe@newyorkcraftbeer.com
Special Events Manager – Kim Porter
