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.
Director of Partnerships – Meghan Connolly Haupt
Meghan joined the NYSBA in 2015 (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. Within the craft beer industry, Meghan has served as strategic advisor to Craft Beer Professionals, Third Space Distribution, Drink NY Craft and dozens of breweries. Meghan holds a master’s degree in management and believes that craft beer is a conduit for good conversation.
Marketing & Communications Manager – 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.
Events & Membership Manager – Emily Forrester
Emily’s professional background is diverse, having produced countless events in different markets that include luxury cruise liners, nonprofits, professional sports, and most recently, higher education. Though new to working in the craft beer industry, she is certainly no stranger to it as she has been enthusiastic about great beer for years. She is looking forward to working hard for the creative and passionate minds that have made New York State a true destination for beer. If you see her at your favorite local spot, be sure to say hi! (And bring her dog, Porter, a treat!)
CONTACTS:
General Inquiries | info@newyorkcraftbeer.com
Marketing, PR, Media, Merchandise | marketing@newyorkcraftbeer.com
Festivals, Virtual Tastings | events@newyorkcraftbeer.com
Allied Membership, Sponsorship, Partnerships | sponsorship@newyorkcraftbeer.com