Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) member leaders have announced a plan for association executive and operational management during the transitional phase following the June 30 departure of longtime President and CEO Craig Wolf.
Jo Moak, WSWA Senior Vice President and General Counsel, will serve as Acting Executive Vice President for Internal Affairs, and Dawson Hobbs, WSWA Senior Vice President, Government, Relations, will serve as Acting Executive Vice President for External Affairs.
As head of the Executive Committee, Barkley Stuart of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, WSWA 2018-2019 Chairman, will make senior executive decisions for the staff.
The WSWA Executive Committee search for the association's next President and CEO is expected to conclude, and an announcement on future leadership be made, later this summer.
"WSWA has built a reputation for effective advocacy on behalf of family-owned American distributors. That success is built upon a foundation of strong financial and association operations, an engaged membership, and importantly - a long-serving and well-qualified professional staff at every level," Stuart said.
"As WSWA enters this transition phase, association volunteer leaders have taken steps to ensure continuity of operations, sustained focus on mission, and commitment to member service as we conclude our executive search. Dawson and Jo each bring more than a decade of WSWA tenure to their respective roles, and that depth of experience will serve the staff and members in the weeks ahead," Stuart added.
For a complete list of the WSWA 2018-2019 Executive Committee click here.
WSWA is the national trade association representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesalers, distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has more than 370 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the U.S. Visit www.wswa.org to learn more.