WASHINGTON, D.C. – Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America President and CEO Michelle Korsmo today announced the hiring of Michael Bilello as senior vice president for communications and marketing.
He will be supporting WSWA’s senior executives, the state and federal government affairs team, the WSWA-PAC, and the organization’s members throughout the country with comprehensive marketing and communications.
Prior to joining WSWA, Bilello served The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as a politically appointed Assistant Administrator (TSES) for strategic communications and marketing from October 2017 to April 2019. Before joining TSA, Michael was CEO and founder of Centurion Strategies, and for a decade supported publicly traded companies, startup brands, professional athletes, and entertainers with comprehensive public relations, marketing, advertising, spokesperson and crisis management services. He was named to PR Week’s 40Under40 in 2009 at the age of 28.
“Communications and marketing professionals are usually creative and strategic; Michael takes it to the next level. Michael’s background of consumer brand marketing and public sector communications are the perfect mix for a trade association like WSWA,” said Korsmo. “Michael is already making a difference for our members promoting this industry and communicating our public policy priorities. I am so glad to have him on our team,” she concluded.
Bilello is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and served as an officer immediately following the events of September 11th, to include a tour escorting international media outlets through Iraq during the initial ground war in Iraq.
Michael is a graduate of Florida State University with a B.S. in Political Science, and the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Fort Meade Maryland.
“I am excited to join WSWA, committed to supporting its mission, executives and members, and look forward to continuing great work with the media, stakeholders and the public,” concluded Bilello.
WSWA is the national trade association representing the distribution tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has more than 380 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.