WASHINGTON, D.C. 11/19/2024 – It is with great sadness that Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) announces the passing of State Advisory Council member and Executive Director of the North Carolina Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association Tim Kent.
Tim traced his political roots in North Carolina to 1981 when he moved from California to begin his career covering politics as an on-air reporter. He moved on to serve as the executive assistant to the NC Speaker of the House before entering the association world. Over the past four decades, Tim served as the CEO for three different NC state-wide associations including The American Association of Architects--N.C. Chapter, the NC Association of REALTORS, and as the Executive Director for the NC Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association for the past 15 years.
Under his leadership, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association was named one of the top 5 lobbying associations in the state by Southern Political Report magazine and as one of the state’s top 5 political power brokers by the Institute for Southern Studies.
“His legacy is one of unwavering dedication and service — a career marked by leadership in politics in his state. Tim touched the lives of all who knew him for the better, including mine," said Vice President, State Affairs Chelsea Crucitti.
“Tim was a dedicated advocate for wholesalers and our industry, more importantly he was a great friend to all of us at WSWA. He will be sorely missed,” said Executive Vice President, Government Affairs Dawson Hobbs.
A service will be held in his honor this Friday, November 22, 2024, at The Village Chapel in Pinehurst, North Carolina.