WASHINGTON, D.C., 01/19/2021 – Today, the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) named Jessica Cyr of Martignetti Companies Chair and promoted Hillary Wirtz to Vice-Chair of the group. The Council additionally welcomed new advisory board member Jenn Engel of Republic National Distribution Company.
“The Women’s Leadership Council has been innovating in the ways they engage, educate, and elevate women in the wholesale tier. Jessica is the right leader at the right time as the Advisory Board continues to build on the important work of strengthening diversity and inclusion within our industry and facilitating crucial conversations,” said WSWA President and CEO Michelle Korsmo. “Last year, Jessica, Hillary and the entire Advisory Board were pivotal in the development of a successful pilot WLC mentorship program and the new Leadership Development Webinar Series. I am confident that the WLC Advisory Board will continue to lead the association through the challenges presented in growing and diversifying our industry.”
New to the Advisory Board this year, Jenn Engel brings over a decade of industry experience across both the distribution and supplier tiers.
“We’re extremely proud to have Jenn as the newest member of the WLC Advisory Board. She is extremely poised, professional, and very well regarded in the industry,” said RNDC Chief Operating Officer Bob Hendrickson. “She brings energy and enthusiasm to her role at the company. We are thrilled she will be elevated to a national role at WSWA to represent women leaders in the industry and among her peers.”
Other advisory board members include Heather Alper of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; Stacy Gabel of Republic National Distributing Company; Monica Chaplin of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; Amy Barriault, Central Distributors Inc. (ME); Shell Cameron, Central Distributors, Inc. (AR), Laura Glenn, Empire Distributors, Inc.; and Dina Opici, Opici Distributing.
“It has been an honor to serve as Chair and Vice-Chair of the WSWA, Women’s Leadership Council. As one of the founding members of this incredible organization, WLC was created seven years ago when there was not as many women in wholesale leadership positions,” said WLC departing Chair Philana Bouvier of her time on the WLC Advisory Board. “Today, WLC is at the forefront of our wholesale industry, empowering members and advancing women to network at the highest level. It is a great time for our women in wholesale. Our mission is to inspire our next generation and having Jessica Cyr as our new Chair and Hillary Wirtz as Vice-Chair take us to the next level, is exciting! This is what the WLC is about, encouraging and supporting women to lead at every level of our industry.”
The WSWA Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) is comprised of leaders in the wholesale tier of the U.S. beverage alcohol industry. Its primary mission is to educate, elevate, and empower members, as well as industry leaders within the three-tier system, advancing women in the industry and providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge with peers.
About Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America
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 United States.
To learn more, please visit www.wswa.org or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.
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