Fawn Weaver, the founder behind the Uncle Nearest portfolio of brands, has been officially inducted into the American Marketing Association New York Marketing Hall of Fame for 2025 — becoming only the third African American woman in history to receive this honor. 

The recognition celebrates Weaver’s groundbreaking contributions to brand-building, cultural storytelling, and purpose-driven leadership that have redefined the landscape of modern marketing.

Weaver is honored in the category of Marketing for a Challenger Brand, recognizing her extraordinary success in building Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Under her leadership, the brand has become the fastest-growing and most awarded independent spirits brand in history.

By centering the brand around Nearest Green’s legacy, Weaver has reshaped the narrative of American whiskey, bringing long-overdue recognition to African American contributions in the spirits industry. One example of Weaver’s approach is reflected in Uncle Nearest’s distribution strategy: partnering with top regional distributors — rather than a single national one — enabled the brand to expand to all 50 states in under two years, a feat previously unheard of in the spirits industry.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition, which reflects the power of truth in storytelling,” Weaver said in a news release. “We didn’t build Uncle Nearest by following a traditional playbook — we led with authenticity and a commitment to honoring the legacy of those who came before us. 

“Even with all the accolades, we still do not consider ourselves to be in the whiskey business. We are in the legacy-cementing business and will not slow down until Nearest Green’s name and legacy are ubiquitous around the world. To be recognized among the most influential marketers is a testament to the idea that purpose and profit can grow together.”

Weaver was formally inducted at the 2025 Marketing Hall of Fame ceremony yesterday at UM’s Global Headquarters in New York City. She joins a class of distinguished honorees including Ken Reinhard, Chairman Emeritus of DDB Worldwide, and Tim Ellis, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer of the NFL — underscoring the caliber of marketing leadership recognized by this year’s awards.

Read more: Uncle Nearest Appoints McCallum to Board of Directors

About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey 

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey pays tribute to the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the pioneer spirits brand to bear the name of a Black American. Uncle Nearest is currently available in all 50 states and 26 countries, with a presence in more than 45,000 stores, bars, hotels, and restaurants. Uncle Nearest is also available at its 458-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn.. For more information, please visit the website.