The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) announced the graduating classes of DISCUS Academy’s 2025 leadership certificate programs for the Executive Leadership Program, Developing Women and the Developing Leadership Program.

Participants traveled to Bedford Springs, PA to culminate the eight-month-long program with a leadership retreat focused on in-person development, networking, team building and community service. The retreat concluded with a graduation and awards dinner.

“Our industry is rich with exceptional talent, and these programs play an important role in cultivating leadership and driving professional growth,” DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger said in a news release. “We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s graduates, who are energized and ready to bring their newly acquired skills back to their roles and make a meaningful impact. Congratulations to our 43 graduates on earning their well-deserved certifications!”

The leadership certificate programs offered through DISCUS Academy are open to beverage alcohol professionals across all tiers. The 2025 programs consisted of virtual and in-person elements as well as course work from Cornell and the University of Kentucky.

The Executive Leadership Program is designed for spirits professionals who have at least five years of experience and have demonstrated responsibility for cross-functional leadership and/or strategy-level decision-making in the distilled spirits industry.

The 2025 Executive Leadership Program graduates are: 

Amy Mesh, Director of Partnerships, Middle West Spirits

Andy Weiss, Director, National Accounts, Pernod Ricard

Ben Tannenbaum, VP Brand Partnerships, LineLeap

Carolina Pimentel Rhodes, Sr. Director National Accounts – Retail, Remy Cointreau USA

Courtney King, Distillery Manager, Diageo/Bulleit Bourbon Distilling Co.

Diana Arellano, Chief Revenue Officer, Overproof

Egor Polonskiy, Bacardi USA Manager of Trade Education & Mixology, Agave Brands, Bacardi USA

Ellen Torvi, Director of Operations and International Sales, The Gold Bar Spirits Company Inc.

Felicia Ohnmacht, Director of Operations, Whiskey Sisters Supply and Gergen Farms

James Bent, East Division Sales Director, Virginia Distillery Company

Jerry Petit-Frere, Portfolio Director, Pronghorn

Matt DeLong, Director of Business Development & Marketing, Craft Co Brands LLC

Michael Fuschillo, Senior Director, Market Performance, Pernod Ricard

Rawnica Dillingham, Chief Sales Officer, New Riff Distilling

Robert Ramer, Chief Commercial Officer, Koloa Rum Company

The Developing Leadership Program is designed for any professional with an interest in growing their leadership skills. This program transforms early-stage managers into true leaders, by giving participants an opportunity to identify their leadership style, develop interpersonal skills, and understand how to build and manage a high-performance team.

The 2025 Developing Leadership Program graduates are:

Ashley Cowgill, Senior Associate, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Cole Millinger, Regional Sales Manager, Wildfire Beverage Co.

Colleen Terry, Director of Advocacy, DISCUS

Janelle Daubert, Senior Account Manager, Spearhead Global

Jennifer Gregg, Territory Sales Manager, Mast- Jägermeister

Jessica Noyes, Senior Manager, Talent Management, Pernod Ricard

Jett Kolarik, Wine Buyer/Bar Manager, Side Saddle Wine Saloon / Commune Wine Bar

Jordan Stein, Brand Manager, Suntory Global Spirits

Lilly Heath, Training Specialist Columbia Distilling

Maggie Young, Director of Marketing and Distribution, Bluegrass Distillers

Matt Zarin, National Account Manager, Mast Jägermeister

Nicolas Dubon, Territory Sales Manager, Mast Jägermeister

Patrick Spalding, Vice President of Sales; National Accounts On-Premise, New Riff Distilling

Savannah Pierce, Customer Development Manager, Pernod Ricard

Thomas McDonald, VP of Sales, New Riff Distilling

Trey Gomez, Regional Sales Manager, Mast Jägermeister

The 2025 programs included the Developing Women Leadership Program, created in partnership with Women of the Vine & Spirits. This program equips leaders in beverage alcohol with professional skills to help them address unique challenges organizations face. It specifically focuses on the empowerment of women leaders, creating a safe space to examine the historical and current issues sometimes faced by females in a male-dominated industry.

The 2025 Developing Women Leadership Program graduates are: 

Alex Fanelli, Territory Sales Manager, Mast-Jägermeister

Ashley Grayson, Business Development and Quality Specialist, Inspira Marketing Group

Genevieve Beck, VP, Specialty Imports

Jamie Palumbo, Compliance, Manager, Mast-Jägermeister

Kela Driggs-Hoopes, Sr Brand Manager, Wente Family Estates

Melanie Gourley, Senior Manager-Strategic Sourcing & Sustainability, Remy Cointreau – Westland Distillery

Gabrielle Klopp, On Premise Channel Manager – Metro NY, Heaven Hill Brands

Osiris Morel, Senior Manager, Mark Anthony

Paulina Kozak, Distributor Manager, Diageo

Tara Mathison, Sales Manager, Martignetti Companies

Tres MacDonald, Portfolio Manager, Horizon Beverage Company

Zillah Bahar

2026 DISCUS Academy Leadership Program

Those interested in joining the 2026 leadership certificate program can learn more and apply here. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 2, 2025, and the program will begin in February 2026.

The DISCUS Academy Leadership Program is more than a credential — it’s a launchpad for the beverage alcohol industry’s next generation of leaders. With only 30 spots available for 2026, this intimate, high-impact experience brings together rising talent across spirits, beer, wine, and all three tiers — creating a one-of-a-kind cohort with unmatched networking value.

Designed for professionals from manager to VP level, the program is elite yet approachable, delivering prestige without pretense. Participants will gain real-world tools, personalized coaching, and the confidence to lead through complexity and change — all while forging genuine connections that span sectors and open doors.

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