Committees
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation values bringing people together and sees opportunity in collective efforts to further the global drinks industry. It is with this spirit that the Foundation enlists industry experts and leaders to form advisory committees for Education, Philanthropy, Policy, Tales Catalyst and Spirited Awards®. Each of our committee members dedicates their time to ensuring that the Foundation is offering elevated programming, acknowledges innovation, and supports initiatives looking to advance the industry.
Philanthropy and Development Committee | Education Advisory Committee | Policy Initiative Committee | Tales Catalyst Committee | Spirited Awards Committee
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Philanthropy and Development Committee
The Philanthropy & Development Committee is comprised of key industry stakeholders who advise the committee on promoting the welfare of the global hospitality industry. The Committee advises on the Foundation’s entire suite of giving efforts, including, but not limited to: grant-giving and direct relief, Beyond the Bar activations and Day of Service, policy and advocacy work, and non-profit partnerships.
Philanthropy & Development Committee
Co-Chairs:
Committee:
- Tiffanie Barriere – The Drinking Coach – Atlanta, GA
- Chris Cabrera – Culture Brand Consultant – New York City, NY
- Claudia Cabrera – Bar Manager and Co-founder at Kaito del Valle, Fratelli Branca Brand – Mexico City, Mexico
- Nandini Khaund – Spirit Guide + Consultant – Chicago, IL
- Yisell Muxo – Director of Brand Advocacy Don Q Rum – San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Lisa Nguyen – CureCo. Director of Service Operations – New Orleans, LA
- Chris Patino, In Memoriam – Owner Raised by Wolves, Founder Simple Serve, Organizer Bartenders Weekend – San Diego, CA
- Vivian Pei – Co-Founder, Snacky Mini Mart, F&B Specialist – Iowa City, Iowa
- Kelsey Ramage – Co-founder of Black Lagoon Pop-Ups and Trash Collective – Los Angeles, CA
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Education Advisory Committee
Overseeing the integrity of Tales of the Cocktail®’s educational programming, the Education Advisory Committee is subdivided into four streams of education: Beyond the Bar, Business, Culture, and Futures. These committees work collectively to curate seminars that address the interests, needs, and goals of bartenders globally.
Education Committee
Business Advisory Committee
An excellent bar only works if the business is built on an equally impressive foundation. The Business track explores the innovative operations, progressive bar programs, and creative bar concepts that shape the drinks industry. The Business Advisory Committee advises the Foundation on evolving business practices, and reviews and selects the Business Seminars presented at Tales of the Cocktail.
Co-Chairs:
Committee:
- Chanel Adams – Business Development Specialist, Prime Botanica – Bangkok, Thailand
- Carlos Aguinsky – Owner, Tres Monos and La Uat – Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Brandon Grusd – GM, Proof & Company – South East Asia
- Anna Sebastian – Founder, Anna Sebastian Hospitality and Celebrate Her – London,UK
- Natasha Sofia – Global Advocacy Director, Altos Planos – Washington, D.C.
Culture Advisory Committee
Thoughtfully exploring the culture, trends, and techniques of the bartending community has always been at the core of Tales of the Cocktail’s programming. The Culture track is industry-driven and designed for bartenders of all levels to bolster their spirit proficiency and drinks industry history. The Culture Advisory Committee advises the Foundation on the review and selection of cultural seminars and events presented at Tales of the Cocktail.
Co-Chairs:
Committee:
- Giulia Cuccurullo – Head Bartender, Artesian – London, UK
- Stanislav Harciník – Publishing Author & Founder of The Cocktail Balance – Bratislava, Slovakia
- Keith Motsi – Beverage Operations & Head Bartender, Four Seasons Hotel – Tokyo, Japan
- Lara Rawa – Founder, Lagos Cocktail Week – Lagos, Nigeria
- Hardeep Rehal – Owner at Cocktailsolutions DK – Copenhagen, Denmark
- Minakshi Singh – Co-Founder, Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy – Gurgaon & Co-Founder, Sidecar – New Delhi, India
Beyond the Bar Advisory Committee
The Beyond the Bar track is the place to advocate for and support the complex issues that face the spirits industry. The track facilitates dialogue and inspires thinking around pressing topics facing the industry, from social justice to lifestyle, health, and substance use. The Beyond the Bar Advisory Committee advises the Foundation on the content and intersectionality of these topics, and supports the review and selection of seminars, intimate workshops, and activations for Tales of the Cocktail.
Co-Chairs:
Committee:
- Ara Caravallo –Co-Founder, Barra Mexico – Mexico & Portfolio Director, Distill Ventures – Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Vicky Ilankovan – Executive Director, Equal Measures UK – London, UK
- Brenna McGee Psychotherapist, Brenna McGee LMFT Minneapolis, MN
- Rebecca Sturt – Marketing Manager, Middle East and India, Rémy Cointreau & Owner, Dubai Bartenders Club – Dubai, UAE
Futures Advisory Committee
The bar and hospitality industry plays a critical role in shaping an era of innovation. In a globally connected world, technological advancements and social innovation are transforming how we gather. The Futures track is a gathering place for big conversations about a brighter future. The Futures Advisory Committee advises the Foundation on future-focused spirits industry topics, and reviews and selects educational content for Tales of the Cocktail.
Co-Chairs:
Committee
- Andrew Ho – Hope & Sesame – Guangzhou/Shenzhen, China
- Bobby Carey – Creative Director, Proof Creative – Singapore
- Stephanie Jordan – CEO & Founder of Avallen Spirits & Solutions – London, UK
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Policy Committee
The Policy Committee is vital in establishing actionable goals and solutions for developing a multifaceted policy agenda focused on federal policy reform in support of bartenders and service industry professionals. The Policy Committee includes various bar industry experts and young industry professionals who can provide a unique perspective in formulating the foundation of a strategic policy agenda, which is intended to positively impact the bar industry and profession through a policy reform action plan and advocacy efforts. The Policy Committee’s efforts are a long-term engagement between the community, bar industry professionals, and policymakers to implement substantial policy changes nationwide.
For more information about the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Policy Initiative, contact [email protected].
Policy Committee
Committee Members:
- Zen Castro – Bartender, Espiritu Mezcaleria Restaurant and Bar Back, BeachBum Berry’s Latitude 29 – New Orleans, Louisiana
- Devita Davison – Executive Director, Food Lab – Detroit, Michigan
- Amanda Gunderson – Co-Founder, Another Round Another Rally – Los Angeles, California
- Kaiden Hope – Multicultural Portfolio Associate, Beam Suntory – New York, New York
- Alex Jump – Co-Founder and Senior Manager of Operations, Focus on Health – Denver, Colorado
- Jesse Maguire – U.S. Trade Engagement Manager, Beam Suntory – New York City, New York
- Lynnette Marrero – Bartender, Mixologist, Philanthropist, and Creator, Speed Rack – New York City, New York
- Robin Nance – Strategic Branding Expert, Creative Engagement Architect, People Centered Visionary – Albany, Indiana
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Tales Catalysts
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Tales Catalyst Committee consists of active Tales Catalysts who have shaped the beverage landscape, providing visible models of achievement for tomorrow’s leaders. A celebration of hospitality trail-blazers, the active Tales Catalysts work to select individuals who have made a unique and lasting impact on the accessibility and intersectionality of the cocktail community by introducing annually two new “Tales Catalysts” — the U.S. Honoree and International Honoree.
A celebration of hospitality trail-blazers, the active Tales Catalysts work to select individuals who have made a unique and lasting impact on the accessibility and intersectionality of the cocktail community by introducing annually two new “Tales Catalysts” — the U.S. Honoree and International Honoree.
Tales Catalyst Committee
Co-Chairs:
Active Committee:
- Bridget Albert – Senior Director External Communications & CSR, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits – Bolingbrook, Illinois
- Kitty Amann – New England Market Manager, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey – Woonsocket, Rhode Island
- Anu Apte – Entrepreneur/Business Owner – Seattle, Washington
- Elayne Duff – Director of Advocacy, Samson and Surrey – New York, New York
- Meaghan Dorman – Bar Director, Raines Law Room & Dear Irving – New York, New York
- Lisa Laird Dunn – President & Global Ambassador, Laird & Company – Colts Neck, New Jersey
- Tara Fougner – CEO/Co-Foundee, Thirsty Media – Miami, Florida
- Tracie Franklin – Founder, Get Spirited Consulting – Washington, District of Columbia
- Kate Gerwin – Owner, Happy Accidents – Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Amanda Gunderson – CEO/Co-Founder, Another Round Another Rally – Los Angeles, California
- Abigail Gullo – Creative Director, International House Hotel – New Orleans, Louisiana
- Lynnette Marrero – Partner & Chief Mixologist, Delola Teacher at Masterclass.com; Liquid Creative Director, Aplós; and Co-Founder, Speed Rack – Beacon, New York
- ms. franky marshall – Modern Bartender ~ Educator – New York, New York
- Anistatia Miller – Director, MIXELLANY Ltd. – Chippenham, Wiltshire, UK
- Ivy Mix – Owner, Leyenda; Owner, Fiasco! Wine + Spirits; and Co-Founder, Speed Rack – Brooklyn, New York
- Tess Posthumus – Bar Owner, Flying Dutchmen Cocktails – Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Nicola Riske – Regional Brand Education Manager, The Macallan – Madrid, Spain
- Joy Spence – Master Blender, Appleton Estate – Jamaica
- Charlotte Voisey – Global Head of Ambassadors, William Grant & Sons – New York, New York
- Claire Warner – Head of Advocacy, Diageo – London, UK
- Pamela Wiznitzer – Beverage Consultant – New York, New York
- Hollis Worth – Consultant – Orlando, Flordia
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Spirited Awards Committee
The Spirited Awards® Committee, including Co-Chairs, Regional and Writing & Media Judges, is comprised of respected bartenders, bar owners, educators, and writers from across the globe. Drawing on their years of experience, the Co-Chairs and Committee Members evaluate individuals and establishments from within their region, and Writing & Media Judges evaluate nominations from far and wide, to ensure that the Spirited Awards are inclusive and represent the breadth and diversity of the global drinks industry.
Spirited Awards Committee Members are not eligible to vote in any category in which they or their workplace are nominated.
2024 Spirited Awards® Committee
The 2024 Spirited Awards judges will be listed in early April after Round 1 of judging concludes.
Overall Chair & International Chair:
Regional Co-Chairs
Asia Pacific Co-Chairs:
Asia Pacific Committee:
- Lorenzo Antinori, China
- Pankaj Balachandran, India
- Mikey Ball, New Zealand
- Philip Bischoff, Thailand
- Priyanka Blah, India
- Ross Blainey, Australia
- Stefano Catino, Australia
- Ethan Xue Jin Chai, Singapore
- Peter Chua, Singapore
- Shay Chamberlain, Australia
- Summer Chen, Taiwan
- Peter Chua, Singapore
- Charles Docus, Australia
- Guoyi Gan, Singapore
- Shingo Gokan, Japan
- Holly Graham, Japan
- Ajit Gurung, Hong Kong
- David Hans, Malaysia
- Sean Howard, Australia
- Rogerio Igarashi Vaz, Japan
- James Irvine, Australia
- Richard Neil Irwin, Australia
- Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn, Thailand
- Bobby Kim, Republic of Korea
- Demie Kim, Republic of Korea
- Yangdup Lama, India
- Hayden Lambert, Australia
- Natalie Lau, Hong Kong
- Jon Lee, Malaysia
- Jae-Jin Lim, Republic of Korea
- Andrea Marseglia, New Zealand
- Tash McGill, New Zealand
- Hayley Morison, Australia
- Alice Newport, Australia
- Vu Ngoc, Vietnam
- David Ong, Philippines
- Taln Rojanavanich, Thailand
- Leo Siu, China
- Kabir Suharan, Indonesia
- Shelley Tai, Singapore
- Millie Tang, Australia
- Barney Toy, New Zealand
- Chau Tran, Australia
- Luke Whearty, Australia
- Tariq Widarso, Indonesia
- Stefanie Wijono, Indonesia
- Yao Wong, Australia
- Cross Yu, China
- Seven Yi, Taiwan
Canada Co-Chairs:
Canada Committee:
- Alex Black, British Columbia/Ontario
- Dylan Brentwood, Nova Scotia
- Amber Bruce, British Columbia
- Nader Chabaane, Quebec
- Evelyn Chick, Ontario
- Jean-Sebastien Dupuis, British Columbia
- Jean-Maxime Giguère, Quebec
- James Grant, Ontario
- Elise Hanson, Ontario
- Lindsay Jones, Nova Scotia
- Steven Jorgensen, Alberta
- Trevor Kallies, British Columbia
- Nick Kennedy, Ontario
- Marcus Kraft, Ontario
- Frédérique Leblanc, Quebec
- Raj Maniar, Manitoba
- Evan McNeil, Nova Scotia
- Lea Messier, Quebec
- Dave Mitton, Ontario
- Nick Nemeth, Ontario
- Michael Norbury, British Columbia
- Lee Peppnick, Alberta
- Jessica Blaine Smith, Ontario
- Kaitlyn Stewart, British Columbia
- Hugo Togni, Ontario
- Samuel Trudeau, Quebec
- Ian Tuck, Ontario
- Daphnée Vary Deshaies, Quebec
- Christina Veira, Ontario
- Julien Vezina, Quebec
- Andrew Whibley, Quebec
- Juliana Wolkowski, Ontario
- Luke Woodnutt, British Columbia
Europe Co-Chairs:
Europe Committee:
- Bex Almqvist, Sweden
- Flavi Andrade, Portugal
- Armin Azadpour, Switzerland
- Jenna Ba, The Netherlands
- Katalin Bene, Switzerland
- Monica Berg, UK
- Jacob Briars, UK
- Ian Burrell, UK
- Mattia Cilia, Italy
- Oisin Davis, Ireland
- Maroš Dzurus, Norway
- Giuseppe Gallo, UK
- Giacomo Giannotti, Spain
- Alex Kratena, UK
- Vasileios Kyritsis, Greece
- Tim Lefevre, The Netherlands
- Iain McPherson, Scotland
- Adrian Michalcik, Norway
- Maura Milia, UK
- François Monti, Spain
- Lauren Mote, The Netherlands
- Eleni Nikoloulia, Greece
- Aurélie Panhelleux, France
- Mattia Pastori, Italy
- Yanaidax Prado, Spain
- CoCo Prochorowski, Germany
- Nicola Riske, Spain
- Riccardo Rossi, Italy
- Remy Savage, France
- Carina Soto Velasquez, UK/France
- Juan Valls, Spain
- Hannah Van Ongevalle, Germany
- Camille Vidal, UK
Latin America & Caribbean Co-Chairs:
Latin America & Caribbean Committee:
- Alvaro Aniano, Uruguay
- Sebastián Atienza, Argentina
- Camille Austin, USA
- Roberto Berdecia, Puerto Rico
- Claudia Cabrera, Mexico
- Omar Chamorro, Argentina
- Aaron Diaz, Peru
- Agustin Enriquez, Uruguay
- Wayne Epple, Cayman Islands
- Liz Furlong, Costa Rica
- Adrian Glickman, Argentina
- Carlos Irizarry, Puerto Rico
- Daniyel Jones, France/Trinidad & Tobago
- Kyle Jones, Bahamas
- Fabio La Pietra, Brazil
- Ignacio Lavadenz, Chile
- Eli Martinez, Mexico
- Sarah Mesquita, Ecuador
- Megs Miller, Mexico
- Sorrel Moseley-Williams, Argentina
- Paula Nazal, Chile
- Rodrigo Otaiza, Chile
- Benjamin Padrón Novoa, Mexico
- Alexandra Purcaru, Mexico/France
- Sarah Ruiz, Ecuador
- Márcio Silva, Brazil
- Jasper Soffer, Mexico
- Maycoll Tobon Ramirez, Colombia
- Jean Trinh, Colombia
- Gustavo Andres Vcoke, Argentina
- Jim Wrigley, Cayman Islands
Middle East & Africa Co-Chairs:
Middle East & Africa Committee:
- Alain Al Achkar, UAE
- Adei Ashie Kotei, Ghana
- Jad Ballout, Lebanon
- Richie Barrow, Kenya
- Christopher Beaney, Ghana
- Raina Boaten, Ghana
- Evane Chenuet, Nigeria
- Evert de Jong, South Africa
- Cassandra Eichhoff, South Africa
- Glenn Eldridge, UAE
- Raymond Endean, South Africa
- Sudera Fernando, UAE
- Brendon Gonouya, Nigeria
- Brent Henderson, UAE
- Tauland Hyka, UAE
- Brian Kassim Owango, Kenya
- Tibor Krascsenics, UAE
- Peter Lebese, UAE
- Mallory Lee, UAE
- Iuliia Markina, UAE
- David Nyamekye, Ghana
- Tapatheo Nyamekye, Ghana
- Lauren Penny, South Africa
- Samy Rathnayake, UAE
- Lara Rawa, Nigeria
- Nick Rees, UAE
- Julian Short, South Africa
- Manja Stakovic, UAE
- Leah Van Deventer, South Africa
U.S. Central Co-Chairs:
U.S. Central Committee:
- Bridget Albert, Illinois
- Natasha Bahrami, Missouri
- Preston Brown, Wisconsin
- Amanda Carto, Texas
- Steva Casey, Alabama
- Amy Cavanaugh, Illinois
- Roy Clark, Alabama
- Jill Cockson, Missouri
- Mark Coulter, Illinois
- Liam Deegan, Louisiana
- Maren Erickson, Oklahoma
- Erika Flowers, Louisiana
- Ashley Grayson, Maryland
- Chris Hannah, Louisiana
- Michael Holt, Ohio
- Rogan Howitt, Missouri
- Charles Joly, Illinois
- Will Lee, Michigan
- Jose Medina Camacho, Alabama
- John Neely, Michigan
- Minh Nguyen, Texas
- Clara Noble, Missouri
- Harley Anne O’Grady, Illinois
- Jessica Sanders, Texas
- Trevor Scovel, Indiana
- Natasha Sofia, Texas
- Robert Bjorn Taylor, Texas
- Jesus Verde, Texas
- J’Nai Angelle Williams, Louisiana
- Benjamin Willis, Ohio
- David Yee, Ohio
U.S. East Co-Chairs:
U.S. East Committee:
- Colin Asare Appiah, New York
- Tiffanie Barriere, Georgia
- Dan Binkiewicz, Florida
- Chris Cabrera, New York
- Tim Cooper, New York
- Laura Cullen, Kentucky
- Meaghan Dorman, New York
- Simon Ford, Tennessee
- Tara Fougner, Florida/New York
- Trevor Frye, Washington, D.C.
- Vance Henderson, Washington, D.C.
- Tim Herlihy, New York
- Susanna Hoyt, Kentucky
- Stefan Huebner, North Carolina
- Colleen Hughes, North Carolina
- Stephen Kurpinsky, New York
- Valentino Longo, Florida
- Lynnette Marrero, New York
- Ms. Franky Marshall, New York
- Lauren O’Brien, Washington, D.C.
- Steven Olson, New York
- Mary Palac, New York
- Jessica Pomerantz, South Carolina
- Julie Reiner, New York
- Kapri Robinson, Washington, D.C.
- Jared Sadoian, Massachusetts
- Gabriel Urrutia, Florida
- Charlotte Voisey, New York
- Jillian Vose, South Carolina
U.S. West Co-Chairs:
U.S. West Committee:
- Jennifer Akin, Washington
- Anu Apte, Washington
- Kailee Asher, Arizona
- Maxwell Berlin, Arizona
- Kiowa Bryan, California
- Tanya Clark, California
- Sebastien Derbomez, California
- Kevin Diedrich, California
- Jackson Donahue, Arizona
- Linda Douglas, California
- Joy Figueroa, Nevada
- Kate Gerwin, New Mexico
- Ricky Gomez, Oregon
- Karen Grill, California
- Gary Gruver, Nevada
- Erin Hayes, California
- Arianna Hone, Utah
- Mari Howe, Hawaii
- Alex Jump, Colorado
- David Kaplan, Washington
- Jessi Lorraine, California
- Samuel Miller, Utah
- Emily Mistell, Oregon
- Michael Moberly, Nevada
- Elliott Montero, California
- Ramsey Musk, California
- Travis Nass, Arizona
- Antoine Nixon, California
- Justin Park, Hawaii
- Andrew Pollard, Nevada
- Nicolas Torres, California
- William Tsui, California
- Mary Allison Wright, Colorado
Writing, Media & Books Co-Chairs:
Writing, Media & Books Committee:
- Alia Akkam, Hungary
- Michael Anstendig, New York
- Dan Q. Dao, New York/Vietnam
- Derek Brown, Washington, D.C.
- Aaron Goldfarb, New York
- James Grant, Ontario
- Iain Griffiths, New York
- Craig Harper, UK
- Nat Harry, California
- Toby Maloney, Kentucky
- Kenney Marlatt, Illinois
- Millie Milliken, UK
- François Monti, Spain
- Shannon Mustipher, New York
- Kathleen Purvis, North Carolina
- Noah Rothbaum, New York
- Matthew Rowley, California
- Jane Ryan, Australia
- Emily Saladino, New York
- Christine Sismondo, Ontario
- Anna Sulan Masing, UK
- Chockie Tom, UK
- Esther Tseng, California
- Leah Van Deventer, South Africa
- Max Venning, UK
- Jack Wakelin, UK
Timeless Co-Chairs:
Timeless Regional Co-Chairs:
- Jason Asher, Arizona
- Georgina Barbachano García, Mexico
- Kate Boushel, Quebec
- Sam Bygrave Sydney, Australia
- Jackson Cannon, Massachusettes
- Ryan Chetiyawardana, UK
- Joshua Gandee, Ohio
- Andrew Ho Guangzhou, China
- Lynn House Chicago, Illinois
- Emma Janzen, Michigan
- Roberta Mariani, UK
- Erin Schaferle, California
- Jon Smolensky, Ontario/British Columbia
Timeless Committee:
- Colin Appiah, New York
- Monica Berg, UK
- Emma Cooke, UK
- Sandrae Lawrence, UK
- SeongHa Lee, South Korea
- François Monti, Spain
- Desmond Payne, UK
- Vivian Pei, Iowa
- Patrick Pistolesi, Italy
- Riccardo Rossi, Italy
- Meimi Sanchez, UK
- Amanda Schuster, New York
- Akihisa Seien, New York
- Robert Simonson, New York
- Shawn Soole, British Columbia
- Rebecca Sturt, UAE
- Angus Winchester, UK
Interested in Joining a TOTCF Committee?
Please fill out the Committee Interest Form in the link below with your contact information and area(s) of expertise.
Committee Interest Form