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 our Grants Program, Education, and Spirited Awards®. Each of our committee members dedicate themselves and their time to ensuring that the Foundation is offering elevated programming, acknowledges the best, and supports innovative programs 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.

Learn More about Philanthropy and Development


Philanthropy & Development Committee

Co-Chairs:

Committee:

  • Tiffanie Barriere – The Drinking Coach – Atlanta, GA
  • Chris Cabrera – National LGBTQ+ Portfolio Ambassador for Bacardi – 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 MuxoDirector of Brand Advocacy Don Q Rum – San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Lisa NguyenCureCo. Director of Service Operations – New Orleans, LA
  • Chris PatinoOwner 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 and serving a 3-year term, the Education Advisory Committee is sub-divided into three streams of education: Business, Culture and Beyond the Bar. These committees work collectively to curate seminars that address the interests, needs, and goals of bartenders through these three lenses. Through proposals, three rounds of judging, interviews, and an execution phase, this committee members strive to provide educational programming at Tales of the Cocktail® that address the interests, challenges, and goals of the global hospitality industry.

Learn More about the Seminar Proposal Process

Education Committee

Business Advisory Committee

An excellent bar only works if the business is built on an equally impressive foundation. The Foundation recognizes the advantage of pooling together global business insights from the best and brightest in the industry and leveraging this tremendous resource to uplift and improve the entire community.

Co-Chairs:

Committee:

  • Chanel Adams – Business Development Specialist, Prime Botanica – Bangkok, Thailand
  • Alex Day Chief of Operations, Gin & Luck Company (Death & Co and Proprietors LLC) – Portland, Maine
  • Laura Green, M.Ed. – Founder, Healthy Pour – Chicago, IL
  • Brandon Grusd GM, Proof & Company – South East Asia
  • Nana Sechere – Global Brand Ambassador, Takamaka Rum and Owner & Creative Catalyst, Host Master’s Consultancy – Dubai, UAE

Culture Advisory Committee

Thoughtfully exploring the culture and the lifestyle of the bartending community has always been at the core of Tales of the Cocktail’s programming. While this is not a new focus, the Culture Advisory Committee will seek to enhance these offerings to meet and exceed the evolving needs of the industry.

Co-Chairs:

Committee:

  • Giulia Cuccurullo Head Bartender, Artesian – London, UK
  • Laura Cullen Founder, Liberty Consulting – Miami Beach, Florida
  • Holly Graham – Author and Managing Editor (International) at DRiNK Magazine & Academy Chair at The World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars – Hong Kong, China
  • Keith Motsi Beverage Operations & Head Bartender, Four Seasons Hotel – Tokyo, Japan
  • Michael Neff Proprietor, The Cottonmouth Club – Houston, Texas
  • Minakshi Singh – Co-Founder, Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy – Gurgaon & Co-Founder, Sidecar – New Delhi, India

Beyond the Bar Advisory Committee

Created in 2018, Beyond the Bar facilitates dialogue and inspires thinking around pressing topics facing the hospitality and spirits industry, from social justice to lifestyle, health, addiction, and sustainability.

Co-Chairs:

 

Committee:

  • Ara Caravallo –Co-Founder, Barra Mexico – Mexico & Portfolio Director, Distill Ventures – Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Andrew Ho Hope & Sesame – Guangzhou/Shenzhen, China
  • Hannah Lanfear – Founding Director of The Mixing Class Ltd – London, UK
  • Benjamin Padron Novoa – Co-Founder, Licoreria Limantour – Mexico City, Mexico
  • Rebecca Sturt – Marketing Manager, Middle East and India, Rémy Cointreau & Owner, Dubai Bartenders Club – Dubai, UAE

 

 

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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 Members, including Co-Chairs and Committee Members, consists of active Tales Catalysts who have had groundbreaking accomplishments and 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.

Learn More about Tales Catalyst

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 & CompanyColts 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 marshallModern 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
  • 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.

Learn More about the Spirited Awards®

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:

Canada Co-Chairs:

 

Europe Co-Chairs:

Latin America & Caribbean Co-Chairs:

Middle East & Africa Co-Chairs:

U.S. Central Co-Chairs:

U.S. East Co-Chairs:

U.S. West Co-Chairs:

Writing & Media and Books Co-Chairs:

Timeless Co-Chairs:

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

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