As Executive Vice President, National Accounts for Breakthru Beverage Group, Gus Bozzo leads the organization’s effort for their key strategic customers across North America. He works closely with Breakthru leadership and suppliers to drive capabilities in account management, trade marketing, category development and e-commerce.  With over 30 years of experience in the Wine and Spirits industry, Gus has a proven track record of success in helping supplier partners and customers thrive across Breakthru’s footprint.

Gus began his career in the Wine Industry with the E&J Gallo Winery in 1984. He also held various leadership roles at Constellation Brands, Pete’s Brewing Company, & Brown Forman Beverages .

A Native of Northern California, Gus attended the University of the Pacific and earned his bachelors degree in Business Administration.  Gus is a founding board member of the Amici Foundation; a Bay area philanthropic organization focused on supporting local food banks and homeless shelters.

Carlos is a business-minded, nationally recognized leader who understands the demands leaders across the company face in balancing the need to drive industry-leading financial and operational performance while working to create best-in-class, diverse teams and a winning inclusive culture that allows diversity to thrive. In his role as VP of DE&I, Carlos collaborates with and supports leaders across Constellation Brands to drive adoption and execution of its evolved DE&I strategy in alignment with the company’s vision and strategic priorities.

Carlos joined Constellation Brands from McDonald’s where, as Global Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, he led a cross-functional team responsible for the creation and development of the company’s global DE&I strategy. He also developed the strategy and governance structure for the company’s employee resource groups, and provided support to McDonald’s corporate employees, franchisees, suppliers, customers, and communities across the globe. Prior to his tenure at McDonald’s, Carlos served as Head of Diversity Recruitment and Diverse Stakeholder Engagement at Groupon.

Carlos is active in the DE&I community and serves on several industry-leading organizations, including the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. A native Spanish speaker, Carlos is originally from Puerto Rico and currently resides in Chicago.

As a passionate educator, Kayla started her career in the secondary school system in Canada. Here she embraced the challenge of working with students and helping them fall in love with learning the same way she did. When opportunity presented itself, she took a risk and joined Whole Foods Market leading the learning and development team in Ontario and driving employee engagement. From there, she moved from food to beverage at Corby Spirit and Wine (Pernod Ricard Canada) and has continued to rock the boat to by leading major change initiatives. Now as the VP, Total Talent, Diversity & Enterprise-wide Development for Pernod Ricard North America, she is continuing to drive a cultural shift within the organization by supporting large-scale transformation and accelerating our diversity and inclusion goals.

Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey President Carl Carlson, provides strong leadership as he brings 35 years of industry experience to one of the country’s fastest growing spirits brands. Overseeing day-to-day operations, Carlson is responsible for driving growth by establishing short and long-term goals, plans and strategies for the brand.  

Prior to Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, Carlson previously worked as senior vice president of commercial for Young’s Market Company and Republic National Distributing Company, served as president of Infinium Spirits and had a 13-year career at E & J Gallo Winery, where he developed national and regional market experience in a myriad of winery and distributor sales management roles.  

Carlson resides in Orange County, CA and works out of Skrewball Spirits, LLC office in San Diego, CA. He is most proud of his 30-year marriage, his four children and his community involvement.

Tiara Chesmer-Williams is Vice President and Head of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity at Moët Hennessy. In this role, Tiara punctuates Moet Hennessy’s commitment to building a deeply inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace by collaborating across the organization to develop and lead clear strategies, programs and processes that align with the organization’s business and accelerate IDE actions and results. Tiara works closely with LVMH, to ensure that MHNA principles and practices are consistent with those of the LVMH Group and serves as a member of the MH Global DE&I Leadership Committee, leading MHNA in the implementation of a Global Action Plan.

Kathleen is a veteran of Beam Suntory.  Hired in 1991, Kathleen worked for Booker Noe, leading the launch of Booker’s, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Baker’s.  Her work with the Beam family was instrumental in positioning the Small Batch Bourbon Collection to the upscale consumer, ultimately establishing today’s bourbon renaissance. 

Kathleen worked for 10 years as the Group Product Director for Super Premium Brands eventually transitioning to Sales and Marketing Integration and then Brand Education.  She was responsible for the creation of product knowledge courses for the company and globally leading the creation of over 200 courses on our brands.  She is fortunate to have the opportunity to visit and learn about each of our brands in the portfolio and credits those who work at the distilleries as the driver of her passion for success for Beam Suntory in the marketplace. 

In 2014, Kathleen lead the On-Premise EDGE teams and our Luxury efforts, focused on elevating our sales teams and our premium brands in the critical must win on-premise channel. 

Most recently, Kathleen has moved into Premium & On-Premise Marketing, focusing efforts on driving prestige for our brands through new marketing partnerships and practices, and deploying equity driving brand programs in the on-premise. 

Kathleen is honored to be a member of the “Bourbon Hall of Fame” (2015) and the exclusive Scotch Whisky society “Keepers of the Quaich“ (2008)

In 2018, in honor of her service to the Bourbon industry and the Beam family, a batch of Booker’s Bourbon was named in her honor – “Kathleen’s Batch.”    

Kathleen is the mom of Dominic and Christian.  Dom is now in the spirits business selling Bacardi brands and Christian is in college playing hockey. 

Mel Dick serves as SVP and President, Wine Division of Southern Glazer’s. He joined Southern in 1969. He began his career in the wine business in 1958 at Gallo Wine Distributors, and eventually E. and J. Gallo Winery where he worked for 11 years. Dick joined Southern as General Sales Manager-Wine in 1969. By 1972, he became Vice President-Wine and in 1976 he was appointed President of the Wine Division for Southern. In 1984, he became an owner of the company. He acquired the additional title of Senior Vice President of Southern in 1991. In 2001, Dick received the Legion of Honor, France’s highest honor, for his outstanding contribution to the French wine and champagne, spirits and water industry and was elevated to Officier de la Legion D’Honneur in October 2010.

Renata Franzia Price is the National Account Manager emphasizing Business Strategies for Bronco Wine Company National Sales Division.  Co-founded by Renata’s father, Fred T. Franzia and uncles, Joseph Franzia and John Franzia in 1973; Bronco Wine Company is a third generation, family-owned winery committed to growing, producing and selling the finest quality wines of the highest value to our customers. Our diverse family of brands is sold in over 90 countries worldwide. Renata is responsible for driving business strategies and execution of all brands within Bronco Wine National portfolio.

Renata earned her bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University, Leavey School of Business in Economics and International Business in 1990.  Hired as a brand manager, she moved into chain sales for Classic Wines of California. As Renata raised her children, she automated the point of sales, developed a system for wine competitions entry and is developing a marketing department. Renata is WSET II certified and enjoys being a regular wine judge for the last 10 years.

Renata lives in San Ramon, California with her husband Rob who is a Sales Director at a Silicon Valley based company. They have four children that keep them busy. Renata’s oldest, Sarina, graduated from Texas Christian University and is now employed at Oracle in California. Her son, Logan, is a senior at Oregon State University. Her daughter, Juliette, is a junior at TCU. Her youngest, Hudson, is a freshman at Santa Clara University.

Renata over the years has volunteered as elected PTA president for Coyote Creek Elementary and PTSA president for Gale Ranch Middle School. She was president two terms at Dougherty Valley High School Athletic Boosters.  Renata received the following awards: Continuing Service PTA Award in 2010, PTA State Golden Oak Award in 2013, Parks Reserve Forces CSM for Excellence Award in 2017, DVHS Honorable Service Award in 2018. Renata looks forward to growing her family’s brands in today’s market and continuing her community volunteerism into the next stage of her life with the Santa Clara University Jesuit School of Theology and the Women of the Vine and Spirits.

Born in Minnesota and raised in Arlington, Texas, Elizabeth Gruns started with the E&J Gallo Winery directly following graduation from Tulane University in New Orleans where she earned a degree in Business Management. She was a four-year letter winner competing on the Green Wave Div. 1 Volleyball team. 

In the last 21 years with the E&J Gallo Winery, Elizabeth has successfully completed over 12 different assignments. She started as a retail sales representative in Phoenix, Arizona in 2001 and progressed across numerous distributor management roles in Texas, Nevada and California. Most recently, Elizabeth managed the 8 Western states for Gallo’s Luxury wine portfolio. She stepped into her current role managing all of Gallo’s On Premise National Account business in January, 2022. 

Additionally, Elizabeth has held the position of Sales President within Gallo’s Women of Wine & Spirits (WOWS) employee resource group since 2019. Within this tenure, she has successfully led the completion of 5 Sales WOWS conferences, championed key corporate initiatives directly effecting the over 600 Sales WOWS members to include Family Leave and has represented WOWS on the newly formed Gallo ERG President’s Panel which advises Gallo’s D&I Council. 

Elizabeth lives in beautiful Manhattan Beach, California and is the Bonus Mom to two teenaged daughters, Chloe and Lauren, and married to her volleyball-playing husband, Paul, and Kitty Momma to fur babies Lucy and Linus. Beach walks, indoor cycling, baking desserts and trips to Hawaii are some of her favorite things. 

Bruce Hunter joined Shaw-Ross in 1995 as Executive Vice President, Director of Wines. He was appointed Executive Vice President, Director of Marketing in 1998 and oversaw the expansion of the marketing department by developing a professional brand management structure. Bruce was appointed Managing Director in 2004. Bruce brings 48 years of domestic and international experience in the Wine & Spirits industry. Starting in 1970 with Almaden Vineyards and with Parrott and Company starting in 1973 serving as its president from 1984 to 1995.

Sydney Edwards is National Brand Manager for The Pale by Sacha Lichine and Director of Marketing with Shaw Ross International Importers, a leading wine and spirits importer in the United States.

For 8 years, Sydney worked as brand strategist and marketing coordinator for Whispering Angel and played an essential role in the launch of The Palm by Whispering Angel.  While developing market strategy, Sydney was instrumental in establishing Whispering Angel in the United States as a luxury, lifestyle brand through influential social media campaigns and high-profile food and wine events.

Sydney previously worked as Central Region Portfolio Sales Manager based in Chicago, using her knowledge and expertise in marketing to grow and develop the Shaw-Ross luxury portfolio of brands across the Region.

Sydney lives in South Florida, is WSET 3 certified, and holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Central Florida

Traci is a Human Resources Leader and Diversity & Inclusion champion with over 15 years experience aligning progressive HR practices and D&I initiatives with business strategy to drive a performance driven and diverse culture.  Traci joined William Grant & Sons in 2021 as the Head of HR for the US business unit.  She is a proactive and trustworthy leader with a hands-on-approach and committed to creating strategies for optimizing internal operations.  She creates a real buzz around her area of focus and brings energy and passion to everything she does.

Prior to joining WIlliam Grant & Sons, Traci has extensive knowledge in the Alcohol beverage industry having worked for Diageo, a leading premium drinks company and Heineken US, an international brewing company for many years.  She has held several HR leadership roles in Resourcing, Business Partnering, Learning & Development and Employee Relations.  During her tenure, she spearheaded several global projects and partnered with leaders across the organization to achieve maximum success.  Her true passion lies in the Diversity & Inclusion area of the business and she has held several seats on D&I committees within her organizations and delivered exceptional results against strategic D&I road maps and initiatives.

Traci holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix and also studied at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Ct.  She holds certifications in Myers Briggs Type Indication (MBTI), Ken Blanchard's Managing Self Leadership Program and Managing Inclusively diversity program

Cindy Leonard serves as Executive Vice President, General Manager, Fine Wine Divisions for SGWS. She is responsible for Commercial Sales Planning and collaboration with the Commercial Planning and Sales and Marketing teams and driving supplier performance, alignment and strategy.

Cindy began her experience in the beverage alcohol industry, with the Gallo Wine Company in Los Angeles. She escalated in management and leadership roles that took her to National Account Manager with E&J Gallo Winery, Remy Amerique, Regal Wine Company, and Regional Supplier Management with Jackson Family Fine Wines. Cindy joined Southern Wine & Spirits in Arizona in 2000, as Brand Manager elevating to Vice President & General Manager SGWS/AZ Fine Wine Division and ultimately to a Vice President, Supplier Management and Business Development at SGWS Corporate in Miami. 

Cindy earned her bachelor's from Arizona State University. She also holds her Court of Master Sommeliers, Level One Certification and a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) 2 Certification. Cindy also graduated from the Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Emerging Leaders Program in 2018.

Cynthia Lohr, Co-Owner, Trade and Brand Advocate, J. Lohr Vineyards

As the daughter of wine industry pioneer Jerry Lohr, Cynthia Lohr spent some of her youth in the vineyards and at the wineries, absorbing aspects of the wine industry firsthand. As an adult, she chose her own path, establishing a reputation for excellence in strategic marketing and public relations, working with a who’s who of leading Internet and technology companies. In 2002, Cynthia joined the family business as director of communications for J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, and in 2009 she was named marketing vice president.

In this capacity, Cynthia works with a dedicated marketing team, overseeing J. Lohr’s advertising, public relations, editorial, promotional, Internet marketing, branding and communications initiatives, and is involved in direct-to-consumer strategy and partner sponsor relationships. Cynthia’s unique background has enabled her to enhance J. Lohr’s visibility while expanding overall brand recognition in both traditional and new media and throughout the marketplace. As one of three Lohr children to work actively in the business, Cynthia’s perspective on sustainability starts in the vineyards and includes growing J. Lohr to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Prior to joining J. Lohr, Cynthia was a vice president at AlexanderOgilvy Public Relations Worldwide, where her division served an array of clients including Covad Communications, TurboLinux, HomePNA, iPIX, Preview Systems, and Vicinium Systems. Cynthia also was director of communications for Alexa Internet, acquired by Amazon.com in 1999. In addition, while at technology public relations firm Niehaus Ryan Group, Cynthia led Yahoo!’s pre-IPO strategic messaging efforts, helping to build the company’s consumer brand throughout the mid-90s. She also directed strategic communications initiatives and executed numerous product launches for VeriSign, InsWeb and Organic Online. Before joining Niehaus Ryan Group, Cynthia was the director of business development at PRx, a strategic marketing communications firm serving Silicon Valley technology clients.

Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in French with a minor in psychology from UC Davis. Her diverse background also reflects her passion for family and community, leadership, the arts and education. She lives in San Francisco with her family and serves on the board of directors for Slide Ranch, is a founding member and board director of the Paso Robles CAB (Cabernet and Bordeaux) Collective (the PRCC), serves on the Unified Symposium Program Committee, and is an advisory board member for Women of the Vine. Cynthia is also an experienced ethnic vocalist, who has performed in 20 languages and released CDs with local groups Kitka,Wazobia, Savina, Jou Jou, and Flying Without Instruments. Her vocal credits with Kitka include the film Jacob’s Ladder.

Spearheading the fastest market rollout in the history of the spirits industry, Brittany Merrill-Yeng, co-founder and managing partner of Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, is a chemist, turned attorney, turned spirits brand owner. Merrill-Yeng was one to watch as she took her small family-owned company and grew it into a Hollywood favorite and national sensation in just one short year. An industry disruptor and a woman making waves in a male dominated industry, she is a highly educated woman juggling parenting while running a leading spirits company, creating a brand that goes beyond just whiskey - Skrewball is a lifestyle that is welcoming to all manner of weirdo, maverick, and misfit that brings people together in a world of uncertainty. When Merrill-Yeng isn’t taking over the spirits industry one bottle at a time, she enjoys spending time with her daughters and getting off the grid while traveling to far remote places with her family.

Result-driven executive known as a high-performer, with strong leadership, marketing, and communication skills. Dynamic marketing leader with over 20 years of experience and proven track record of building brands, innovative problem solving, and empowering teams.  Versatile and seasoned professional who adapts well to rapidly changing environments.

Lou Muzi serves as General Manager - Florida & South Carolina for Brown-Forman Corporation.  In this role, Lou leads two of Brown Forman’s fastest growing and most diverse markets within the division.  Lou joined B-F in 2018 and is currently focused on commercial leadership as well as influencing local marketing, finance, and operations within the Cluster.

Prior to joining Brown-Forman, Lou spent 10 years with Breakthru Beverage in several commercial leadership roles.  He held such positions as VP of Supplier Management, VP of Alliance, and General Sales Manager.  Prior to his time with Breakthru Beverage, Lou held various roles with the Gallo Winery and within the Gallo Distribution Network.  With his 25 years of experience in the Wine & Spirits industry, Lou has a proven track record of working with key stakeholders focused on growing business and developing people.

In addition to the commercial leadership duties, Lou is involved with Brown-Forman’s Responsibility Pause Campaign and D&I Champions Committee.   Lou is also heavily involved with his church and an active participant with a middle school youth group program (Edge).  Lou resides in Tampa, Florida with his beautiful wife (Karen), inspiring children (Charlie & Emma), and two playful Labradors (Lilla & Stella).

As a successful leader at Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been given to expand my scope through a variety of rewarding career experiences.  These career experiences combined with great mentors and executive sponsors have contributed positively to my personal and professional growth and the ability to deliver strong business results and build great teams. At RNDC, our goal is to ensure our Associates feel accomplished, challenged and engaged – a result which only these types of career experiences can provide.  I am driven to pursue opportunities that bring value to RNDC’s key stakeholders and supplier partners.  I have learned to leverage my leadership strengths as a connector and pioneer.  I thrive on bringing the right people together to generate the right insights to produce game-changing growth and results.  I am a natural leader that innately envisions possibility and aims to constantly learn and grow.

Jessica Schilling is RNDC’s Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President where she oversees the HR function, including Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Total Rewards, Diversity & Inclusion, Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Communications, Field HR and Corporate HR. Prior to joining RNDC, she served as the Chief HR Officer for Johnson Brothers. 

During her career, Jessica served as the Chief People Officer for Heineken USA. Prior to Heineken, she spent 15 years at Diageo working across the HR and Corporate Communications functions. During this time, she served in a number of leadership roles including Senior Vice President, HR for Diageo’s North America Supply business. Jessica began her career in public relations and public affairs. 

Jessica is passionate about unlocking the potential of people and developing leaders who deliver strong business results by building highly engaged teams and diverse, equitable and inclusive cultures.

Jessica graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She and her husband, Scott, have two children, Lilly and Benjy, and love watching them play hockey and swim.

Barkley Stuart is Executive Vice President and Board Director of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the largest North American wine and spirits distribution company and preeminent data insights company for alcoholic beverages. Barkley has worked in the wine and spirits industry for nearly 20 years. 

At Southern Glazer’s, Barkley manages government affairs by providing representation at state and federal levels for both the company and the wholesale alcohol trade. Prior to the 2016 combination of Southern Wine & Spirits and Glazer’s, Barkley worked at Glazer’s in roles ranging from E&J Gallo salesman to Chief Operating Officer.

Prior to working in the wine and spirits industry, Barkley was director, trainer and editor for Communication for Change, a pioneering not-for-profit, that for over 30 years, has used video tools and training to help those living in poor and marginalized communities influence their own destinies.

In addition to ongoing board positions at Southern Glazer’s, Glazer’s, and C4C, Barkley currently serves in leadership roles as a director for the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, Drizly, Inc., Collette Vacations, North Country School and the Devereux Foundation. Barkley received a BA in Computer Science from Brown University and an Executive MBA from Harvard Business School. 

Bobbi Woodson is the General Manager for CA/HI with a rich experience base in Brown-Forman and the industry which included leading the business in Canada as the country manager.  Her team has commercial responsibility as well as oversight of local marketing, finance, and operations. She has worked in the beverage industry for 22 years 

Bobbi has consistently grown team competencies, consumer takeaway and brand exposure through numerous channels by leading all business efforts in open, control, broker, chain and diverse markets.  She has also been a lead in the companies diversity and inclusion effort and recently won a national awards for her achievements in the multi cultural space.  

Bobbi enjoys working with local charities and currently is serving as a Board member at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Orange Coast. 

East Coast to West Coast to Canada and back again - Bobbi loves visiting and living in new places!