FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association, a non-profit trade group that promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry, today announced several changes to its growing staff.
- Kristin Baldwin has been promoted to Senior Director of Governmental and External Affairs. She will oversee all governmental and regulatory affairs, member services, public relations and social responsibility efforts.
- Adam Johnson has been promoted to Senior Director of Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Experiences. He will be responsible for all tourism and consumer-facing initiatives, including the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®.
- Colleen Thomas will become the KDA’s first Director of Member and Public Affairs, focusing on membership needs, recruitment and communication, public affairs strategies, media relations and industry outreach efforts.
“As our iconic industry grows, so do the duties and responsibilities of our hard-working and talented staff,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “We appreciate their terrific work on behalf of our growing membership and industry partners around the world.”
In addition, the KDA announced that it is reopening its search for a dynamic leader to direct its Kentucky Bourbon Affair fantasy camp.
Founded in 1880, the KDA is the state’s voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces 95 percent of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.
Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic and treasured industries, a booming $8.5 billion economic engine that generates as many as 17,500 jobs with an annual payroll topping $800 million, and pours $825 million into tax coffers each year.
The KDA recently unveiled a University of Louisville study that shows the industry is in the middle of a $1.2 billion building boom. There are now 52 distilleries in the Commonwealth and 6.7 million barrels of aging Bourbon – both modern records.
The KDA’s famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® also made history last year, with tourists recording a record one million stops at 20 participating distilleries. The booming attraction has increased attendance by 300 percent in the last 10 years.
