WineAmerica, the national organization of American wineries, has selected Mr. Mark Chandler as its executive director, effective in February 2013.

The national winery organization, with hundreds of members from 48 states, is focused on grassroots-powered public policy advocacy primarily on the federal level, but also provides a centralized communications capability for wineries and state associations throughout the country through its State Associations Council (SAC). WineAmerica also works closely with other major trade associations interested in the same issues.

“We are delighted that Mark Chandler has agreed to join WineAmerica, and confident that he will take it to the next level,” said Ed O’Keefe III, chairman of the board. “Mark’s 20 years running a trade association, firsthand knowledge as a winegrape grower himself, and network of contacts throughout the country provide an excellent foundation for moving the organization to the next level.”

Mark served as executive director of the Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission for 20 years before starting his own consulting business a year ago. In conjunction with a strong and committed board of directors, similar to that of WineAmerica, he helped transform a previously unknown region overshadowed by Napa and Sonoma into a recognized and respected region for both winegrapes and wine. He has also served as president of the Society of Wine Educators, as a judge at many wine competitions, and as a speaker at numerous conferences around the country.

“I am very excited about working with the Board, staff and members of WineAmerica to strengthen the organization and pursue its mission vigorously,” said Mark Chandler. “WineAmerica has a unique position in terms of its national representation and grassroots capability, and I will do all I can to maximize its effectiveness.”