Kentucky Distillers’ Association Announces 2026 Board and Officers

Press Release – Kentucky Distillers’ Association Announces New Board of Directors Officers and Members

2026 Board Poised to Write Kentucky bourbon’s Next Chapter

FRANKFORT, Ky. – January 19, 2026 – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Gigi DaDan has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors for the 146-year-old non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

DaDan, General Manager of Louisville Distilling Co., which owns the Angel’s Envy brand and distillery, will serve through December. She succeeds Ken Lewis, founder of New Riff Distilling and member of the Kentucky bourbon Hall of Fame®.

Gigi DaDan Elected Board Chair

“As I take on the role of Chair, I’m deeply grateful for the leaders who have poured their wisdom, passion, and innovation into the bourbon industry,” said DaDan.

“Helping create thousands of memorable bourbon experiences has been one of the greatest privileges of my career, and stepping into this position feels both humbling and energizing. I’m honored to carry forward the legacy of America’s spirit and help build momentum for its rich, storied tradition as we grow stronger together.”

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association

Founded in 1880, the KDA is recognized as the Worldwide Voice of bourbon®. Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s bourbon, from legendary, global brands to micro-distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.

The KDA also owns and operates the world-famous Kentucky bourbon Trail® tourism program, which attracts millions of visitors from around the globe every year to its distillery destinations across the Commonwealth.

KDA Leadership Outlook

KDA President Eric Gregory, entering his 19th year leading the historic group, said he is eager to work alongside DaDan and the entire Board to define the future of Kentucky bourbon and American whiskey throughout the world.

“Now more than ever, our homegrown industry must rely on the unity, history and camaraderie that have built Kentucky bourbon into an economic and tourism powerhouse,” he said. “Our industry is resilient, and our heritage is priceless and unique.

“It’s an honor to work alongside Gigi, our Board and our 125 member distilleries and partners who understand that we are stronger by working together. Our shared vision and passion for Kentucky bourbon will continue to pave the way for success.”

2026 Board Officers

Alongside DaDan, the Board also named David Salmon, COO/Founder of Jackson Purchase Distillery, as Vice Chair; Chris Morris, Master Distiller Emeritus at Brown-Forman Corp., as Treasurer; and Kaveh Zamanian, Founder, Rabbit Hole and Mary Dowling Whiskey at Pernod Ricard, as Secretary.

Other Board officers include Lewis as the Immediate Past Chair; Wally Dant, President and Distiller of Log Still Distillery, representing “Proof” level members; and Tom Bard, Co-Founder and CEO of The Bard Distillery, representing “Craft” level members.

Additional 2026 Board Members

Other Board members for 2026 include:
Campari Group: Marco Barassi, Government Relations & Sustainability Director
Castle & Key Distillery: Will Arvin, Co-Founder and Owner
Diageo North America: Antoine Smith, Vice President of Distillation and Maturation North America
Four Roses Distillery: Ryan Ashley, Chief Operating Officer
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.: Robert G. Downing III, Assistant General Counsel
Lofted Spirits: Mark Erwin, Chief Executive Officer
Lux Row Distillers: Landon Foster, Director – Visitor Experiences
Michter’s Distillery: Andrea Wilson, Chief Operating Officer & Master of Maturation
New Riff Distilling: Mollie Lewis, President
Suntory Global Spirits: Crady deGolian, Director, Public Affairs
Whiskey House of Kentucky: David Mandell, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
White Dog Trading & Storage: Tyler Harris, President
Willett Distillery: Britt Kulsveen, President

About Gigi DaDan

Georgene (Gigi) DaDan of Louisville, KY, is a seasoned global marketing leader whose 20+ year career has shaped thousands of unforgettable bourbon experiences for visitors near and far. A proud alumna of Indiana University, DaDan began her journey in consumer insights, holding key roles at Proctor & Gamble and Pepsi Co., where she honed her passion for strategic, consumer-driven marketing.

Her path eventually led her to Kentucky, where all roads lead to bourbon. DaDan quickly became a devoted bourbon enthusiast and industry expert. She went on to serve in several high-impact leadership positions, including Global Marketing Director at Beam Global Spirits & Wine and Vice President, Global Maker’s Mark.

Today, DaDan channels her vision and expertise as Executive Officer, Louisville Distilling Co. and General Manager, Angel’s Envy and D’USSÉ Cognac, where she continues to elevate bourbon’s landscape. Her dynamic, creative approach to brand building has redefined bourbon’s hospitality sector, now boasting 2.7M+ visitors each year.

DaDan has served on the KDA Board since January 2022, and in 2025 served as Vice Chair.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of bourbon®. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft.

Kentucky bourbon is a $9 billion economic engine generating more than 23,500 jobs and attracting over 2 million visits annually through the KDA’s Kentucky bourbon Trail® experience.

A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving.

Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Next, read this related news article: Kentucky Distillers’ Association Joins World Spirits Alliance.

Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us? If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!