The Brewers Association (BA) has tapped Samuel Beaver to lead federal government affairs, the trade organization announced Thursday.
Beaver joins the BA from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), where he served as director of government relations for nearly six years. Before that, Beaver spent almost a decade on Capitol Hill. His first day at the BA was Wednesday, April 23.
“We’re excited to have Sam on board to help advance the federal policy priorities of independent brewers,” BA VP of government affairs Marc Sorini said in a press release. “His experience and insight will be invaluable as we continue to advocate for a fair and sustainable business environment for our members.”
The NAM represents more than 14,000 member companies “in every industrial sector,” according to its website. The organization has been advocating on behalf of its members in the wake of various tariffs proposed and enacted by President Donald Trump, also a key concern for the BA.
Prior to joining the NAM, Beaver’s most recent role on Capitol Hill was policy advisor in the Senate Republican whip office, which was held by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).
Beaver also worked on the staffs of various Republicans in the House and Representatives and Senate, including Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-PA), Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) and the late Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT). He studied foreign affairs and history at the University of Virginia, from which he earned a bachelor’s degree in 2011, according to his LinkedIn profile.
The hire comes at a crucial time for the BA, whose members – small and independent craft brewers – face headwinds from tariffs on ingredients and other key inputs, potential tax increases and possible heightened competition from federally legalized cannabis, should it come to pass. All these topics will likely drive conversation next week during the trade group’s annual Craft Brewers Conference, taking place April 28-May 1 in Indianapolis.
Beaver succeeds Katie Marisic, who led federal government affairs at the BA for a decade. Marisic departed earlier this year to serve as global bev-alc giant Diageo’s director of trade, tax and federal government relations.