Frederick, MD — The Brewers Association of Maryland (BAM) has hired Kevin Atticks as its executive director, and his firm—Grow & Fortify—to manage the organization, cultivate the industry and achieve new legislative and promotional successes.
Atticks recently launched Grow & Fortify, a management firm developed to assist businesses and create and strengthen organizations to support them. He has led the Maryland Wineries Association (MWA) since 2002, where his strategic leadership of the organization helped grow the industry from 15 to over 70 wineries, oversaw major revisions to state and county alcohol laws and created new events to grow market awareness of local wines.
“The rich tradition of brewing in Maryland continues today, and I am thrilled with the opportunity to assist the local brewers as they take the industry to new heights,” said Atticks.
The Brewers Association of Maryland joins the Maryland Wineries Association as clients of the new firm.
“Our local craft beer industry is growing at an unprecedented rate, and the Brewers Association of Maryland needed to take a big step forward to continue to grow and promote Maryland beer,” said Ben Savage, chief marketing officer at Flying Dog Brewery, and president of the Brewers Association of Maryland. “Our members came together and took that step by voting to bring Kevin and his team on board—and now Maryland breweries will be well positioned for whatever opportunities lay ahead.”
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Kevin as both a person and a passionate advocate for the issues he works on,” said Comptroller of Maryland Peter Franchot, whose office is the chief regulator of the alcohol industry. “I’m confident that he will bring his usual effective and collaborative approach to his work on behalf of the Brewers Association.”
About the Brewers Association of Maryland:
The Brewers Association of Maryland (BAM), founded in 1996, is the non-profit trade association of Maryland brewing companies. The mission of BAM is to promote and protect Maryland Beer.
The brewing industry in Maryland dates back to the American colonial period, when the first brewing company in the colony opened in Annapolis in 1703. With a rich history of over 300 years, BAM is committed to continuing the proud tradition of crafting world-class beer in the Old Line State. Maryland craft breweries continue to grow and support local communities, from small business owners to the family farm.
About Kevin Atticks:
Atticks holds a doctorate in communications design from the University of Baltimore, a master in communication research and environmental journalism from University of Colorado – Boulder and a bachelor of arts in journalism from Loyola University Maryland.
In addition to a faculty position in the Department of Communication at Loyola University Maryland, Atticks has held numerous volunteer and board positions in recent years, including as staff to the Governor’s Wine & Grape Advisory Council, president of the Maryland Agricultural Resource Council and chair of WineAmerica’s State & Regional Association Advisory Council. He is currently the chair of the Maryland Tourism Coalition.