The Brewers Association (BA) announced the recipients of its 2024 awards yesterday, recognizing individuals for their contributions to the craft brewing industry.
Award recipients are nominated by their peers and selected by members of the BA’s board of directors, the craft brewing community, and past winners. The winners will be honored during a ceremony on Tuesday, April 23, at the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference in Las Vegas.
“This year’s honorees aren’t just making waves; they’re reshaping the landscape of brewing excellence, advocating for crucial legislative changes, and adding texture to the vibrant tapestry of our craft beer family, “ BA president and CEO Bob Pease said in a press release. “We look forward to watching these visionary leaders continue to shape and inspire our community for years to come.”
The Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing, presented to “an individual or company for their innovative contributions to the brewing industry,” was awarded to Tonya Cornett, innovation brewmaster at Tilray Brands-owned 10 Barrel Brewing Co. in Bend, Oregon.
Cornett, who has led 10 Barrel’s innovation efforts since 2012, is credited with winning 28 medals in the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) and World Beer Cup competitions throughout her career, including eight GABF gold medals and four World Beer Cup gold medals during her time as brewmaster of Bend Brewing Company. She was also the first woman to be named World Beer Cup Small Brewpub Brewer of the Year in 2008.
The F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award, named for the late F.X. Matt, and presented to an individual or company for championing small breweries, was presented to Eric Orlando, EVP of the Zita Group lobbying firm and the Brewers Guild of New Jersey’s former executive director and current government affairs director.
Orlando was instrumental in New Jersey craft brewers’ efforts to ease regulations on the state’s taprooms, which Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law in January. Orlando has also been a key figure in legislative wins for Garden State breweries.
The Brewers Association Recognition Award – presented “to an individual or company whose inspiration, enthusiasm, and support have contributed to the craft brewing movement” – was awarded to John Pinkerton, owner and brewmaster emeritus of Moon River Brewing Co. in Savannah, Georgia.
Pinkerton was the first member of the BA board of directors to represent the southeastern states. He served from 2009 to 2014, chairing the brewpubs committee, serving on the government affairs committee and holding a spot on the technical committee. He also helped found the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild and served as the organization’s first president.
The BA’s mentor of the year – recognizing a volunteer mentor for their efforts in the program and championing others “who experience barriers to access and advancement in their professional journeys” – was presented to Laura Lodge, owner of Customized Craft Beer Programs. Lodge created Start A Brewery LLC during the pandemic to help guide those interested in getting into the craft brewing industry.