McCarthy Elected Chairman of Sky Ranch Foundation

08/25/2015

The Sky Ranch Foundation — a nonprofit governed by alcohol-industry members that supports at-risk youths — has announced changes in leadership.

George F. McCarthy

George F. McCarthy has been elected as the new chairman.

McCarthy has been chairman of the Board of Corby Spirit and Wine Limited since 1999, and a director since 1993. He was president of The Americas, Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine (ADSW) from 1995 to 2000 and president of North America (of ADSW) from 1993 to 1995. Prior to 1993 he was president of Joseph E. Seagram & Sons Limited, Canada and president of Seagram Far East from 1988 to 1991.

Before joining Seagram, McCarthy served in various executive positions with The Pillsbury Company and also held various sales and marketing positions with Heublein Inc. and E & J Gallo Winery.

Joining the Sky Ranch Foundation as director is Donald G. Pydo, Vice President, Governmental Affairs & Public Policy, Wirtz Beverage Group & Wirtz Corporation.

Ralph Aguera of Brown-Forman (retired) continues as president, and is joined by Executive Committee members Barry Becton of DIAGEO, John Bodnovich of American Beverage Licensees, Mike Donohoe of Jim Beam Distilling (retired), Peggy Donovan of Wirtz Beverage Group (retired), Bill Slone of Beverage Media, George Suttles of U.S. Trust Bank of America and Dori Bryant of Glorious Spirits.

Since 2011, the Sky Ranch Foundation SM has awarded $1,107.394 in grants to organizations providing support for at-risk youth. Formed in 1961 and building on more than 50 years of tradition, Sky Ranch Foundation is committed to identifying and finically assisting efficient and effective programs focused on improving the quality of help available to these youth.

Sky Ranch Foundation SM is governed by a board of directors comprised mainly of active and retired members of the beverage alcohol industry. The Foundation’s SM funds have come largely from individuals and companies associated with the beer, wine and spirits industries.