The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) has announced its Board of Directors officers for the 2017-2018 term.

Jim Matesich (pictured atop), president and CEO of Matesich Distributing Co. in Newark, Ohio, has been appointed as chairman of the Board. He assumed the position and its responsibilities during NBWA’s 80th Annual Convention and Trade Show held Oct. 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Other officers of NBWA’s Board of Directors include:

• Vice Chairman: Michael Schilleci, executive vice president of Supreme Beverage Company, Inc. in Birmingham, Ala.
• Treasurer: Brian Gelner, president of Heart of America Beverage Co. in Springfield, Mo.
• Secretary: Pat Blach, president of Blach Distributing Co., in Elko, Nev.
• Immediate Past Chairman: Paul J. Bertucci, executive vice president of F.E.B. Distributing Co. in Gulfport, Miss. and Capital City Beverages, Inc. in Jackson, Miss.

Matesich will drive the association’s advocacy efforts for licensed, independent beer distributors, the organization says, while also educating elected officials, regulators, media and the public about the importance of effective state-based alcohol regulation and the regulatory, economic and commercial value of independent beer distributors.

“Jim is a true leader in the beer distribution industry and at NBWA, and we are honored to have his expertise guiding the association’s goals and agenda,” says NBWA President and CEO Craig Purser. “His extensive knowledge and experience on state issues from his years of leadership roles in Ohio business groups will benefit NBWA and its members as we navigate a changing landscape in our industry.”

Purser adds, “I’m eager to work with Jim to engage our members, so that we can add more good-paying jobs in local communities, invest in the next generation of workers in our industry, foster deeper relationships with state associations and industry partners and keep America’s beer distribution industry the best beer distribution industry in the world.”

NBWA and America’s beer distributors support a robust and competitive system of independent beer distribution, which provides access to market and a level playing field for brewers of all sizes, the organization says.