Interested in Joining the MBG Board?
Members of the Mass Brewers Guild board of directors are volunteers that serve to further the work of the association and its mission -- to protect and promote the interests of Massachusetts craft brewers.
Unlike many nonprofit boards that serve to advise the organization’s staff, MBG board members also have to serve as staff, and work on behalf of the organization to deliver the created objectives and goals. With the support of only one full-time staff member, board members spend an average of 10 to 25 hours a month working on the MBG’s initiatives -- depending on the project or work cycle.
The guild’s board of directors currently holds ten seats, and will drop to nine seats total in January 2021. Five seats are up for election.
After serving on the board of directors since 2017, Ryan Daigle, hospitality manager for Wachusett Brewing Co., who has co-lead the events and technical committees for the Mass Brewers Guild has decided to step down. While he will no longer be a part of the day-to-day activities of the board, Ryan will remain a supportive guide to the MBG and has promised to stay very involved as a member of the family.
Ryan played an integral role in the creation and execution of the MBG’s two yearly festivals and fundraisers, as well as supported MBG Con since its inception. We are grateful to Ryan for his insight, perspective and the time he has dedicated to get the MBG where it is today. Thank you for your service Ryan!
Rob Burns, co-founder of Night Shift, Tara Heath, Vice President, Legal and Deputy General Counsel of Boston Beer Corporation, Adam Romanow, co-founder of Castle Island Brewing Co., Kelsey Roth, GM of Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Co. and Chris Sellers, co-founder of Four Star Farms Brewery, will all re-run for their seat for a two-year team (2021 to 2023 calendar year)
During the November 9, 2020 member meeting, those running will address membership and share why they would like a seat on the board. They can also take questions from members.
The five seats up for election will be voted on by members. Only member breweries current with their 2020 dues will be able to vote in this election. If you are unsure of your membership status please reach out to the MBG’s executive director.
Brewers and brewery staff are also welcome to run for the opportunity to join the board to help further its work by donating their time, expertise, and passion for the industry.
The Mass Brewers Guild is now accepting resumes with a letter of intent detailing the goals or changes that candidates would like to help implement within the organization.
Those submitting their resume should be involved in the organization. These would be leaders who have donated their time volunteering on a committee in the past, or presently, and have participated in events to support the MBG.
The board seeks to diversify its board members and strengthen its geographical representation. We are looking for all areas of expertise -- from law to marketing, to fundraising, event planning and general leadership.
A committed and passionate board is essential to accomplishing the work of the MBG. Now more than ever, it's vital for a strong board and leadership team to help guide the Massachusetts craft beer community forward and serve as a unified voice when confronting all issues that impact the industry.
If you aren’t in a position to run for a seat this year, but are interested in joining the board in the near future, this is a good time to get involved! Many of our board members will begin “terming out,” meaning they are ineligible to rerun for a fourth consecutive term. By shadowing a board member, joining a committee, and learning more about how the MBG operates, you’ll be better poised to join our leadership team in the future.
Those interested in joining the board can send their resume and cover letter to the MBG’s executive director, Katie Stinchon at by Nov. 2 for review.
In your cover letter please answer the following questions:
Why do you want to join the MBG’s board of directors?
Realistically, how much time you can dedicate to the organization a month?
Which committee you would like to donate your time to?
What major issues would you like to be involved in and how would you change them?
What’s expected of MBG Board Members? MBG Board Members Will:
Interpret the organization's work and values to the community, represent the organization, and act as a spokesperson
Listen carefully to board colleagues and members of the craft beer community
Respect the opinion of fellow board members
Respect and support majority decisions of the board
Recognize that all authority is vested in the full board only when it meets in legal sessions
Keep well-informed about developments relevant to issues that may come before the board
Attend bi-monthly board meetings (six a year – 1.5 hours long) and understand that they may be relieved of board duties if they miss more than two meetings
Actively participate in board meetings and actions
Become actively involved in at least one committee – driving goals and accomplishing tasks – (Marketing, Events, Government Affairs, and Membership)
Support MBG events and initiatives through participation
Bring to the attention of the board any issues that will have an adverse effect on the organization or those we serve
Refer complaints to the proper level on the chain of command
Recognize that the job of a board member is to ensure that the organization is well-managed, not to manage the nonprofit
Represent all of those whom this nonprofit serves, not just a particular geographic area or interest group
Consider yourself a “trustee” of the nonprofit and do your best to ensure that it is well-maintained, financially secure, growing and always operating in the best interests of those we serve
Declare conflicts of interest between your personal life and position on the board, and abstain from voting or discussion when appropriate
MBG Board Members Will Not:
Criticize fellow board members or their opinions, in or out of the board room
Use the nonprofit organization for your personal advantage or that of your friends or relatives
Discuss the confidential proceedings of the board outside the board room
Interfere with the duties of the administrator or undermine the administrator’s authority with staff
As a board member, the organization is responsible to you in the following ways:
To keep its board members regularly updated on the organizational activities, programs, policies, goals and objectives as appropriate
It is expected that board members and the Executive Director will respond in a straightforward fashion to questions that are necessary to carry out fiscal, legal and moral responsibilities to the organization
If the organization does not fulfill its commitments, board members may call upon the Board President and E.D. to discuss the organization’s responsibilities
The organization will carry directors and officers’ liability insurance
