Руководитель ассоциации винодельческой индустрии Колорадо уходит в отставку после 15 лет на посту

Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology announced that its long-time leader, Executive Director Cassidee Shull, is stepping down at the end of October after nearly 15 years with the organization. “Serving CAVE and the Colorado wine industry has been the greatest honor of my professional life,” Shull said in a statement. “When I accepted this role at 23 years old, I could never have imagined the journey ahead. Looking back, I am most proud of what this industry has accomplished together.” At 23, she became one of the youngest executives to lead a statewide wine industry association. During her time with the organization, CAVE expanded statewide educational programming and helped the passage of multiple pieces of legislation benefiting Colorado grape growers, wineries and partners, according to a news release. “Through education, advocacy, collaboration and innovation, we’ve built an organization that is stronger than ever and helped elevate Colorado wine onto the national stage,” Shull said. “Those accomplishments belong to our incredible staff, Melinda Tredway, as well as our growers, winemakers, members, volunteers, partners, and board leaders who believed in the future of Colorado wine.” A major part of her tenure has been the elevation of Colorado Mountain Winefest to national prominence, including being named Best Wine Festival in the Nation by USA TODAY in 2017. The industry also gained national attention from leading food, wine and travel publications, helping establish Colorado as one of the nation’s emerging wine regions. Shull also helped grow VinCO into one of the country’s premier conferences focused on cold-climate viticulture and enology, according to the release. In 2024, Shull was honored as Colorado Ag Leader of the Year, recognizing her contributions to Colorado agriculture and the state’s wine industry. The CAVE Board of Directors will initiate a nationwide search for the organization’s next Executive Director. “(Shull)’s leadership has helped transform both CAVE and the Colorado wine industry,” Board President Kevin Webber said. “Her vision, dedication and collaborative leadership have strengthened our organization, elevated Colorado wine on the national stage, and created opportunities that will benefit growers and wineries for years to come. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are deeply grateful for her nearly fifteen years of service and look forward to building upon the strong foundation she has helped create.” Shull will remain with CAVE through Oct. 31, helping guide it through the 35th Colorado Mountain Winefest and help plan for the next VinCo. “After many years of dedicated leadership, I have made the decision to conclude my tenure and step away from my role to take a sabbatical focused on rest, reflection, and creating space for the next chapter of my life,” Shull said. “I remain fully committed to CAVE through my final day and to supporting a successful transition for the organization and its next executive director.”