LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Winery Association has selected Terry Dereniuk to fill the position of executive director.
“We are very excited to bring Terry on board to lead the activities of our association. She brings a great deal of experience and enthusiasm for the Lake County wine industry,” said LCWA Chairman Nick Buttitta.
Board member Greg Graham agreed and added, “The association is moving to our next phase of growth with hiring Terry and opening a permanent office. We are looking to her to lead our activities, continue to tell the story of Lake County as a wine region, and increase our membership.”
Dereniuk and her husband own Cat’s Paw Vineyard in Kelseyville. For the past two years, she has worked with the Lake County Winegrape Commission as the program manager for their USDA specialty crop grant.
She authored the petitions to establish two recently approved American Viticultural Areas, Big Valley District and Kelsey Bench. She holds a degree in business management.
“I am thrilled to be joining the winery association as the executive director,” said Dereniuk. “This is such an exciting time for Lake County as the wines continue to garner recognition and awards. I look forward to working with the board and our members to continue to get the word out about our wonderful Lake County wines.”
“I have had the great pleasure of working closely with Terry on several projects,” said Lake County Winegrape Commission President Debra Sommerfield. “She is organized, creative, and passionate, and I’m thrilled to hear of her appointment with the Lake County Winery Association. I look forward to working with her in her new capacity as our two organizations collaborate to support and promote Lake County’s wine industry.”
Most recently, Heather Conlin held the position of executive director for the association. She oversaw efforts to update the association Web site and the 2013 marketing activities.
Previously, Monica Rosenthal was the executive director for four years. Rosenthal led the association in marketing Lake County wines, and wineries with many successful events including the Lake County Wine Adventure, Lake County Wine Awards and People’s Choice Wine Awards.
LCWA was established in 2007 by a group of wineries and headed by Susan Mesick. Today, the Association is directed by a board of directors made up of representatives from seven member wineries with day-to-day leadership by its executive director.
Association members include wineries, winegrape growers, businesses and individuals with interest in promoting the wine industry. LCWA encourages involvement of all members in association events and activities.
Dereniuk is a director on the Lake County Farm Bureau board, a member of the Lake County Master Gardeners, and an active member of the Lake County Chapter of California Women for Agriculture, chairing that organization’s AgVenture program for the last two years.
In 2010, Dereniuk retired from the Treasury Department with 20 years in management positions.
For more information about upcoming events, sponsorship or membership opportunities, call 707-357-5237 or visit www.lakecountywineries.org .